The Boutique Search Firm
Heads Above the Rest - July 2024

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

Market update​​​

• Leisure and hospitality added 7,000 jobs in July
• Employment in Hotels were up slightly while restaurants were flat.​

 
Recent Appointments
 
­­North America​​

• Rob Smith has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer at Stonebridge Companies. He will lead the development and execution of the organization's long-term strategies and report to Stonebridge's Board of Directors.
• Tyler Morrissey named Director of Engineering at Luminary Hotel & Co. He will oversee operations and maintenance at Luminary Hotel & Co., ensuring all facilities meet the highest standards of excellence and safety.  
• TJ Helms joins Thompson Denver as Director of Group Sales. He will oversee group and event sales efforts, event planning, marketing, PR and hotel activations.  
• Farrah Staub has been promoted as Regional Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Concord Hospitality. She will support various independent and luxury properties ranging from full to select service hotels across the Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt brands.  
• Natalie Kimball has been promoted as Vice President of Strategic Accounts, Americas & EMEA at Shiji Distribution Solutions. Over the past year, the company has expanded its global business footprint considerably, signing new partnerships in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Europe and the US.  
• Christopher Holbrook named Complex General Manager at The Westin and Aloft San Francisco Airport. He will lead the dynamic strategic direction of business initiatives and align efforts with business partners for both hotels.  
• Hans van Wees has been appointed as Managing Director at Westport Hospitality, LLC. He has branded full-service convention and resort hotels in Europe, the Caribbean and the U.S.  
• Matt Canning has been promoted as General Manager at Hotel Vermont in Burlington. He is thrilled to continue collaborating with the diverse and amazing team to grow our presence in the Burlington community.  
• Aimbridge Hospitality welcomes William Davenport as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He will oversee the financial management of the company and have direct responsibility for accounting, financial planning and analysis, compliance, tax, treasury, and procurement.  
• Dieter Schmitz has been appointed as General Manager at Sofitel. He has more than two decades of hospitality experience.  
• Ryan Rauscher named General Manager at The Gabriel South Beach. He has had a distinguished career in the hospitality industry, marked by various leadership roles and successes in repositioning, branding and opening properties across the country.  
• Lisa Jordan joins Red Roof as Vice President of Marketing. She is responsible for developing and executing the company's marketing and digital strategies to drive business growth and enhance the iconic brand.  
• Roberto Vazquez has been appointed as Associate Principal at AXIS Architecture + Design. With over 20 years of experience, he brings to AXIS a uniquely deep level of expertise in adaptive reuse and architectural renovation.  
• Drew Horton named Hotel Manager at The Redondo Beach Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. With a decade of experience under his belt, he served as the Front Office Director at Home2 Suites by Hilton in Montebello, California.  
• Pacifica Hotels welcomes Elaina Jardini as Area Director of Sales. She spent a large part of her career as the Sales Manager and the Event Planning Manager for SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Paso Robles.  
• Sol Gumapac has been appointed as Director of Sales at Half Moon Bay Lodge. With more than a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, she has excelled in various hotel sales positions.  
• Patrick Clemons has been promoted as Corporate Director of Sales at Pacifica Hotels. He has 30 years of hospitality experience.  
• Sirenia Liu joins Pacifica Hotels as Area Hotel Controller at. With an extensive 30-year career working in the hospitality industry, she spent two years as the Director of Accounting and Business Development at the infamous Hotel Indigo in Downtown LA.  
• Anthony Duggan named General Manager at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley. His experience spans over 25 years, marked by a deep-rooted passion for hospitality and global travel.  
• Christina Richardson has been appointed as Director of Sales, Marketing & Events at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley. She brings a wealth of experience and passion for hospitality, as well as expertise in crafting successful sales and marketing strategies within the luxury sector.  
• Brigid McDonnell named General Manager, Middle East & Africa at Virtuoso. She is overseeing all operations in the market, including the implementation of a regional business plan and growing and managing a dedicated team.  
• The Hardy Group welcomes Nathan Hall as Director of Operations. He will prioritize the support and education of personnel by improving training processes and procedures, while implementing strategies that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.  
• Nelson Parker joins Mohegan as Chief Strategy Officer. He is responsible for identifying, assessing and executing growth opportunities and strategic new ventures for the company.  
• Kristie Byrd has been promoted as Divisional Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Concord Hospitality. She will work in tandem with each hotel's general managers to implement divisional sales and marketing strategies.  
• Aik Hong Tan named Chief Investment Officer (CIO) at Hotel Equities Group, LLC. He will lead our investment strategies, and partner with HE's Chief Development Officer.  
• Anne Buckland joins Snow King Resort as General Manager. She brings more than 17 years of hospitality experience to Snow King Resort where she was initially hired as a sales manager and most recently served as director of sales and marketing.  
• Jamie Williams has been appointed as Director of Sales at Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana. She will lead an unparalleled team of experts with decades of sales experience in Louisiana.  
• Ben McKethan named General Manager at The Embers Hotel in Blowing Rock. He brings a wealth of local experience from his previous work at various Blowing Rock properties, including Meadowbrook Inn, Chetola Resort, and The Inn at Ragged Garden.  
• Harry W. Siebert has been appointed as Director of Restaurants at Tampa Marriott Water Street. He will oversee all aspects of the property's Food & Beverage (F&B) management, including restaurant staffing, strategic planning and community involvement.  
• InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco welcomes Bob Bracy as Director of Food & Beverage. He will work closely with the finance team to set, monitor, and refine budgets and drive revenue; multitasking to oversee multiple teams.  
• Glenda Rivera named General Manager at Zachari Dunes. She will serve as invaluable asset to the award-winning resort's continued success since its opening in fall 2022.  
• Robert Rivers has been appointed as Managing Director at Universal Helios Grand Hotel. He will lead the team that brings the vision and mission to life at this 500-room hotel featuring one-of-a-kind views and a dedicated entrance into the theme park.  
• Jonathan Barisano joins Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort as Complex Managing Director. He will lead the teams that bring to life these new hotels inspired by galaxies and diverse planetary elements.  
• Chris Coles named Complex Managing Director at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal Aventura Hotel. He brings a depth of hospitality experience from his general manager roles with Marriott International and most recently, Walt Disney World.  
• Ivana Johnston has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Puzzle Partner Ltd. She is set to bring a fresh perspective, accelerate transformation, and drive new growth initiatives to the company.  
• Stayntouch welcomes Bill Fanning as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at. He will lead Stayntouch's revenue growth through a customer-centric approach and strategic expansion initiatives.  
• Ted Peters has been promoted as Senior Vice President of Beverage & Food at Remington Hospitality. He has spearheaded B&F efforts over the past two years, leading to substantial growth across Remington's properties.  
• Paul Freudenthaler named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Tambourine. He will leverage his extensive financial expertise to drive strategic financial planning and execution, supporting Tambourine's continued growth trajectory.  
• Stacy Seaborn has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at InterContinental San Antonio River walk. She will be responsible for the overall strategic direction of the property's sales and marketing efforts.  
• Clark Albright named Director of Sales & Marketing at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. He takes on an all-encompassing role at the 450-acre property, which features 884 guest rooms, along with a 38,000 sq. ft spa and an abundance of event venues.  
• Reda Kolta joins Le Méridien Fort Worth Downtown as Director of Food and Beverage. He will ensure an engaging dining experience that seamlessly blends French and Texan flavors.  
• Scott Williams has been promoted as Chief Development and Brand Officer at Main Street Hospitality Group. He will continue working closely with Founder & CEO, Sarah Eustis, and the rest of the Executive team with a focus on the strategic growth.  
• Stephan Fitz has been appointed as Director of Food and Beverage at The Adolphus. He will oversee the hotel's five distinct dining experiences alongside its banquets and catering program.  
• James Cassidy named Executive chef at Hotel 1000. He has rich culinary history, both as a leader and a creative force in the kitchen.  
• Roberto van Geenen has been appointed as General Manager at The Crescent Hotel. He brings a legacy of exceptional service and operational excellence to his new role.  
• David Bilbe joins The Royal Sonesta as General Manager at. He will be responsible for overseeing the 483-key hotel's day-to-day operations, management, training, and guest satisfaction.  
• Aaron Slattery named General Manager at Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington. He will oversee the 256-room hotel located near the Mall of America and West Bloomington Business Corridor.

Europe​

•  
• Jochen Gaßner has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at FutureLog AG. He will be responsible for the company's global operations, he will also serve as Vice President of Operations Europe.
• Lluc Pons named Director of Strategic Account Sales at Shiji Distribution Solutions. She brings over 13 years of invaluable experience in tourism, marked by a proven track record of enhancing customer performance through strategic initiatives.
• Pedro Lancastre Joins Dils as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will be supported by Dils' internal transformation team, which will be crucial in implementing the company's vision in Portugal, by combining local expertise with advanced skills and technologies.
• Stephanie Clarke has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at The Chancery Rosewood. She has made significant contributions to esteemed establishments in the luxury hospitality sector.
• The Chancery Rosewood welcomes Sophie Rough as Director of Talent & Culture. She was instrumental in enhancing work culture by improving the employee experience while maintaining and protecting the essence of the brand.
• Alice Jónsdóttir has been appointed as Director of Communications at The Chancery Rosewood. She brings a wealth of expertise in shaping brand identities and fostering strategic relationships.
• Francesco Ascani named General Manager at Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection. He has more than three decades of luxury hospitality experience.
• Iñigo Sánchez-Crespo joins UMusic Hotel Madrid General Manager. He has a proven track record of maximizing profits in international markets, including Europe, the Caribbean Islands, and the United States.
• Mark Haywood has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer, EMEA & APAC at BirchStreet Systems. He brings over two decades of diverse and highly relevant industry experience within the hospitality and SaaS technology sectors to his role at BirchStreet.
• Barnaby Kean named General Manager at voco Zeal Exeter Science Park. voco Zeal Exeter Science Park will be located adjacent to J29 of the M5 Motorway and less than a mile away from Exeter airport.
• Ross Clark has been promoted as Director of Operations at The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton. He will lead hotel operations, playing a guiding role in the hotel's transformation, as well as championing the ESG policy.
• Steve Coulam has been promoted as Vice President of Operations at Aimbridge EMEA, Region UK. He will manage 18 properties in locations such as Belfast, Dublin, the Lake District, and Durham.
• David Beers joins Choice Hotels EMEA as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at. He will focus on strategic growth and financial performance for the region, which currently counts nearly 400 open hotels located in 17 countries across 4 hotel brands.
• Tom Gibson has been appointed as General Manager at Cheval Collection Edinburgh portfolio. He will be joining the group from Virgin Hotels, where he was GM of the group's Glasgow property.
• Peter Norman named SVP Corporate Development and Owner Relations for EAME at Hyatt. He looks forward to increasingly focusing on maintaining and expanding relationships with our existing hotel owners and franchisees.
• Felicity Black-Roberts has been promoted as SVP Development for EAME at Hyatt. He will lead Hyatt's growth initiatives across the EAME region, overseeing a diverse and growing team of subregional developers.

Asia

• Anson Lau has been promoted as Managing Director – Global at Shiji Distribution Solutions. Over the past year, the company has expanded its global business footprint considerably, signing new partnerships in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Europe and the US.
• Aurélie Chiaffi has been appointed as Spa Director at The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa. She will curate an array of treatments inspired by local Polynesian wellness traditions and modalities for the resort's soon-to-open Heavenly Spa Bora Bora.
• Shaarn Letele has been appointed General Manager at Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour. During his 15-year career with TFE Hotels, he successfully reopened Travelodge Wellington before returning to Australia.
• Frances Ryall named General Manager at Vibe North Sydney. She brings a strong focus on guest service and expertise experience from working across various IHG, Accor and the Hyatt Regency brands, to the new role.
• Arthur Rojas has been appointed as Cluster General Manager at Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Docklands and Adina Melbourne Southbank. He is well known for building strong culture and capability within his teams and looks forward to utilising these skills.
• Suzanne Pentecost named General Manager at Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart. She brings a wealth of hospitality experience to Adina, having previously worked in a Cluster General Manager role for Swiss Bel International.
• Annabell Javinez joins Travelodge Hotel Auckland Wynyard Quarter as General Manager. She brings 15 years' experience in hospitality and accommodation to the role, including a lengthy tenure with Quest Hotels.
• Laurence Neumann has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Gran Meliá Nha Trang. She has more than 14 years of experience at internationally-branded five-star properties in Asia and Europe.
• Santosh Singh named General Manager at Radisson Mumbai Goregaon. He will oversee Residency Sarovar Portico, a boutique 71-room hotel.
• Centara Hotels & Resorts welcomes Ron Cusiter as Executive Vice President – Commercial. He will now use this wealth of industry experience to bring fresh impetus and innovation to Centara's global commercial efforts.
• Percy P. Muncherji has been appointed as Vice President – Design & Technical Services at Centara Hotels & Resorts. His talent and vision will be instrumental in the evolution of Centara's existing brands and dynamic new concepts.
• Iftekhar Mehdi named General Manager at Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai International Airport. He brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the role with over 27 years in the hospitality industry.
• Aparup Biswas has been appointed as General Manager at Ramada by Wyndham Gorakhpur Gorakhnath Mandir Road. Biswas will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the hotel.
• Sheetal Singh named General Manager at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa. She is poised to elevate the globally acclaimed Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa.
• Megha Bhatia joins Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa as General Manager. She possesses a global perspective and an in-depth understanding of the hospitality industry.

­­
South America​

• Fernando García Rossette has been appointed as General Manager at AVA Resort Cancun. He will oversee all operational aspects of the new resort, while maximizing revenue and maintaining focus on strategic goals.
• Diego Padula named General Manager at Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa. He brings his wealth of experience to Roatán's first international branded hotel offering.  ​
• Ruben Gabino has been appointed General Manager at Hilton. He will play a pivotal role in redefining the luxury hospitality experience in Costa Rica.

­­Carribean

• Derek Kokinda has been appointed as Director of Marketing Communications at The Ritz-Carlton. He will oversee the marketing and communications initiatives for the hotel, including brand positioning, PR efforts and promotional strategies.
• Laura Jarvinen named General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton. She will leverage her extensive experience, strong skill set, and creative abilities to enhance the guest experience and drive the strategic vision of the luxury property.  
• Laura Santoni joins The St. Regis Cap Cana Resor as General Manager. She brings more than three decades of experience to this position with a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the Caribbean and Latin American market.  
• Fred Khoury has been appointed as General Manager at Point Grace. He will supervise all operational aspects of Point Grace, upholding Grace Bay Resorts' commitment to providing excellent service and guest satisfaction.

Middle East​

• Ilkin Imanov has been appointed as Chair at Marriott Business Council Qatar. His background covers various aspects of hotel management, including operations, sales & marketing, revenue management, new hotel openings, and owner relations.
• Chantel Moore named General Manager at Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour. She will lead the team in all aspects of hotel operations, from marketing and hotel administration to guest services and satisfaction.
• Alex Willats joins Waldorf Astoria Lusail as General Manager. He brings over twenty years of leadership in luxury hospitality to his new role. 
• Sreeja Mannangath has been appointed as Marketing & Communications Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island. She has eight years of experience in brand management and marketing.
• Anzhelika Chekhlova named Director of Sales at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah. She brings with her over 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with a track record of delivering results and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• The Ned Doh welcomes Ghadi Ahmed as Director of Marketing & Communications. He is a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in luxury marketing and PR, brings a track record of crafting compelling brand narratives and driving growth.
• Elias Saad has been appointed as Hotel Manager at Royal M Hotel Abu Dhabi. He has distinguished 25-year career in hospitality.                                                                                                                                                                                     
• Naike Lopez named Director of Operations at Marriott Marquis City Center Doha. She has 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including 11 years in Qatar, Lopez brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
• Esra Parin joins Park Hyatt Doha as General Manager. She brings in over two decades of experience in luxury travel to his new role.
• The Ritz-Carlton welcomes Zeinab Ahmed as Director of Quality. Her commitment to excellence earned her a position on the MEA Quality Assurance Advisory Board for 2024.
• Deepak Mehta has been appointed as Director of Finance at Shangri-La Muscat. She brings a wealth of experience to the role, with almost two decades' work in financial management in the hospitality industry.
• Wanalee Samutkhochorn named Director of Spa at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. She will oversee all aspects of spa operations, including staff management, service quality and financial performance.
• Mohammed Kadi joins The Ritz-Carlton as Director of Rooms. He will oversee the rooms division operations, ensuring exceptional service from check-in to check-out.
• Philippe Kronberg named Resort General Manager at Shangri-La Muscat. He will oversee the strategic direction and daily operations of the resorts' 640 suites and rooms, spread across three distinctive hotels on 124 acres along the vibrant shores of the Gulf of Oman.