The Boutique Search Firm
Heads Above the Rest - July 2022

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

Market update​

• Employment in leisure and hospitality increased by 67,000 in June. Job growth continued in food services and drinking places (+41,000).
• Employment in leisure and hospitality is down by 1.3 million, or 7.8 percent, since February 2020.

 
Recent Appointments
 
­­North America:​

• Jeanne Montgomery Smith joined Sonesta International Hotels Corporation as Vice President of Revenue Management. She brings with her 30 years of hospitality experience in talent development, Change Management and hotel transitions.
• Kaaren Hamilton has been promoted as Vice President of Global Sales at Sonesta International Hotels Corporation. She served as Vice President of Global Sales, Franchise & Development at RLH.
• Owen Berry takes up the role of Development Manager at Noble Investment Group. He is responsible for assisting Noble's pre-development process for hotel acquisitions, renovations, and new developments, including due diligence, estimating, and design. 
• Katherine Minnock has been appointed as Director of Investments at Noble Investment Group. She is responsible for the execution of the acquisition and development strategies across Noble's investment platforms.
• Sage Studio at Sage Hospitality Group announced the appointment of Ryan Kibler as Creative Director. He will oversee key growth initiatives for the Sage Studio team, including new developments. 
• Hay Creek Hotels is pleased to announce Michael Bonasia as Director of Sales and Marketing of Hotel Hartness. In this role, he will be responsible for driving business development and leading the sales and marketing team.
• The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile is proud to announce the appointment of Andrew Court as Executive Chef. He will oversee all areas of food production and restaurants at the property. 
• Amanda Santiago has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Sagamore Pendry Baltimore. With over decade of experience, she will direct the team to deliver top line revenue.
• Social Impact Pendry Hotels & Resorts appoints Juan Webster as its Corporate Director. He is also the first to hold the position designed to facilitate greater diversity.
• Hilton Columbus Downtown has named Sebastian La Rocca as Executive Chef of Restaurants. It will be largest hotel in Ohio, with 1000 rooms.
•  Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa announced the appointment of Shane Komine as Director Of Food & Beverage. He brings over 12 years of leadership experience to his new role.
• Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa appoints Lauren Ray as Hotel Manager. He will work alongside the general manager as the strategic business leader for the property.
• Aparium Hotel Group announced the appointment of Joe White as General Manager. He brings over 25 years of hospitality industry experience.
• Anthony Moody joins The Yarrow, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Park City as the new General Manager. He focuses on daily operations, staff development, budgeting and financial planning, and increasing sales and revenue.
• The Yarrow, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Park City appoints Nicholas Davies as the Executive Chef. In his new role, he helms The Yarrow's two culinary outlets, 1800 Park and Vertical Lounge.
• Jazz Moralez has been appointed as the Beverage Manager at Finch & Fork at Kimpton Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara. She is a restaurant industry veteran for over 10 years. 
• JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa announces Eric Theiss, as Executive Chef of the resort. He will oversee all culinary operations at the numerous restaurant and bar offerings onsite as well as extensive banquet operations.
• Brent Pope has been appointed as General Manager at Bradley Hotel. He returns to his hometown to oversee all operations of the newly opened boutique hotel.
• Carlos Gomez has been appointed Director of Restaurants at The Ritz – Carlton. With vast experience within the hospitality industry, he held various roles in the Middle East and Europe.
• The Ritz – Carlton announced the appointment of Chris Bean as its Executive Sous Chef. He will assist in leading and overseeing all culinary staff, kitchens, and restaurants at the city landmark hotel.
• Elgin Thomas joins The Ritz – Carlton as Director of Engineering. He will be responsible for overseeing the hotel's operations and maintenance as the new Director of Engineering. 
• Vanessa Miller has been promoted as Senior Director of Food & Beverage at 21c Museum Hotels. He will continue to be involved in Metropole and will remain based in Cincinnati.
• Wild Dunes Resort proudly announces the appointment of Nico Scherman as General Manager. In this role, he will be responsible for managing the resort's day-to-day success and overseeing all operational aspects.
• Sheraton Dallas welcomes Brad Barbour as the new Director of Event Management. He brings over thirty years of hospitality experience to the role.
• John Plasencia named Managing Director at The Plasencia Group. He has been a great example of the professionalism, integrity, and commitment.
• George Toma has joined the Kimpton Schofield Hotel as Director of Sales and Marketing. He brings over 20 years of industry experience.
• Rogelio Garcia named Executive Chef at TRUSS Restaurant + Bar at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley. Making a welcome return to Wine Country, the chef brings with him a multitude of culinary prowess.
• Mike Douglass has been appointed as TTX Customer and Service Excellence Leader at CWT. He will be responsible for leading the development of the traveler experience.
• JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort appoints Rhanda Richardson as the new General Manager. He oversees all operational and Sales department.
• Melissa Ratkovits has been appointed as Spa Director at Resort at Squaw Creek. She will be responsible for managing the operations of the spa.
• Jenna Aragosa has joined CHMWarnick as Vice President. She will serve as a senior member of CHMWarnick's asset management and advisory teams.
• Joe DeFrank has been promoted to Executive Vice President at CHMWarnick. Since joining the company in 2018, he has demonstrated unparalleled expertise within all facets of hotel operations.
• CHMWarnick promotes Maxine Taylor as its Executive Vice President. She is responsible for advising a wide range of clients, from international investors to private equity groups.
• Danielle Caswell has been appointed as Group Sales Manager at Viewline Resort Snowmass. Her career in hospitality sales spans nearly a decade, working with hotels and resorts
• Hilton has announced the appointment of Florian Kunkel as the new General Manager. He will oversee the 604 room Hilton Boston Logan Airport located adjacent to Bostan Logan International Airport.
• Atrium Hospitality has promoted as Rob Mangiarelli as President and Chief Operating Officer. The company manages a portfolio of 82 hotels in 28 states, representing well-known brands.
• Commonwealth Hotels announced that Brian Wipprecht has been appointed as General Manager of the Residence Inn by Marriott Cincinnati Airport. He brings over 10 years of hospitality experience to his new role.
• Hospitality Ventures Management Group announced that it has named Wilson Turner as Vice President of Human Resources Programs and Support. In his new role, he will further augment and implement human resources solutions.
• Tracy Bradford has been promoted to the position of President of Seminole Hard Rock Support Services. She will be responsible for all management and operations of Support Services, Customer Care and Aviation.
• Provenance Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Brent Pope as General Manager. He returns to his hometown to oversee all operations of the newly opened boutique hotel.
• Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis has appointed Scott Gross as the new Director of Operations. In this role, he oversees all facets of the hotel's day-to-day operations, overarching food and beverage programs.
• Pacific Hospitality Group Ventures, Inc. is pleased to announce that Garrett S. Busch has been named as President. He will oversee the portfolio of 12 independent hotels and resorts.
• Andrew Broad joined Robert Douglas as Managing Director. He will be involved in every aspect of the firm's business, from investment sales to structured financing and joint venture equity raises.
• Jeremy Sadler has been appointed as General Manager at 106 Jefferson in Huntsville. He continues to provide guests with an unforgettable experience at a crossroad of culture and comfort. 
• CWT announced the appointment of Doug Vincent as Vice President, Enterprise Sales Defense Government. He will be responsible for new business focused on the defense and government contractor industry.
• Thomas Nicholson has been appointed as Director of Sales, NORA at CWT. He will be responsible for CWT's northwestern US multinational sales efforts, working alongside Patrick and the rest of the North American sales team.
• Teach Mayer joined Dawn Ranch as General Manager. He has been tapped to lead the reopening of this Sonoma County gem.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, is pleased to announce the promotion of Roberto Riveros to Executive Chef. He will oversee all the resort's culinary operations, including its restaurants, banquets, and in-room dining.
• Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport is proud to announce the promotion of Yousef Ghalaini to the position of Executive Chef. He brings with him over a decade of progressive experience.
• Greenwich Hospitality Group announced the appointment of Taryn Miracle as Director of Sales & Marketing at DELAMAR Traverse City. She is a seasoned hospitality professional and top ranked leader.
• Brooke Gilliam has been appointed as Spa Manager at Lido House, an Autograph Collection Hotel. She brings as breadth of knowledge to her new role.
• JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa appointed Vince Waddill to the Director of Event Management role. He is responsible for overseeing the event management and event operations teams in his new position.
• Victorio Gonzalez has been appointed as General Manager at Montage Hotels & Resorts. HE as 30 years of luxury hospitality experience.
•  Guesty's Executive C-Suite appointed David Aber as Chief Financial Officer.  He also served as CFO for top Israeli tech companies.
• Viceroy Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Lindsay Inman as the new General Manager. She brings People first attitude to everything she does for resulting in a one-of-a-kind experience for guests.
• Marc Badain joins the Las Vegas sports & entertainment as President. He should oversee the entirety of the club's business operations including the relocation from Oakland to Las Vegas and the successful completion of Allegiant Stadium.
• Las Vegas sports & entertainment appointed Randy Morton as president. He has successfully managed several high-profile hotels and resorts from beginning of his career. 
• Chris Rynkiewicz is promoted as Chief Financial Officer at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. Rynkiewicz will oversee all functions and departments of the property's Finance; he is cherishing his 21 years with Borgata company from 2001.
• The Karol Hotel, the first Tribute Portfolio hotel announced the appointment of Thomas Parker as Executive Chef. He will direct daily culinary operations at the hotel's signature K Club Bar & Bistro and overseeing food and beverage offerings for all kind of events
• Jacqueline Berry has been appointed as Group Director of Spa and Wellbeing of Miraval Group. She is responsible for overseeing the Life in Balance Spas and their integrative wellbeing programming across the Miraval Resorts portfolio.
• Hotel del Coronado announced the appointment of Michael Tuesca as Director of the new luxury hotel. He brings with him more than two decades of luxury hospitality experience.
• Troy Dixon joined The Central Station as General Manager in Memphis. He will lead day-to-day hotel operations, guest relations and team development for Central Station.
• Geoff Freeman has been appointed as President and CEO at U.S. Travel Association (USTA). She has built an approach to association leadership that is centered around industry unity and transformational change.
• Catherine Parrinello has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer at Tambourine in Fort Lauderdale.  She will oversee Tambourine's Account Service, Creative, Development, Enterprise, Onboarding, Media, and Human Resources departments.
• CWT announces the appointment of Laura Watterson as Chief Human Resources Officer. She takes up the position effective from 5 July 2022.
• HEI Hotels & Resorts has announced the hiring of Tony Lariño as Managing Director of Investments. He has become a respected leader with deep relationships across the hospitality space.
• Anthony Zamora named General Manager at The Langham Chicago. He brings more than 20 years of experience within the hospitality industry, and is no stranger to The Langham, Chicago. 
• Global hospitality brand YOTEL has named Gilberto Garcia-Tunon General Manager of YOTEL and YOTELPAD Miami. He will oversee operations of the hotel's newest location in downtown Miami.
• Stephen Stoerger has joined the YOTEL/YOTELPAD Miami team as Director of Sales. His previous hospitality experience includes sales roles at the JW Marriott Hotel.
• Jim Grice has been appointed as Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Edison Interactive. He has spent 11 years overseeing national strategic partnerships.
• Edison Interactive has announced the appointment of Kevin Daly as Director Of Hospitality Sales. He was responsible for selling franchises for 15 different hotel brands and driving new business.

 
­­Europe:​

• Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire announces the appointment of Talha Barkin as Executive Chef. He joins with a wealth of experience having worked in a collection of the world's best kitchens and luxury five-star hotels. 
• Josef Dolp joined as Chief Operating Officer at Deutsche Hospitality. In this role he will oversee hotel operations and customer experience across all brands and geographies.
• Javier Aguila has been appointed as Group President EAME at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. He looks back on an impressive 39-year career at Hyatt.
• Travis Breen has been appointed as Vice President of Business Performance USA at YOTEL Limited. He brings extensive leadership experience in revenue generation.
• Nader Nawwar has been promoted as Vice President of Business Performance Europe and Middle East at YOTEL Limited. Prior to YOTEL, he managed three Residence Inn hotels in London.
• Augustin Cacot joined YOTEL Limited as Vice President of Demand. He joins from Duetto where he was VP of customer success for EMEA elevating revenue strategy.
• Edward Pinchard has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer at YOTEL Limited. He brings over two decades of experience in the commercial hospitality sector.
• YOTEL Limited has promoted Rohan Thakkar as Chief Development Officer. He was responsible for driving the growth of the US portfolio.
• Gordon Drake has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer at The Doyle Collection. He is an international hotelier with experience in the luxury space.
• Accor announces Ruby Tui as Ambassador, All Accor Live Limitless. She is a media personality and a social change advocate.
• Tara Marlow has been appointed as Group General Counsel at Kerten. She will be supporting and strengthening the footprint expansion in existing and new markets.
• CWT has announced the appointment of Sergiu Les as Director of Sales, EMEA.  He brings deep knowledge of end-to-end customer growth management.
• Uschi Koch has been appointed as Sales Manager, EMEA at CWT.  She will be responsible for providing value, flexibility and customized experience.
• Joanna Brewer joins CWT as Sales Manager, EMEA. She has recently completed an executive MBA.
• Patrick Burke joins CWT as Director, Sales NORAM. In his new role, he will focus on multinational sales efforts in the United States.
• The Chedi Andermatt is thrilled to announce the appointment of Carsten Alexander Kypke as Executive Chef. He will oversee the property's gastronomy program and The Restaurant, the hotel's dining centerpiece.
• Linden Beattie joins at Down Hall Country House Hotel in Essex as General Manager. About 18 years of experience in the premium hospitality sector, He brings a strong record in profit improvement, employee development and customer service.
• Ronald Egelman is the new Senior Director of Development for the UK, Ireland and Nordics at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts in Bristol. He as 25 years of experience in hotel operations, corporate finance, asset management and hotel development. 
• Wyndham Hotels and Resorts has appointed Nicholas Dimopoulos as Development Manager for Greece, Italy, Cyprus and Montenegro. His experience includes hotel planning, real estate monitoring, feasibility and finance for several projects in the region. He joins from Aeternal Hotels & Hospitality.
• Carsten Alexander Kypke has been appointed as Executive Chef at The Chedi Andermatt. He will be overseeing the offering at The Restaurant, which has been awarded 14 Gault Millau points.
• Dorchester Collection announces the appointment of Milet Lukey as vice president. she will play significant role working with the leadership and operational teams, providing strategic support and direction.

South America:​

• Andres E. Davila has been appointed as Complex Executive Chef at Aruba Marriott Complex. In this new role, he will be leading all culinary operations for the complex, including the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Marriott Aruba Surf Club and Marriott Aruba Ocean Club.
• Marriott International is pleased to announce the appointment of Yovana Segarra as General Manager of the Residence Inn Panama City hotel. She is the first woman in Panama to simultaneously serve as General Manager of three hotels of the Marriott International portfolio in Panama City.
• Alberto Porragas has been appointed as Sales Manager, Mexico at CWT. He has more than 20 years of experience in developing new corporate business.
• Luis Barboza has been placed as General Manager at Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida. He as 25 years of experience in hospitality industry, he also shines in his leadership qualities.
• The iconic St. Regis Mexico City has announced the appointment of Rodrigo Rizzi as General Manager of the luxury property. She brings with him over 22 years of experience.

­­Middle East:​

• Dave Cory has been appointed as Director of Business Development at UpStay in Tel Aviv-Yafo. He will be tasked with ensuring that the company continues to experience rapid and sustainable growth.
• Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas are brought in Daniele Roberto as new Executive Chef. He has been working with the Park Hyatt brand for almost six years.
• Nadine Zinhobl Khamis was recently appointed as the Director of Sales at Adagio Premium The Palm. She brings over 16 years of industry experience.
• Najib Nasser has been appointed as Cluster General Manager at IHG Hotels & Resorts. He brings with him over 25 years of experience and will oversee the operations of the hotels.
• Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi announces the appointment of Vince Leo as its Chief Concierge. A familiar face at the busy concierge desk of Four Seasons he is thrilled to have been appointed Chief Concierge.
• Samer Majari has been appointed as Director of Human Resources at The H Dubai. He brings with him over 15 years of industry experience.
• Jannah Hotel Apartments and Villas Ras Al Khaimah is pleased to announce the promotion of Johnny Rjeily as General Manager of the property. He will be responsible for managing the overall operations and resources of the hotel.

­­Asia:​

• Josu Sedano – Martin has been appointed as Executive Chef at Movenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok.  He brings with him over two decades of experience.
• Wharf Hotels announced the appointment of Alex Chiang as Vice President Human Resources. He also plays an integral role in strengthening learning and development, succession planning and talent acquisition to support the President's initiatives.
• Jorgen Christensen joins Wharf Hotels as Vice President Operations. In his new role, he will lead operation division in its mission to establish revenue streams for hotel operations.
• JW Marriott Singapore South Beach has recently welcomed Nick Heath as the new General Manager. He brings with him as wealth of experience in Asia and the Middle East through his 30-year hospitality career.
• Accor India has announced the appointment of Vineet Mishra as Cluster General Manager. He brings on board an illustrious career spanning over 23 years with an exceptional network in the industry.
• Michael Stamboulidis has been named General Manager of the new QT Newcastle. He spent over nine years working with the hospitality group.
• Langham Hospitality Group has appointed Markus Aklin to the role of Vice President - Development, Asia Pacific. His appointment follows the successful opening of The Langham, Jakarta, with The Langham, Gold Coast due to open later this month.
• Michiel de Kleer has been appointed as General Manager at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium. He brings with him more than 20 years of hospitality experience with a strong background in Food and Beverage.
• Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok announces Adrian Rudin as the General Manager. He joins the Bangkok hotel from Beijing, where he has worked for the last decade.
• Anastasiya Babenko was appointed as Marketing & PR Manager at one of the largest resorts in the Maldives, LUX* South Ari Atoll. She brings a decade of hospitality experience.
• Rosewood Hotel Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Victor Clavell as Senior Vice President of Operations, EMEAC. He will be responsible for driving operational success, executing profitability strategies, and developing talent.
• Ivan Giles has been appointed as General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi. He brings a wealth of experience in luxury resorts to his new role.
• Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town has announced the appointment of Pamela Ong as its General Manager. She is a highly skilled hospitality professional with more than two decades of experience.
• Christian Poda has been appointed as Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. He will be overseeing the completion of Hotel Renovation.
• Hilton has appointed Gaurav Thakur as the General Manager of Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa. He is an accomplished hospitality veteran.
• Marshall Orton has been appointed as General Manager at Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi. He will lead the overall operations, performance, and strategic direction for Fairmont Maldives.  
• Jaipur Marriott Hotel is pleased to have Pramod Kumar as Director of Sales & Marketing. He possesses a strong business acumen and seeks to work towards implementing strategies to elevate the brand presence and deliver profitability to the stakeholders. He will work closely with F&B Team.
• Vidhi Jain commences her new stint at Jaipur Marriott as Marketing & Communications Manager. She is responsible for elevating and maintaining the brand positioning and also involves in sales and marketing team to broaden the digital platforms.
• Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has been appointed Arpit Pant as Director for Eurasia. He as 20 years of experience in hotel industry.
• Nikhil Sasidharan joins Wyndham Hotels & Resorts as Development Manager for Eurasia. He is focused on opportunities in the leisure segments.
• Siddharth Kochhar joins Wyndham Hotels & Resorts as Development Manager for Eurasia from hospitality company Bloom rooms. He brings lot of knowledge and experience in new business
• Four Seasons Resorts Bali appointed Randy Shimabuku as General Manager. He as more than 30 years of experience in hospitality industry.
• GILLES Cretallaz has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer at Dusit International in Bangkok. He as 30 years of experience leading luxury, renowned, and iconic hotels for the Accor group, he will be responsible for overseeing the financial and operational responsibilities of Dusit's hotel business unitand also other properties.
• Raymond appointed as Master Chef at Asian at By The Mekong- The St. Regis Mumbai. He as 28 years of rich culinary experience. He was enjoying his cooking passion from his childhood by following his fathers advice.
• Abhay Singh has been appointed as International Sous Chef at Four Seasons Mumbai. He will be held responsible for the kitchens in the property.
• Patina Maldives, Fari Islands has confirmed the appointment of seasoned hospitality professional Antonio Saponara as its new General Manager. He has an impressive track record of luxury brands.
• Jean – Luc L’Hourre has been appointed as Executive Chef at Conrad Bora Bora Nui. He is the first and only MOF in French Polynesia.
• Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi announces the appointment of Anna Karas as Director of Marketing & Communications. She will use her expertise and passion for luxury brand standards towards the continued success of the resort.
• Aloft New Delhi Aerocity is delighted to announce the appointment of Sumit Mehta as Front Office Manager. With his thorough knowledge he will elevate guests' experience to greater heights.

­­Caribbean:​

• Dana Hubbe has been appointed as Director of Sales at Grace Bay Resorts. She will oversee the Grace Bay Resorts sales team and all sales efforts worldwide.
• Atlantis Paradise Island announced the appointment of Anthony Clement as Vice President of Food & Beverage. He responsible for strategic planning, operational management, and implementation of new and innovative food and beverage concepts.
• Four Seasons Resort Nevis has named Karen Mcfarlane as the new Spa Director. She as more than 20 years of experience, in her new role she will oversee both the Resort's spa and Fitness operations.

­­Africa:​

• IT Hospitality Group has announced that Linda Costandi has joined the Group as its new Business Development Director for the Middle East. She will oversee the facilitate further expansion opportunities and regional awareness across the Middle East.