The Boutique Search Firm
Heads Above the Rest - January 2025

The Newsletter of The Boutique Search Firm, a worldwide retained recruiting firm specializing in hospitality management.

Market update​​​

• Employment in leisure and hospitality changed little in December (+43,000). 
  
• Leisure and hospitality added an average of 24,000 jobs per month in 2024, about half the average monthly gain of 47,000 in 2023
  

 
Recent Appointments
 
­­North America​​

• Chuck Moses named Vice President of Sales at First Hospitality. He will oversee all sales-driven segments, including group, business travel, and catering.
• Frank Santos has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Rosen Hotels & Resorts. He is well-known for his community service and his philanthropy, receiving the 2023 Kenneth F. Murrah, Esq. Award as Central Florida's Outstanding Philanthropist.
• Otelier (formerly myDigitalOffice) is proud to announce the appointment of Rob Lawrence as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will lead Otelier through its next chapter of growth and customer-centric innovation.
• Brian Min has been appointed as General Manager at The Wayfarer San Luis Obispo, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. He brings over seven years of expertise in hotel management.
• Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton delighted to announce the appointment of Bridgette Quartararo as Director of Sales. She has over eight years of experience in the hospitality industry.
• Leslie Mercado joined Pacifica Hotels as Regional Director of Sales. Mercado spent 11 years as Director of Sales & Marketing at DoubleTree Golf Resort Palm Springs.
• Gayla Guyse named General Manager at Omni Fort Lauderdale. She will lead the opening of the hotel and oversee all departments including operations, sales and marketing, rooms, risk management, and food and beverage.
• Chris Tucker named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH). She began her career at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, before shifting to the supply side in the industry with over 35 years in the interior design industry.
• Shelia Lohmiller joined Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH) as Chair Emerita/Founder. She will continue guiding me and maintaining the same level of commitment.
• Hilton Anaheim welcomes Justin Underwood as Director of Hotel Operations. He will lead the hotel's operational departments and work to further enhance Hilton Anaheim's reputation for delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Mauricio Patino has been appointed as Regional Sales Director at Velas Resorts. He brings a wealth of knowledge and an established track record of success to his new role with over two decades of expertise in sales, marketing, hotel operations, and business development.
• Alison Mitchell named General Manager at Clayton Hotel & Members Club. She brings a wealth of expertise and a dynamic leadership style to her new role with more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
• Viceroy Chicago delighted to welcome Nicholas Marino as Director of Food & Beverage. He will oversee the hotel's food and beverage operations, including in-room dining, signature restaurant Somerset and new 18th-floor cocktail lounge, Pandan.
• Stuart Evans has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort. He brings a wealth of expertise in sales leadership, strategic marketing, and driving revenue growth for luxury properties and destination experiences.
• Limelight Boulder is proud to announce the appointment of Joseph Steiskal as General Manager. He will lead the team and oversee all aspects of the hotel opening and ongoing operations.
• Lisa Carlson has been appointed as Chief Operating Office (COO) at Lodging Dynamics Hospitality Group. She is an accomplished hospitality executive with three decades of leadership experience spanning premium, independent, and boutique hotels nationwide.
• David J. Cronin named General Manager at W Scottsdale. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and an appetite for innovation to the role, skillfully balancing daily operations with pushing boundaries to create forward-thinking.
• Jennifer Lombard Knight joined Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection as General Manager. She will manage the property's leadership team and further expand the hotel's programming and amenities.
• Travis Breen has been appointed as Director of Sales, Marketing & Events at Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue Austin. He will report directly to Interim General Manager Claudia Dowdy and bring his extensive 24-year hospitality industry expertise to the team.
• Aaron Ide named General Manager at Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection. He brings unparalleled expertise to Hotel Drover with over 25 years of experience, an impressive track record in luxury hotel operations, and a passion for creating memorable experiences.
• AC Hotel Pasadena delighted to welcome Ben Spaulding as General Manager. He brings a wealth of luxury hospitality expertise, having held key leadership roles at prestigious properties.
• Kristin Shelton has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at AC Hotel Pasadena. She will lead sales and marketing efforts to establish the hotel's presence in the market and deliver exceptional results.
• The Sherborne by Proper announces the appointment of Guy Chetwynd as Managing Director. He is directly responsible for overseeing the opening of The Shelborne.
• Mariannie Santiago named General Manager at The Shelborne by Proper. She returns to Miami where she previously oversaw operations at Freehand by Sydell Group.
• Oliver Morgan joined The Shelborne by Proper as Director of Sales & Marketing. He brings extensive expertise in luxury hospitality.
• Davidson Hospitality Group Welcomes Brad Barnett as Senior Vice President, Sales. He is a hospitality sales executive with more than 25 years of experience.
• Michael Yousif named Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Business Development at Davidson Hospitality Group. He has played a critical role in the growth and evolution of the company's portfolio, investment management and owner relations.
• Steve Wahrlich has been appointed as Board Chairperson at BWH Hotels. He has owned and operated BWH Hotels properties for over 40 years.
• Mgeni Mpolo joined Davidson Hospitality Group as Director of Sales & Marketing. He will oversee all aspects of sales and marketing, while heightening brand awareness and driving revenue goals across guestrooms, banquets and catering.
• Luxury & Lifestyle at Stonebridge Companies welcomes Marco Selva as SVP Business Development & Operations. He will be focusing on identifying new opportunities and expanding existing relationships within the luxury, lifestyle, and resort segments.
• Laura Horner has been appointed as General Manager at Bode Nashville. She will oversee the 111 key property as well as the two F&B concepts onsite, Dawn Cafe and Sidebar, while leading the staff and spearheading the day-to-day operations.
• Reside announces the appointment of Walter J.R. Dembiec as Brand President. He will be responsible for the line's expansion in the upscale extended-stay segment through a 10-year tie-up with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest hotel franchisor.
• Kellie Hanselman has been appointed as Vice President of Sales at Hospitality America. She brings a wealth of experience to the third-party hotel management company with 19 years of proven expertise in sales, marketing, and leadership.
• Jamie Bruce named President at Teneo Hospitality Group. His expertise in sales, marketing, commercial operations, and strategic planning, particularly with luxury independent hotels and resorts, uniquely positions him to lead Teneo into its next phase of growth.
• Matt Black has been promoted as Senior Vice President at HVS Executive Search. He has almost a decades' experience leading senior and executive-level searches, both internally and externally, for hospitality, food and beverage, and real estate organizations.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe delighted to welcome Christopher Bean as Executive Chef. He will oversee all culinary operations at the resort, bringing his refined skills and culinary creativity to new heights.
• Jose R. Rodriguez named Director of Restaurants at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. He boasts more than 15 years of experience in the luxury hospitality sector, having most recently served as General Manager of COA Signature Restaurant at Dorado Beach.
• Laurent Boisdron joined as General Manager & Regional of Operations for Maverick Hotels & Restaurants. He brings deep expertise and strong leadership to her new role.
• Park Hyatt New York, proudly unveils its latest masterpiece, the Manhattan Suite, located on the hotel’s 25th floor. Laurent Ebzant will be the Area VP and General Manager of Park Hyatt New York.

Europe​

• Timur Sentuerk has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at The Doyle Collection. He will oversee the strategic direction of The Doyle Collection, which operates a portfolio of hotels in Dublin, London, Washington D.C, Cork and Bristol.
• Marielle Vroemen has been promoted as Head of Operations at Choice Hotels EMEA. She will lead the strategic development and execution of Choice Hotels EMEA value proposition for franchisees including the entire franchisee lifecycle.
• Rocco Forte Hotels delighted to announce the appointment of Elena Black as Senior Vice President of Marketing. She brings a wealth of expertise in brand development, marketing strategy, and customer engagement.
• Dr. Stephan Hungeling named Chief Transformation Officer and Managing Director at H World International. He has demonstrated the ability to build segment leading businesses by balancing strong and modern cultures with solid business results.
• Hotel Sanders welcomes Karolina Lasinska as General Manager. She moved through various roles from the Front Desk to Front of House Supervisor in 2019 and was then named Front Office Manager in 2020.
• Tonio Logiudice has been appointed as General Manager at 25hours Hotel Terminus Nord. His appointment comes as part of Cycas Hospitality's ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service to guests across key European regions.
• Fairmont Windsor Park delighted to welcome Joanna Barnett as General Manager. She brings deep expertise and strong leadership to her new role at the countryside property with an impressive career spanning three decades in the luxury hospitality industry
• Yannick Alleno joined Orient Express Train and Orient Express Corinthian as an Executive Chef. He is one of the most innovative and prestigious chefs on the international culinary scene.

Asia

• Richard John Taffs has been appointed as General Manager at The St. Regis Hong Kong. He is tasked at overseeing all hotel operations, including setting strategic goals for the hotel and effectively communicating their importance to the staff.
• Gabriel Polias named Hotel General Manager at Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour. He has spent more than 20 years managing luxury hotels in Australia and China.
• Brett Skinner joined Adina-Vibe Darwin Waterfront as General Manager. He has more than 20 years of hospitality experience in diverse markets across Australia - including prior experience in the Northern Territory.
• Aalap Rammurthy has been promoted as Executive Assistant Hotel Manager at Vibe Hotel Sydney. He has a vast amount of experience and knowledge across multiple properties and brands.
• Sandrine Boutin joined Director of Sales & Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives. She will lead the commercial team, including sales, marketing, and reservations, while overseeing the strategy and direction of sales and marketing.
• Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang welcomes Mario Mendis as General Manager. He is a seasoned international hotelier, brings a wealth of expertise gained over an illustrious career spanning more than 25 years.
• Patina Maldives delighted to welcome Anthony Gill as General Manager. He has successfully rebranded luxury properties, including the Four Seasons Resort Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam and brings expertise from managing Four Seasons properties in China and Thailand.
• Dennis Laubenstein named General Manager at Capella Taipei. He is renowned for curating unique guest experiences inspired by local culture and innovative touchpoints, which led him to establishing Capella Hanoi as a leader in delivering unparallelled luxury experiences.
• Antonio Saponara has been appointed as General Manager at Capella Bangkok. He moves here from his successful tenure as General Manager at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, where he emphasized a culture of exceptional service and built a motivated, high-performing team.
• Hildegard Anzenberger named General Manager at Capella Hanoi. She has championed sustainability and innovation initiatives and achieved high guest satisfaction and operational efficiency throughout her career with her strategic vision.
• Chatrium Grand Bangkok announces the appointment of Pierre Leif Edlund as General Manager. His appointment comes at a time of exciting growth and development for Chatrium Grand Bangkok.
• Hotel Indigo Auckland welcomes Mathew Simister as General Manager. He is an experienced hotelier with IHG Hotels & Resorts across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.
• Alice Scott has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Hotel Indigo Auckland. Her expertise spans Corporate, Leisure, and Event Services, honed through previous roles at Corporate Traveller, Flight Centre, and CTM.
• Yutak Son joined Hotel Indigo Auckland as Executive Chef. He has honed his cooking dexterity in the kitchens of Sidart, Orphans Kitchen, Black Estate, Daily Bread, and The Shed at Te Motu vineyard on Waiheke Island.
• JW Marriott Hotel delighted to welcome Srikant Kodali as Director of Sales & Marketing. He will be responsible for leading the sales and marketing team to achieve the hotel's revenue goals, while further enhancing the brand's presence and reputation.
• Beatriz Ávila named General Manager at Villa Le Corail, A Gran Meliá Hotel. She is a talented Spanish hospitality professional with more than 20 years of experience at some of Spain's leading hotels and resorts.
• Vikram Sood has been appointed as Director of Rooms at Shangri-La Eros. He will spearhead comprehensive rooms division management, encompassing guest services, operational excellence, and team performance.

­­
South America​

• Eddy Loomans has been appointed as Resort Manager at Sonesta Resorts St. Maarten. He will oversee the launch of the new Ultimate Adults Only Club a conversion of the ninth and tenth floors at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa to concierge level.
• Davidson Hospitality Group announces the appointment of Brad Barnett as Senior Vice President, Sales. He is a hospitality sales executive with more than 25 years of experience.
• Michael Yousif has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Business Development at Davidson Hospitality Group. He has played a critical role in the growth and evolution of the company’s portfolio, investment management and owner relations.

­­Carribean​

• Daniela Rico named Director of Operations at Grand Cayman Marriott Resort. She will oversee the property's operations, ensuring customer satisfaction while upholding the high service standards that have become synonymous with the hotel.
• Mitchell Husbands has been appointed as Executive Chef at O2 Beach Club & Spa. He will be a strong asset as O2 Beach Club & Spa continues to introduce new culinary experiences.

Middle East​

• Imad Akil has been appointed as General Manager at Towers Rotana in Dubai. His dedication to innovation and team development has positioned him as a valued leader within the organization.
• W Dubai, Mina Seyhai delighted to announce the appointment of Olesia Ostapenko as Director of Operations. She will oversee the dynamic operations of the hotel.
• Kalpesh Shangvi has been promoted as Financial Controller and Director of Finance at Taj Dubai. He has over 27 years of experience in the industry and has been a driving force behind the financial success at Taj.
• Ashok Kapur has been promoted as Area Director of Sales & Marketing at Taj Dubai. He has over two decades experience in the luxury hotel industry working across South-East Asia, India, and the Middle East.
• Sonia Sammut named Resort Manager at Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort. She brings a rich international background and extensive expertise from her leadership roles across Dubai and Europe. 
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City and Park Inn by Radisson welcomes Stuart Birkwood as Cluster General Manager. He will spearhead the strategic operations of the hotels, which boast a combined total of 400 rooms.
• Hameed Ali has been appointed as General Manager at Mercure Khamis Mushait. He brings extensive leadership experience to the role by previously serving as general manager of the Gulf Hotel Bahrain complex.
• Radisson Hotel Madinah welcomes Badr Abdelaziz as General Manager. He will oversee operations at the 165-key property located 750 metres from Quba Mosque.
• Alfred Haddad has been promoted as Hotel Manager at Marriott Marquis City Center Doha. He brings over 15 years of hospitality expertise, marked by a track record of driving revenue, enhancing guest satisfaction, and elevating competitive market performance.
• Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers announces the appointment of Rodrigo Cabral as Director of Food & Beverage. He brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
• Nihan Demir joined Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers as Commercial Director. She is known for crafting strategies that drive revenue growth and increase market share in the luxury hospitality sector.
• Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers delighted to welcome Maja Corridon as Director of Spa & Recreation. She ensures exceptional guest experiences while driving revenue growth, crafting innovative strategies, and inspiring her team.
• Karen Luna named Director of Marketing at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. She brings over a decade of expertise in luxury hospitality marketing, with a focus on digital strategy, F&B marketing and brand development.
• Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers welcomes Chiara Glorioso as Director of Communications. She brings a fresh perspective to hospitality communications, with over 20 years as a journalist and radio presenter.
• Elias J. Moukarzel named General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay. He brings extensive expertise to the role, aligning with the hotel's commitment to high standards of service and elegance.
• InterContinental and InterContinental Residences delighted to welcome Sayed Tayoun as Cluster General Manager. He will oversee two distinguished properties.
• Goran Stojkovic has been appointed as General Manager at Renaissance Business Bay Hotel. He will oversee all operations, ensuring the hotel establishes itself as a premier choice for both international travellers and local guests.
• Oscar Cimmino named Chef de Cuisine at Renaissance Business Bay Hotel. His leadership will be pivotal in curating a diverse and vibrant food offering that reflects both global trends and local influences.
• Renaissance Business Bay Hotel welcomes Yousef Haddad as Director of Operations. His experience in pre-opening management and operational strategies will help position the hotel as a flagship destination in Dubai's competitive hospitality market.
• Laura Penati has been appointed as Food & Beverage Manager at Renaissance Business Bay Hotel. She will lead the hotel's food and beverage operations.
• Kerzner International delighted to welcome Mark Kirby as President of One&Only. His expertise in operational management and strategic development will be a major asset in strengthening One&Only's position in the global market.
• Mattheos Georgiou has been promoted as Senior Vice President of SIRO and Rare Finds at Kerzner International. He embodies collaboration and operational excellence, having helped several resort managers rise to executive positions.
• Vivek Braganza named Director of Operations at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. He will be responsible for managing accommodations, F&B, spa services, and recreational activities, in addition to spearheading sales and marketing strategies.
• Soha Zahar has been appointed as General Manager at Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park. She steps into her role with a focus on creating exceptional guest experiences, fostering community partnerships, and championing sustainable practices.
• Nadine Al Bulushi named General Manager at Kempinski Hotel Muscat. She will continue to guide Kempinski Hotel Muscat towards success, with a focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences, fostering a positive workplace culture and driving the hotel's overall growth.
• Rotana welcomes Wissam Beiruty as Area Director of Human Resources for Dubai and Northern Emirates. He will lead HR operations at Amwaj Rotana, focusing on building a highly engaged team and aligning HR practices with Rotana's core values.
• ME by Meliá Dubai delighted to welcome Gyunay Alieva as Director of Sales & Marketing. She brings with her over 15 years of experience and is poised to further drive the hotel's position in the competitive market with her fresh perspective and strategic vision.
• Russell Dillion has been appointed as Commercial Director at Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection. His vision is focused on increasing the hotels occupancy rates, expanding market reach, and boosting profitability through innovative strategies.