The Boutique Search Firm
Heads Above the Rest - March 2024

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

Market update​​​

• Employment grew significantly over the month in leisure and hospitality.
• The industry added an average of 58,000 jobs per month in February 2024.
• The Boutique Search Firm awarded as one of the top Executive Search Firms by Forbes coming in as #38 overall!
  • America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms 2023 (forbes.com)

 
Recent Appointments
 
­­North America​​

• Tommy Pho has been appointed as Vice President of Development for Western US operations at Hay Creek Hotels & Restaurants. He will be instrumental in overseeing and executing the strategic development initiatives for Hay Creek Hotels.
• Beth Harty named Director of Sales and Marketing at Kimpton Claret Hotel. She is a seasoned sales and marketing professional with over two decades of hospitality experience in Denver.
• Danielle Klus joined Hyatt Place Phoenix/Downtown as General Manager. She will oversee day-to-day operations of the hotel to ensure guests experience best-in-class service that the Hyatt Place brand is known for.
• Nicole Young has been promoted as VP Revenue Management and Distribution, Global at Rosewood Hotel Group. She will also act as the regional business expert for the Americas while leading the charge in advancing global revenue management and distribution.
• Rosewood Hotel Group promotes Agnes Park as EVP, Legal and General Counsel. She will oversee global legal, compliance, ensuring the utmost standards of legal compliance and excellence are maintained throughout development, operations, and corporate activities.
• Laura Ward has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at The Newbury Boston. She will develop sales strategies and lead the sales, catering and event service team, as well as direct the marketing efforts for the Hotel. 
• Melissa Kelly has been promoted as Director of Sales at The Newbury Boston. She will oversee the entire sales strategy for the property, represents the culmination of nearly 12 years of work with The Newbury Boston. 
• The Newbury Boston promotes Brittany Ostrander as Director of Group Sales. She will oversee the group sales team strategy including day-to-day office operation. 
• Mark Butler has been promoted as General Manager at Arlo Midtown. He joined Arlo NoMad in March 2021, where he oversaw the hotel's recovery from the pandemic, rebuilding corporate and leisure guest relationships and experience
• Joe Kavanagh has been appointed as General Manager at Arlo NoMad. The 25-year hospitality professional has worked for noteworthy companies, including W Hotels, SLS Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Archer Hotels, and Paramount Hotel Times Square.
• Richard Tucker has been promoted as General Manager at Arlo SoHo. He was instrumental in shaping the hotel's identity as a leading New York City hospitality destination and experience.
• William Burpitt has been appointed as General Manager at Arlo Williamsburg. He brings to Arlo not only his personal hospitality experience but also his academics from his time studying hospitality management at Bournemouth University.
• The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa appoints Dan Dolan as General Manager. He brings a wealth of executive leadership along with a diverse background in hospitality sales and marketing.
• Netta Katz named Reservation Manager at Mainsail Lodging & Development LLC. She will play a crucial role in managing reservations and enhancing the guest experience across Mainsail's extensive portfolio.
• Bria Jones has been appointed as Corporate Recruiter at Mainsail Lodging & Development LLC. She has nearly 10 years of experience in Human Resources.
• Lori Nelson named Paralegal at Mainsail Lodging & Development LLC. Her expertise will be instrumental in navigating legal complexities and ensuring compliance across all Mainsail properties.
• Ben Miele joins Mainsail Lodging & Development LLC as Director of Accounting. His focus will be on reviewing and analyzing financial information, improving controls, and establishing accounting policies and procedures across all of Mainsail's properties.
• Lisa Conner named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Mainsail Lodging & Development LLC. She will oversee Mainsail's finances, project accounting and hotel operational accounting, working closely with senior leadership.
• Maurizio Bonivento joined Equinox Golf Resort & Spa as General manager. He brings with him a wealth of experience, a commitment to excellence, and a passion for creating memorable guest experiences.
• Zachary Sporbert has been appointed as General Manager at The Pennywell St. Louis Downtown, a Hilton Hotel. He brings to the team a leadership style that places equal emphasis on both the well-being of employees and the satisfaction of hotel guests.
• James Pulver named Managing Director at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort. He will oversee all day-to-day operations at both entities, directing resort and winery operations.
• Hotel Terra Jackson Hole and Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa appoints Jason Sitte as Area Director of Sales and Catering. His strong work ethic and dedication quickly moved him up the ranks to Director of Sales and Marketing.
• Scott Socha joins Delaware North Companies as Travel Division Leader. He will provide strategic direction and ensures that short- and long-term plans are in place to drive business and enhance the company's destination properties.
• Kristen Mather named Spa Director at Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa. She will be responsible for overseeing the operational function and management of Joya Spa and the resort's retail outlets, with a focus on enhancing guest experiences.
• Dale Johnson has been appointed as General Manager at Kimpton Palladian Hotel Seattle. He brings decades of hospitality operations experience, including several years of general manager experience at another Kimpton property in the Pacific Northwest.
• Hotel Bel-Air appoints Christoph Moje as General Manager. He has almost 30 years' experience in luxury hotels across the America.
• Hillary Francis joined Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort as Director of Sales & Marketing. She will play a pivotal part in enhancing the property's commercial success by leading and implementing innovative sales and marketing strategies.
• James Wardell joins Canyon Ranch Woodside as General Manager. He brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Canyon Ranch's upscale and immersive wellness resort nestled among the California redwoods.
• Kristi Cotten-Morris named General Manager at Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead. She will be entrusted with the comprehensive oversight of all hotel operations and staff training, playing a pivotal role in the multi-phase renovation scheduled for 2024.
• Matt Carrier has been promoted as Senior Vice President of Federal Affairs, Policy, and Research at American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). He will lead AHLA's federal advocacy team, with a focus on congressional engagement and regulatory issues.
• American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) promotes Sarah Bratko as Vice President, State & Local Government Affairs & Policy Counsel. She will help develop and expand AHLA's state & local policy team, which has been a critical component of AHLA.
• Olivia Klipa has been promoted as Vice President, Conferences and Events at American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). She will assume expanded responsibilities for the overall strategy, management, and execution of all AHLA and AHLA Foundation programs.
• American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) promotes Lauren Pravlik as Vice President, Committees & Member Engagement. She will be responsible for strategy and growth of AHLA's Committee portfolio.
• Kat Fonda has been promoted as Senior Director, Federal Affairs at American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). This promotion recognizes her ongoing contributions to AHLA's federal advocacy work.
• Tony Machado has been appointed as Head of Design at Highgate Hotels, L.P. He will oversee all aspects of design innovation and execution for the company's growing portfolio as well as Viceroy Hotels & Resorts.
• Xavier Etcheberrigaray named Director of Operations and Quality at Aimbridge EMEA. He will oversee the region's hotels, reporting to Nicole Turnhout-Ammerlann, Vice President of Operations.
• Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort appoints Luana Maitland as Director of Cultural Experiences. She is responsible for the nightly entertainment at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort's Kani Ka Pila Grille and the Surfers In Residence program0
• Meghan Lee has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. She will lead the overall sales & marketing functions for Outrigger Kā'anapali Beach Resort.
• Jill Wilder named President at Aptech Computer Systems Inc. She will lead all day-to-day operations for Aptech and will be supported by vice presidents, Sam Costa and Cam Troutman.
• Bethany Wade joins Longfellow Hotel as General Manager. She will play an integral role in launching the exciting West End project, spearheading hotel operations, guest services, and community outreach.
• Julie DeCecco named General Counsel at Vail Resorts. She will oversee legal, governance, compliance, internal audit, health and safety, and real estate.
• Noble House Hotels and Resorts appoints Darrell Stark as Vice President of Revenue Strategy and Sales. He is a distinguished professional in revenue strategy, sales, distribution, and e-commerce, brings over three decades of comprehensive expertise to his new position.
• Jose De Jesus Angulo named General Manager at Kimpton Palomar South Beach. He is a 28-year hospitality veteran with a diverse background representing premier hotel brands including Kimpton, Hilton, IHG, Sonesta, and various lifestyle hotels.
• Jennifer Gray has been appointed as Senior Sales Manager at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon, Vail Valley. She previously served as a Group Sales Manager for The Westin Snowmass Resort, The Westin Denver Downtown and the Ameristar Casino Resort & Spa.
• Kimpton Everly Hollywood appoints Benjamin Palmer as General Manager. He brings a wealth of experience, deep commitment to employee engagement, and proven track record in strategic growth to the Everly team.
• Joern Schwaiger has been appointed as General Manager at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resort Collection. A seasoned hospitality veteran with over 20 years of luxury hotel experience, Joern will oversee all operations for the 6.5 acre property.
• Parag Doshi joined M3 as Chief Technology Officer. He will oversee the technological direction of the company, developing and implementing strategies to align technology with M3's business objectives and long-term goals.
• M3 appoints Rich Wilhelm as Chief Financial Officer. He will oversee all aspects of M3's financial planning and reporting while focusing on developing strategies.
• Susan Santiago named President, U.S. & Canada at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. She is responsible for the growth and performance optimization of Hyatt's owned and managed portfolio.
• Chip Minick has been appointed as Associate Director of Sales at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek. He has more than three decades of hospitality industry experience.
• MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa appoints Justin Wilson as General Manager. He will oversee operations and team culture, branding and strategy, and community engagement, all while maintaining the premier excellence for which MacArthur Place is known.
• Armando Monterroso named Vice President of Food & Beverage at TradeWinds Island Resorts. He is responsible for business strategies for all dining outlets at the two properties, including RumFish Grill.
• Hyatt Hotels Corporation appoints Gabriel Felip as President, Latin America & Caribbean. He will lead the operational performance for all managed and owned Hyatt hotels in the region across all brands, including Hyatt's Inclusive Collection.
• Shyla Gardner named Vice President, Commercial Services, Latin America & the Caribbean at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. She will lead a cross-functional LAC Commercial Services team that provides a specialized commercial strategy for the LAC market.
• Yvette Martinez-Edwards has been promoted as Vice President, Field Operations, Luxury & Miraval at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. She will oversee the Hyatt's managed luxury and Miraval hotel portfolio for the Americas region.
• Aleksandra Kanazir has been appointed as Director of Food and Beverage at The Perry Hotel & Marina. She is centered on delivering unmatched service, exquisite food, and unforgettable experiences to guests amidst the stunning backdrop of the Florida Keys.
• Ian McAuley named Chief Investment Officer at Meyer Jabara Hotels. His responsibilities include identifying new investment opportunities, fostering relationships with equity investors and lenders, and securing third-party management contracts.
• David Mudge has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Mission Resort + Club in Howey-In-The-Hills. His appointment brings a welcomed fresh perspective to the historic property's four culinary outlets.
• Ben Thiele joins Noelle as Managing Director. He will oversee and lead daily operations within the hotel, work alongside Makeready on service strategy to increase revenue and ensure that the property exceeds guest needs.
• Rebecca Billups named National Director of Sales at WaterWalk. She will be responsible for proactively soliciting qualified national accounts in order to create partnerships across the WaterWalk portfolio.
• Hotel Forty Five appoints Mary Orozco as Food & Beverage Manager. She will oversee food and beverage operations across all culinary outlets, including the hotel's popular signature restaurant Loom.
• Sanjiv Hulugalle named Managing Director at Hotel Del Coronado. His areas of focus will include an elevated service culture, curation of a rich array of signature programming and culinary experiences.
• Sarah Gulla has been appointed as President at Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA). She has 30 years of hospitality experience.
• St. Regis Longboat Key Resort appoints Winfred van Workum as General Manager. She brings a rich tapestry of skills and a passion for outstanding service to this highly anticipated launch, set to open its doors, Summer of 2024.
• Kierra Moore has been promoted as Hotel Manager at Arlo Chicago. She will continue to oversee the operational duties and departments and help further grow the brand through the Chicago property, which opened in April 2023.
• AC Hotel Jacksonville St. Johns Town Center appoints Hope Jenkins as General Manager. She organized parties, painted faces, led arts and crafts, and sang the birthday song "a little off-key," she admits, "and more times than I can count!"
• Quentin Jones has been appointed as Director of Sales at AC Hotel Jacksonville St. Johns Town Center. He brings a background in luxury, full-service, and convention hotels to his director of sales role at AC Hotel Jacksonville.
• Terrance Kinman joins AC Hotel Jacksonville St. Johns Town Center as Food & Beverage Manager. He has earned a variety of accolades, including ClubCorp's Rising Star Award and multiple Hilton Garden Inn Team Member of the Month awards.
• Sanjiv Hulugalle named Managing Director at Hotel del Coronado. His areas of focus will include an elevated service culture, curation of a rich array of signature programming and culinary experiences.
• Hotel Valencia Santana Row appoints Marie Menard as Director of Sales & Marketing. She will spearhead operations for all sales and marketing efforts introducing innovative strategies to position Hotel Valencia Santana Row as a leading player in the industry.
• Phillip Blane has been appointed as General Manager at Hotel Heron in Alexandria. He developed a fondness for the burgeoning and community-centric city of Alexandria, leading him to join Aparium Hotel Group to open the new 134-room Hotel Heron.
• Harry Francis has been appointed as Director of Lifestyle at Hotel Heron in Alexandria. He is a vibrant and passionate hospitality and entertainment professional with more than 10 years of experience
• Heather Rodgers named Director of Sales at Hotel Heron in Alexandria. Her extensive experience spans global hotel chains such as Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and independently branded hotels.
• James Winning has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Pendry Manhattan West. He will oversee the sales, marketing and public relations efforts for the property situated within the Manhattan West development.
• Craig S. Smith named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Aimbridge Hospitality. He oversees more than 2,500 hotels worldwide - two-thirds of which were brand-managed—across 28 iconic brands in 136 countries and territories.
• Romer Waikīkī at The Ambassador appoints Marla Kelly as Complex Director of Sales and Marketing. She will be responsible for spearheading all sales initiatives aimed at optimizing revenue and overall profitability.
• Susan Hanlon has been appointed as Northeast Regional Sales Director at Velas Resorts. He  is responsible for managing sales and events in the MICE industry in the Northeast region of the United States.
• Granzow named Director of Sales and Marketing at Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile. She brings 28 years of expertise and a remarkable track record of achievements to the hotel.
• Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) appoints Janette Acosta Sanchez as Canada Country Director. She oversees the bringing together of constituents and focus areas at multiple Canadian events throughout each year.
• Suzanne Heller has been promoted as VP of Accounting at Hotel Equities Group, LLC. she oversees various aspects of financial management to include day-to-day operations, with a primary focus on maintaining accurate and timely financial records.
• Hotel Equities Group, LLC promotes Hyangsoon Ha as VP of Finance & Accounting. She oversees financial reporting and analyzes data that supports decision-making and long-term financial strategy planning in both Canada and the United States.
• Kathleen Bates joined Lodging Dynamics Hospitality Group as Vice President of Operations. She developed an operational platform to support critical services and processes for a seamless customer experience while ensuring critical outcomes for the company.
• Collin Thornton named Director of Food and Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. He will leverage his extensive culinary experience to lead all food and beverage operations for the resort, service staff, and back of house teams.
• Will Rentschler joined Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection as General Manager. He will also oversee the overall guest experience, including a new welcome area in the main Lodge and two new restaurant concepts.
• Davide Barnes has been promoted as General Manager at Halekulani. He responsible for all day-to-day operations and performance of the legendary, globally acclaimed property.
• Jacob Kipping has been appointed as General Manager of Enchantment Resort at Mii Amo Spa. He will oversee all day-to-day operations of Enchantment and will collaborate with General Manager of Mii amo. 

Europe​

• Vincent Billiard has been promoted as Regional VP, Central and North Europe and Managing Director of Hôtel de Crillon at Rosewood Hotel Group. Under his leadership, Rosewood Hotel has been awarded several coveted accolades.
• Rosewood Hotel Group promotes Jeong Lee as Vice President, Design, Global. Her key responsibilities will include guiding the creative process, ensuring design consistency, and maintaining the unique identity of each property.
• Trish Luyckx has been promoted as Chief Design and Project Services Officer at Rosewood Hotel Group in Amsterdam. she will continue to lead hotel design projects for the Group's current portfolio and pipeline of new hotels and residences.
• Michelle Lee has been appointed as General Manager at Pullman Bangkok Hotel G. With an extensive background in hospitality and 25 years of sales and operational leadership experience, She is poised to bring a fresh perspective and dynamic leadership to our team.
• Owen Ellender named Senior Development Manager at Whitbread PLC. He will be concentrating on development opportunities across Whitbread's existing hotel estate, with a particular focus on adding new guest bedrooms to the company's trading locations.
• Daniella Foster has been appointed as Vice Chair at Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. She will work alongside Wolfgang M. Neumann as Vice Chair, supporting the Alliance as it works towards implementing its new five-year strategy.
• Amadeus appoints Maria Taylor as Senior Vice President of Marketing, Partnerships, and Commercial Operations, Hospitality. She has extensive industry knowledge and dedication to customer satisfaction.
• Alex Dallocchio has been appointed as General Manager at Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel. He will oversee the pre-opening strategy and lead the team in curating a new series of exceptional experiences as Romazzino prepares to reopen in 2024.
• Stijn Oyen named Managing Director at Design Hotels AG. He will lead Design Hotels into its fourth decade of operation—shaping the future vision of the travel industry's most forward-thinking brand.
• Suzanne Speak has been appointed as Managing Director UK & Ireland at Radisson Hotel Group. She brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked across a number of renowned hotel brands throughout her time in the industry.
• Cameron House appoints Michael Lavizani as Resort Director. He is an entrepreneurial and strategic leader, he began his career in hospitality as an Assistant Manager with the 5-star hotel The Royal Horseguards.
• Jean-Louis Amice has been appointed as Chief Human Resources Officer at Louvre Hotels Group. He will be responsible for leading the Group's Human Resources strategy.
• Xavier Destribats named COO Europe & The Americas at Kempinski Hotels. In line with the company's strategic plans of expansion in the Americas, and the immediate need of strong leadership presence in the region, he has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer.
• Pierre-Louis Renou joined Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel as General Manager. He has an impressive international background, having held pivotal roles in renowned hotel groups such as Concorde Hotels, Hilton, Barrière, and Accor.
• Megan Morikawa named Chair at The Travel Foundation. She will work closely with Travel Foundation CEO Jeremy Sampson to forge new partnerships, recruit new trustees, and serve as an ambassador for the organisation to the industry.
• Eliot Sandiford has been promoted as Vice President of Public Relations & Partnerships at The Set Collection. His vision and leadership will drive the company's continued growth and success in an increasingly competitive landscape.
• Gabriele Maessen named Senior Consultant at Kohl > Partner in Berlin. She will be responsible for strategic consulting for hotel businesses at Kohl & Partner - a further step in the expansion of tourism consulting in Germany.
• James Wheatcroft has been appointed as Chair, Marketing & Branding Advisory Board at HSMAI Region Europe. With an extensive background spanning biotech, professional services, FMCG, and hospitality sectors, he has navigated diverse industries.
• Andrea Signanini named Director of Food and Beverage at Pan Pacific London. He will oversee F&B across all aspects of the luxury hotel and its six outlets, in-room dining and banqueting, ensuring the highest standards of service.

Asia

• Vicki Hall has been promoted as VP, Project Services, Global at Rosewood Hotel Group. She will provide crucial guidance on all projects and renovations, ensuring that the integrity and standards of the brand remain a. t the forefront of design and quality control.
• Nisarat Saikrajang has been appointed as Business Development Manager at FutureLog Asia Pacific Ltd. She is responsible for expanding the market share and customer base of the industry's leading procure-to-pay software as a service platform for the hospitality industry.
• Rachael Lee named Director of Business Development, Asia at FutureLog Singapore Pte Ltd. Sentosa was where she laid her foundation in the tourism and hospitality industry, forging strategic partnerships across sectors and driving sales through innovation.
• Sam Giles has been appointed as General Manager at 202 Elizabeth. He is looking forward to continuing to build the momentum of 202 Elizabeth which has captivated the hearts and minds of locals and visitors to Sydney.
• Pakkapol Muangsirithum has been appointed as Hotel Manager at U Inchantree Kanchanaburi. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his elevated role at U Inchantree Kanchanaburi.
• Jari Nielsen joins Eastin Ashta Resort Canggu as General Manager. He Brings a wealth of international experience and a proven track record of successful hotel operations leadership.
• Chutima Kaewta-Fortescue has been appointed as General Manager at Eastin Grand Sathorn. She has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
• Masdhooq Saeed named General Manager at Sun Siyam Iru Veli in Male. He brings a wealth of experience from renowned brands such as One&Only Resorts, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, and Six Senses Hotels, Resorts and Spas.
• Lawrence Ng has been appointed as SVP Sales & Marketing at Langham Hospitality Group. He brings a wealth of experience and strategic acumen that will clearly help LHG further its aims to drive growth and elevate its brands.
• InterContinental Bali Resort appoints Bruno Cristol as General Manager. He has more than three decades in the hospitality industry, Bruno brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.
• Anna Rohm named General Manager at Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa. She will lead the team in delivering operational excellence and innovative guest experiences at our premium 5-star haven located in the idyllic travel destination of Pattaya, Na Jomtien Beach.
• Marriott International appoints Kelly Russell as Area Director, Sales & Distribution - Australia, New Zealand & Pacific. She will spearhead sales strategies, cultivating key relationships with partners to maximize revenue opportunities.
• Carsten Siebert has been appointed as Senior Area Director of Operations Australia, New Zealand and Pacific at Marriott International. She will support the company's 47 hotels and resorts in ANZP to deliver operational excellence.
• Mihir Dwivedi named Front Office Manager at Aloft New Delhi Aerocity. He will elevate the guest experiences through his expertise and innovative approach.
• Colin McClean has been appointed as General Manager at QT Wellington. He brings more than 18 years' experience in the country's hotel industry, excelling in commercial strategy and operational acumen.
• Jodi Brown has been appointed as General Manager at QT Auckland. She led a 12-month full-scale refurbishment and rebrand at Atura Hotel Albury, before holding notable leadership roles at QT Sydney, Eos by SkyCity Adelaide, and SkyCity Hospitality.
• Masahisa Oba named Managing Director at The Peninsula Bangkok. He brings over 20 years of invaluable experience in the hotel industry.
• Rohit Pandey joined Anantara Jaipur Hotel as General Manager. He will lead the launch and positioning of the group's first Anantara in India.
• Remi Van Peteghem has been appointed as Director of Culinary at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. He brings three decades of culinary experience including with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants around the world.
• Ruben Nair named Marketing Manager at Conrad Bengaluru. He will spearhead strategic marketing initiatives, brand development, sales and customer engagement strategies to further strengthen the property as a premier destination for luxury hospitality.
• Frank Sorgiovanni has been appointed as VP of Development (Asia Pacific) at SH Hotels & Resorts in Bangkok. He will pursue new development opportunities, offering expert guidance as SH Hotels & Resorts actively expands its presence throughout the region.
• Gaurav Bisht has been promoted as Food & Beverage Manager at Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences. He brings nearly a decade of extensive experience in the hospitality industry.
• Ammarawadee Cheowit has been appointed as General Manager at NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort. She brings over 13 years of hotel management experience to her new role.
• Shawwaf Ismail named Food & Beverage Manager at Gili Lankanfushi. He will oversee day-to-day operations across the island's numerous restaurants and bars.
• Ken Yong joins Dao by Dorsett AMTD as General Manager. Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore, located at OUE Downtown in Singapore's business district, is known for its innovative apart-hotel model, providing contemporary and flexible living spaces.

­­
South America​

• Lanette Torres has been appointed as Director of Sales, Marketing & Events at Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino. She has proven successes in maximizing hotel revenue through market analysis, sales strategies and initiatives.
• Michael Näther named General Manager at Casa de Sierra Nevada, a Belmond Hotel. He is a seasoned veteran of the luxury hospitality industry who brings more than 35 years of experience to his new role.

­­Carribean​

• Anja Frankenbach has been appointed as General Manager at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. She began her career with Marriott International in 2002 at Hotel Arts Barcelona.
• Carol Maldonado named Cluster Director of Sales at Grace Bay Resorts. She brings her extensive experience and exceptional track record in elevating global sales and marketing efforts in the luxury hotel industry.
• John Hazard has been appointed as Managing Director at Grace Bay Club in Providenciales. He oversees the completion of its multi-year, multi-million-dollar renovation initiative which includes a new beach club concept and beachfront cabanas.

Middle East​

• Lama Al Obaidli has been appointed as Assistant Director of Human Resources at Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya. She will be instrumental in cultivating a vibrant and supportive work environment, leveraging her extensive background and enthusiasm for human resources.
• Jose Rocha named Director of Operations & Culinary Operations at Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai. With a 34-year career within the Hyatt family, he brings extensive expertise to his role.
• Jan Attallah has been promoted as Director of Sales & Marketing at Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel Dubai. He will spearhead sales and marketing endeavours for the hotel, and guiding his teams to enhance the hotel's prominence in Dubai's hospitality landscape.
• Philip Barnes has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Rotana. Completing almost 25 years as part of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, he held several senior leadership positions worldwide.
• Madhav Baru Venkata named Director of Business Development, MEA at FutureLog Middle East FZ LLC. He is a seasoned IT Software & Solutions sales professional with 18+ years of experience.
• Tyrone Lodder has been appointed as General Manager at Novotel Muscat Airport. He will oversee the hotel's daily operations and management, with a focus on maintaining high standards for stakeholders.
• Emre Kocamustafaogullari named General Manager at Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha. He has more than 25 years of expertise in the luxury hospitality industry, has been with Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha since 2019.
• Stefanie Trombetta has been appointed as Cluster Director of Revenue at Fairmont Dubai, Ajman, and Fujairah. She will lead revenue optimization initiatives, drawing on her extensive industry expertise to guide department heads towards maximising revenue opportunities.
• Radi Ali Baz joined Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi as Director of Sales & Marketing. His leadership was evident in the successful launch of new dining outlets and the rebranding of existing ones.
• Sushanth Nambiar has been appointed as Cluster General Manager at Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Novotel and Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate. He brings extensive experience and a successful background in the hospitality sector.
• Pranav Vohra named Cluster Commercial Director at IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City. He will oversee critical revenue-generating functions such as partnerships, distribution channels, and pricing strategies.
• Jose Rocha has been appointed as Director of Operations at Hyatt Centric Jumeirah. With a stellar 34-year career within the Hyatt family, he brings extensive expertise to his role.
• Damon Wright named Director of Beverage and Food at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. He has more than 15 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, with a specific focus on food and beverage operations.
• Jean-Paul Slap joined W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island as Director of Rooms. He brings an impressive background of over 20 years in the hospitality industry.
• Mohammed Ali has been appointed as Director of Security at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. With over 15 years of dedicated service in the security sector within the UAE.
• Monika Tritz named General Manager at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar. She  will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the island's operations, with a focus on enhancing the residents' stay to new levels of comfort, luxury, and sophistication.
• Ahmad Ghosheh has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Mövenpick Jumeirah Beach. His focus will be on enhancing sales performance, fostering strategic alliances, and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders.
• Marie Bernadette Ortiguerra joined Radisson Blu Resort, Fujairah as Marketing & Communications Manager. Her accomplishments also include successfully launching the first Swissotel in the UAE, an AccorHotels venture in 2017, and the largest Rotana Hotels.
• Timur Sentuerk named COO Middle East and Africa at Kempinski Hotels. He has been instrumental over the past two years to the operational success within the two regions and managed the regional offices in both Europe and MEA.
• Bob Busman has been appointed as Director of Operations at Millennium Plaza Downtown Dubai. He is responsible for managing all operational facets of the hotel.
• Oliviero Cassini joined The Lux Collective (TLC) as Chief Development Officer – EMEA. His expertise includes Development Management, Private Equity, Asset Management and Strategy Advisory across the globe.
• Ahmed Sleiman named Food & Beverage Manager at Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha. He will play a key role in leading efforts to enhance operational efficiency and elevate the dining experience for guests.