The Boutique Search Firm
Heads Above the Rest - January 2026

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

Market update​​​

• We are seeing many companies utilize this time of year to upgrade their talent and strengthen their teams.
• The Boutique Search Firm earned recognition from Business Insider as one of the best recruiting firms in the nation
  • America's Top Recruiting Firms - Business Insider
• The Boutique Search Firm earned recognition on Forbes’ 2025 list of Best Executive Search Firms, highlighting its excellence in talent acquisition and client service.
  • Forbes 2025 America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms List​

 
Recent Appointments
 
­­North America​​

• Courtney Hatfield has been appointed as General Manager at Embassy Suites by Hilton Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa.  She will oversee all aspects of the resort's operations, including guest services, financial performance, team development, and owner relations.
• Francisco “Cisco” Pomalaza has been appointed as Executive Chef at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach. He will helm Havana Beach Bar & Grill's three distinctive dining avenues.
• Xavier Amatriain has been appointed as Chief AI and Data Officer at Expedia Group, Inc. He joins Expedia Group from Google, where he most recently served as VP of AI and Compute Enablement.
• Shannon Gilbert named General Manager at The Resort at Pelican Hill. She brings over three decades of leadership, vision, and passion for service to her new role, where she is responsible for shepherding the resort into a new era of refined modernity.
• Jenny Russell has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Le Méridien Indianapolis. She will lead all sales, marketing, and revenue strategies for the boutique downtown hotel, continuing to elevate its presence as one of Indianapolis's most distinctive hospitality experiences.
• Tamara Lohan has been appointed as Global Brand Leader – Luxury at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. She joined Hyatt in 2023 through the acquisition of Mr & Mrs Smith, the award-winning boutique and luxury hotel platform she co-founded and led for more than two decades.
• Lindsay Dupont has been appointed as National Group Sales Manager at Wild Dunes Resort. She will lead efforts to attract and manage group events across the 1,600-acre resort.
• Dave MacLean named Director of Sales and Marketing at Manchester Grand Hyatt. He will oversee all sales and marketing initiatives, continuing to build on the hotel's strong partnerships with the San Diego Convention Center, Hyatt's Salesforce team and national corporate clients.
• Christian Maeder has been appointed as General Manager at Montage Big Sky. He earned his bachelor's degree in hospitality management from the Swiss Hotel Management School Lucerne, with additional studies in financial management at Cornell University.
• Baris Agacbuken named General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City. He will lead the team in all aspects of hotel operations, overseeing the property's dining venues, amenities and more than 27,000 square feet of meetings and events space.
• Paul Peddle named Director of Food & Beverage at Marriott Marquis Houston. He will oversee the hotel's five signature dining outlets, including Xochi by James Beard Award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega, and Biggio's, the MLB legend-owned sports bar just steps from Daikan Park.
• Richard Taylor joins Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa as Director of Sales and Marketing. His well-rounded experience includes a Master's of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management from the Payne School of Business at San Diego State University.
• The Manner welcomes Vanessa Williams as Managing Director. Her depth of expertise and genuine passion for luxury hospitality have brought her around the globe and now to New York City, where she is excited to nurture the local community and continue elevating guest experience.
• Deni Ohlsen-Dukic has been appointed as Executive Assistant Manager at Halekulani. He will provide daily leadership and strategic oversight for the Rooms Division, Engineering, Security, SpaHalekulani, and the Pool.
• Guy Sockrider has been appointed as Executive Chef at River Inn of Harbor Town. He has led kitchens in high-profile restaurants, luxury hotels, and internationally recognized dining institutions for more than thirty years.
• Julia Chaland has been appointed as General Manager at Kimpton Mirador Pacific Grove. She will oversee the highly anticipated coastal retreat on California's Monterey Peninsula, guiding all aspects of the hotel's opening and daily operations.
• Tyler DeWittie has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Kimpton Mirador Pacific Grove. He joins the team with more than a decade of hospitality experience, focusing on experience-driven storytelling and local collaboration.
• Nicelle Escalona has been appointed as General Manager of Restaurant, Bar & Events at Kimpton Mirador Pacific Grove. She is appointed to lead the food, beverage, and events programs, including the hotel's signature restaurant, The Caledonian.
• Orkun Aydin named Senior Vice President of Operations at Stonebridge Companies. He will oversee a diverse portfolio of full-service hotels and resorts, supporting operational performance, guest experience, and owner value across all assigned assets.
• Michelle Catin has been appointed as Vice President of Marketing at Club Med North America. She will help drive growth across the Americas, expand partnerships, and strengthen engagement with the travel advisor community.
• Frank Corzo has been appointed as Vice President of Sales Strategy for North America at Club Med North America. He will help drive growth across the Americas, expand partnerships, and strengthen engagement with the travel advisor community.
• Michael Innocentin named 2026 – 2028 Board Chair at Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI). His leadership in digital strategy, experiential marketing, and global campaign execution has consistently fueled revenue growth.
• David Cirincione has been appointed as Regional Director of Operations (RDO) at White Lodging. He will maintain oversight of the Teaneck, New Jersey market, where he is currently the Market General Manager, while also taking on responsibility for a small portfolio of hotels.
• Zach and Kelly Stout has been appointed as General Managers at Desolation Hotel Hope Valley. The couple brings new meaning to the definition of full-service hospitality that is deeply rooted in community, team culture, and an appreciation for the region's long-standing legacy.
• Travis Burns has been appointed as EVP Business Development at Remington Hospitality. His leadership will support Remington's long-term strategy of delivering measurable value, operational excellence, and improved asset performance for its partners.
• Johanna Jainchill has been appointed as Editor in Chief at Travel Weekly in Rutherford. She is currently News Editor at Travel Weekly, will be promoted to the role of Editor in Chief.
• Arash Azarbarzin has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Viceroy. He brings a visionary approach to growth, sustainability, and innovation across Viceroy's portfolio.
• Eden Campbell has been appointed as Director of Brand Marketing at CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa. She is a marketing and content leader with more than a decade of experience shaping storytelling for global audiences.
• Carla Spradlin has been appointed as Associate Director of Catering and Conference Services at Mission Resort + Club in Howey-in-the-Hills.  She joined Mission Resort + Club in 2021 and quickly established herself as a key leader.
• Evan Koppel has been appointed as Allied Seat, At Large at Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). He is an active GBTA member and received the next highest number of votes during the 2024 Board elections.
• Alison Kirsten has been appointed as Director of Spa & Wellness at Fairmont Spa Austin. She will oversee the daily operations and performance of the spa and wellness experiences at Fairmont Austin, ensuring the highest standards of quality service and guest satisfaction.
• David MacLean has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. He joined Hyatt in 2012 and quickly rose through the ranks, leading high-performing sales teams at several major city and resort properties.
• Christian Maeder has been appointed as General Manager at Montage Big Sky. He steps into this new role after serving as the resort's hotel manager since 2023, building on a longstanding tenure with Montage.
• Randy Romero has been appointed as General Manager at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago. He earned a reputation for elevating brand standards, strengthening service culture, and delivering measurable growth in revenue and profitability.
• Travis Lee has been appointed as Executive Chef at The Marquesa Hotel in Key West. He brings world-class culinary expertise and innovation to one of Key West's most celebrated dining destinations.
• Dave Montrose has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at First Hospitality. He will oversee all operational aspects of First Hospitality to ensure efficiency, profitability, and exceptional guest experiences across all properties.
• Edward Morris named Executive Chef at The ART Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton. He is eager to take the lead, planning to bring fresh energy to the menu while staying true to the hotel's reputation of crafting memorable culinary impressions for both guests and locals.
• Kenny Didier has been appointed as General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Dayton/Fairborn. He brings more than 20 years of full- service and luxury hotel leadership, including two Autograph Collection hotels and a 295-room Marriott.
• Brandon Claypool has been appointed as General Manager at Embassy Suites by Hilton Birmingham. He oversees the hotel's operations, including guest services, staff management, and strategic planning.
• Jason Ballard has been appointed as SVP, Global Brand Leader – Essentials at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. He will lead ongoing efforts to ensure Hyatt's Essentials portfolio is "insights-led and brand-focused."
• Mark Wagner has been appointed as General Manager at Hyatt Regency Chicago. He brings a deep and well-rounded understanding of the hospitality industry to his current role as General Manager, continuing a nearly three-decade career with Hyatt.
• Roberto Alicea has been appointed as Hotel Manager at Hyatt Regency Chicago. He embodies the spirit of growth and opportunity within Hyatt, marking a 33-year career that reflects remarkable talent and mentorship.
• Patrick Pahlke has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Viceroy. He is a hospitality veteran with more than three decades of experience, Patrick Pahlke brings deep expertise in commercial strategy, brand development, and operational excellence.
• David Solis named Vice President, Global Luxury and Leisure Sales at Viceroy. He joins Viceroy Hotels & Resorts following leadership roles with some of the industry's most esteemed brands, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Virtuoso, EDITION Hotels, and Kerzner International.
• Shel Buhler has been appointed as Vice President, Food & Beverage at Viceroy. Her earlier roles at Thompson Hotels, Joie de Vivre, Destination Hotels, and Alila shaped her strategic understanding of culinary experience as a brand-defining pillar.
• Borja Garcia has been appointed as General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park. He brings a wealth of leadership expertise and industry knowledge to the property with over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, spanning from the Americas to Europe,
• Jason Ballard has been appointed as Hyatt SVP, Global Brand Leader – Essentials at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. He will lead ongoing efforts to ensure Hyatt's Essentials portfolio is insights-led and brand-focused.
• Matt Dalrymple has been as appointed General Manager at Margaritaville Resort Orlando in Kissimmee. He will oversee all aspects of the resort's operations, focusing on elevating guest experience, driving revenue, and maintaining the resort's reputation as a premier destination.
• Kyle Lippe has been appointed as Hotel Manager at The National, Autograph Collection | Downtown OKC. He is recognized for cultivating exceptional leaders, strong company cultures, driving operational success, and building community-rooted partnerships.
• Amy Epperson has been appointed as Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Remington Hospitality. She will report directly to Ben Perelmuter, Chief Executive Officer, and serve as a key strategic partner to the company's executive leadership team.
• Deidre Schwartz named 2026 President at Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH). Her design journey began in Chicago, where she built a strong foundation in luxury residential and senior living before making the leap into hospitality.
• Israël Benyaïr named General Manager at Baccarat Hotel New York. He oversees the day-to-day operation of the flagship hotel, which reimagined the elegance and perfection of the legendary French crystal maker into a luxury lifestyle hospitality brand when it opened in March of 2015.
• Jim Plohg has been promoted to Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at Ashford Inc., Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. and Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc. He most recently served the Ashford Group of Companies as Division General Counsel and Managing Director.
• Christophe Truchet has been appointed as Chef de Cuisine at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta. He developed his passion for cooking early, shaped by time spent in the kitchen with his mother and working alongside his father on the family farm.
•  Anthony Frunzi started with Aman as Corporate Regional Director F&B, Americas. He will be overseeing food and beverage existing and future openings in Caribbean, United States, and Mexico properties.
•  Wil Going joins Tutti Bene as manager at bozeman’s high-end italian dining spot. He brings over 25 years of outstanding restaurant management experience along with exceptional mixology expertise and chef-level culinary knowledge to this new position.
•  The Hungry Toad pleased to announce that Aaron Bennett has been appointed as Executive Chef.
•  Michele Esposito has been appointed as Sales Director at PLI Card Marketing Solutions.
•  Acorn Food Services thrilled to welcome Robert Farley as Chef Manager / General Manager.

Europe​

• Amy Morton has been appointed as EVP Human Resources at RX in Richmond. She will be responsible for aligning the company's people strategies with its core business objectives.
• Christian Zandonella has been appointed as General Manager at Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel, Venice. He was born in South Tyrol and raised in Munich, beginning his hospitality journey with an apprenticeship in food and beverage in Munich.
• Karelle Lamouche has been promoted CEO for Europe and North Africa at Accor.  She will have responsibility for 3,000 hotels across the region, which represent around 40 per cent of Accor's total rooms globally.
• Giusy Guarracino has been appointed as Managing Director at Hotel La Palma Capri. She brings a wealth of knowledge that will guide the property into its next chapter.
• Alejandro Lopez named Commercial Director at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay. He will lead the property's commercial strategy, bringing a refined understanding of luxury travellers, a strong network across key international markets and a collaborative approach to team development.
• Riccardo Bortolotti has been appointed as Area General Manager at R Collection Hotels Lake Como. He is a manager with a contemporary vision of hospitality, inspired by sustainability, authenticity, and the Italian lifestyle.
• Ivan Parodi has been appointed as General Manager at Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort, Rapallo. He brings extensive operational experience in the luxury segment.
• William Fisher has been appointed as General Manager at Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. He will guide one of Rome's most iconic addresses into its next chapter, combining operational excellence with a commitment to sustainability and elevated guest experiences.
• Janel Clark has been appointed as Head of Professional Development at HOSPA. She steps into the role with a clear understanding of the association's educational framework, having served as a tutor on HOSPA's Revenue Management course for eight years
• Jean-Philippe De Haes has been appointed as General Manager at Mövenpick Hotel Brussels Airport. His career includes GM, Finance, Operations, and Commercial leadership, as well as three successful hotel openings in Bali, Bangkok, and Brussels.
• Alejandro Mayer has been appointed new Executive Chef for the prestigious Jarrolds in Norwich, previously from Fellows House Cambridge, Club Industrial Monterrey, Four Seasons Hotels and resorts and Silversea.

Asia

• Lindsay Guy has been appointed as Executive Assistant Manager at Hannah St Hotel. He has held senior operational roles at the Hyde Melbourne Place, Pullman Melbourne City Centre, Sheraton Melbourne, Crown Metropol, and W Melbourne.
• Bernard Glaude has been appointed as Food & Beverage Manager at Hannah St Hotel. He brings two decades of international hospitality experience to Hannah St Hotel.
• Sergio Morales has been appointed as Experience Director at Hannah St Hotel in Melbourne. She joins the Queensbridge Precinct as Experience Director, responsible for curating and fostering a vibrant, engaging, and connected community within the mixed-use precinct.
• Grant Fleet has been appointed as General Manager at Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne. He brings a wealth of experience, and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences to the new role
• Michael Gibson has been appointed as General Manager at Quincy Hotel Melbourne. He holds a Food and Beverage Management Certificate from eCornell and is currently completing a Bachelor of Business at Swinburne University.
• Angelo Di Marco has been appointed as General Manager at Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Docklands. He more than a decade of experience in hotels, most recently as General Manager at Rendezvous Hotel Perth Central, to his new role.
• Shri Raj Goswami has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage for Penthouse Mumbai. He will lead the Food & Beverage vision for Penthouse Mumbai, shaping its culinary identity, enhancing guest experiences, and elevating its position as one of the city's most exclusive luxury destinations.
• Stephan Schupbach has been appointed as President & Group Chief Executive Officer at Chedi Hospitality. He has held senior leadership roles across internationally recognised hotel groups, shaping transformative guest experiences throughout Europe, US, the Middle East, and Asia.
• Pierre Betourne has been appointed as General Manager at Pullman Bangkok Hotel G. He brings a strong record in operational leadership, brand development, and team empowerment across diverse destinations and cultural environments.
• Yojan Gandha Das named Director of Operations at JW Marriott Goa. She will oversee the hotel's primary operational departments - Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage Service, Culinary and Spa, ensuring the continued delivery of JW Marriott's renowned service excellence.
• Chua Chee Wui named Group Chief Investment Officer at Shangri-La Group. He joined Shangri-La in February 2018 as Executive Vice President, Special Projects, was appointed Group Chief Investment Officer in September 2019.
• Teo Nee Chuan has been promoted to Group Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of the Board at Shangri-La Group. He brings more than three decades of experience in finance, having served as Chief Financial Officer for multinational listed corporations across different industries.
• Chris Long has been appointed as General Manager at Phi Phi Island Resort in Krabi. His appointment marks a key step in the transformation of the resort into a five-star Thai sanctuary where Southern Thailand's natural beauty, culture and barefoot luxury converge.
• Crystal Chan Busch has been appointed as Group Director, Global Sales at Wharf Hotels. She possesses extensive experience in the hospitality sector, having previously held the position of Multi-Property Executive Director of Sales at Sands Resorts Macao.
• Tim Anderson named Market Director of Sales & Marketing at St. Regis Bora Bora Resort and The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa. He brings over two decades of luxury hospitality sales and marketing expertise to his new post which includes his most recent role as Director of Marketing.
• David Eldridge has been appointed as Executive Chef at Raffles Hotel Le Royal. He joins Raffles Hotel Le Royal from Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, where he served as Director of Food, Beverage & Culinary.
• Bhaskar Gajapathy has been appointed as Director of HR at Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel. He plays a pivotal part in shaping people strategy, strengthening organizational culture, and aligning HR practices with business goals.

­­
Central & South America​

• Niels Stuedemann has been appointed as General Manager at Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort.  He will oversee all aspects of the resort's operations, guiding the team as the property continues to strengthen its performance and guest experience.
• Renata Portes named General Manager at Maroma, a Belmond Hotel. She brings two decades of exceptional experience within the luxury hospitality sector, having started her career with Belmond twenty years ago at the iconic Copacabana Palace, Rio De Janeiro, as a trainee.
• Leo Schlesinger has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Tortuga Resorts. He previously led the transformation of Aliat Universidades into one of Mexico's largest higher-education institutions.
• Debra A. Shinn has been elected as President of The Sedona Lodging Council for 2026.
• Rio Perdido is pleased to announce that Randy Rockbrand has been hired as the eco-luxury retreat’s new General Manager. He brings with him 14 years of industry experience, along with an MBA from Les Roches in Switzerland.
• Randy Rockbrand has been appointed as General Manager at Rio Perdido in Bagaces. He envisions increasing partnerships with local vendors and strengthening the bonds between the boutique resort and the local community.

­­Carribean​

• Carlos de la Barra has been as appointed General Manager at Le Sereno St. Barths. He will oversee operations and support the continued development of the hotel's luxury standards in alignment with Sereno Hotels' philosophy.

Middle East​

• Ahmed Jarkass has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at Raffles Jeddah. He brings an exceptional track record across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Egypt.
• Ahmed Saleh has been promoted to Commercial & Marketing Director at Sofitel Dubai Downtown. He played a pivotal role in positioning Sofitel Dubai Downtown among the strongest revenue performers in Dubai's highly competitive luxury hospitality sector.
• Denis Glibic has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at Shangri-La Dubai. He brings extensive expertise in commercial strategy, hotel launches, and brand positioning.
• Andrea Torres has been appointed as Director of Sales Corporate at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre. She joins the senior leadership team with an extensive background across globally recognised brands including Hilton and IHG.
• Eugenie Jason has been appointed as General Manager at Shebara in The Red Sea. Her leadership approach aligns with Shebara's operational direction, guided by a focus on authenticity, innovation and hospitality standards.
• Lina Moubarak has been appointed as Communications Manager at Rosewood Jeddah. She has built a reputation for driving strategic brand visibility, digital transformation, and high-impact communication initiatives.
• Juan Manuel Ovalles Urbina has been appointed as Restaurant Manager at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre. He brings a wealth of expertise in restaurant pre-openings, operations, and enhancing the guest experience.
• Konstantia Bagiourouki named Cluster Director of Marketing & Communications at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort and Anantara World Islands Resort. Her strategic vision now guides the marketing direction for two of Dubai's most iconic resort addresses.
• Firoze Edassery has been appointed as Marketing Manager at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort and Anantara World Islands Resort. He began his career in Oman as a Graphic Designer in 2001, later taking on the role of Brand Manager for dusitD2 Kenz Hotel Dubai in 2015.
• Husni Tawil has been appointed as Cluster Graphic Designer at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort and Anantara World Islands Resort. His career spans notable roles with Rosewood in Saudi Arabia, Shangri-La in Abu Dhabi, Hilton in Ras Al Khaimah and Hyatt in Doha.
• Samridhya Mukherjee has been appointed as Cluster F&B Marketing Specialist at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort and Anantara World Islands Resort. He combines strategic insight with creative direction to spotlight the resorts' dining experiences.
• Lara Haddad has been appointed as Cluster Marketing Executive at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort and Anantara World Islands Resort. She brings a unique perspective shaped by a background in Human Nutrition and Dietetics, which she studied from 2015 to 2019.
• Oguzhan Isci has been appointed as Director of Sales at DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai M Square Hotel & Residences. He brings over a decade of experience across the UAE, Qatar, Türkiye, and Europe, with a strong track record in driving commercial growth and expanding key market segments.
• Ahmed Selim has been appointed as Director of Human Resources at Jannah Hotels and Resorts. Selim brings almost two decades of experience in Human Capital Management (HCM) and multi-unit hospitality management to the role, having held leadership positions both internationally and across the UAE.
• Manuel Levonian has been appointed as General Manager at The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort. His appointment marks a new chapter for the resort as it continues to strengthen its position within Oman's and the region's luxury landscape.