The Boutique Search Firm
Heads Above the Rest - May 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 78,000 in April. Job growth continued in food services and drinking places (+44,000) and accommodation (+22,000).
• Employment in leisure and hospitality is down by 1.4 million, or 8.5 percent, since February 2020.

 
Recent Appointments
   
North America:​

• Alan Klein has been appointed as Area General Manager at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, part of Curio Collection by Hilton. He is a veteran of the hospitality industry with more than three decades of experience.
• The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, part of Curio Collection by Hilton announces Ken Arneson as its new Executive Chef. He will utilize his 14 years of expertise to serve in a dual role overseeing culinary operations.
• The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch appoints Tim Keough as Director of Sales & Marketing. He will lead the event management initiatives and develop new activities and special events for the resort.
• The St. Regis Washington D.C. is proud to announce Elias Assaly as General Manager of the celebrated hotel. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role and his appointment marks his return to the St. Regis family.
• Jessica Candy has been appointed as Director of Spa at Montage Kapalua Bay. She worked in numerous management positions at spa wellness spaces, and medical facilities across the country.
• DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Scottsdale Paradise Valley announced the appointment of Anthony Salah as its new General Manager. He started his career as a pot washer at the age of 14 and rose through the food and beverage ranks at various Hyatt-branded hotels.
• Mar Monte Hotel, a part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt Brand is pleased to announce the appointment of Gunnar Planter as the new Executive Chef. He is dedicated to serving the highest quality food with an emphasis on local ingredients and purveyors.
• Andre Fournier has been promoted to Chief Commercial Officer at CoralTree Hospitality. He will be instrumental in developing and leading customer experience and innovation strategies. 
• Jonathan Carlisle has been appointed as Director of Sales at The Springhill Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Midtown. He brings over 5 years of hospitality experience to his new role.
• Fairmont Dallas appointed Edward Searle as its new Director of Food & Beverage. He brings over 20 years of hotel and free-standing food and beverage and leadership to his new position.
• Fairmont Dallas welcomes George Sous as the new Director of Rooms. He will oversee all functions of the Rooms Division and Loss Prevention for the 545-room hotel. 
• Convene announced the appointment of Craig Bennett to the role of General Manager. He brings with him 25 years of combined experience in the hospitality sector.
• Monica Bewak has been appointed as the Director of Sales at Convene. The appointment come at a pivotal time as businesses rethink how to bring their people and clients together productively.
• Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island announces the appointment of Sylvia Wardzala as the General Manager. She is passionate about providing exemplary guest experiences at the beach-front resort.
• Seamus Mullen named Culinary Director at Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park. He will oversee the creative aspects of the culinary program across the hotel's three outlets and in-room dining, from menu development to the curation of new food and beverage experiences.
• Michael Gray has been appointed Global Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Nomadix, Inc. in Woodland Hills. He will closely align key technology initiatives with hospitality brand partners to increase value around products and services and meet their unique standards and requirements.
• The St. Regis Deer Valley announced the appointment of new Executive Chef, Alex Malmborg. He is a high-performing culinarian with more than 30 years of experience.
• Omni Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce that Kurt Alexander has been appointed President of the company. He will assume his new role on May 1, 2022, after spending the last five years as the company's CFO.
• Peter Strebel named as Chairman at Omni Hotels in Dallas. He has been an outstanding leader for Omni Hotels & Resorts over the past four years.
• Breann Levinson has been appointed as General Manager at Hyatt Regency Westlake. He began her hospitality career at the Hyatt Regency Westlake as a catering and sales assistant.
• Jason Doebrich has been appointed as Vice President of Technology at Virgin Hotels. He will be responsible for the brand's continued growth and innovation in the technology space.
• Hilton Aventura Miami is pleased to welcome seasoned industry veteran German Villa as the new Director of Sales and Marketing. He has a proven track record of leading luxury resorts and teams, including Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Resort & Spa, Trump International Beach Resort and Ocean Point Resort & Spa, among others.
• Marcos Flores is named as Executive Chef at Hilton Aventura Miami. He brings with him over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
• Ennismore announces the appointment of Sara Aqel as the global Executive Chef of Fi'lia. She led a talented team of women, creating unique stories through her dishes and seeing potential in every ingredient in the kitchen. 
• David Kolner named Executive Vice President at Virtuoso. Since joining Virtuoso in 2008 as part of the technology team, he has held several strategic leadership roles.
• Michelle Rashid has been promoted as Senior Vice President, Culture & Human Resources at Virtuso. She is responsible for driving the vision and execution of organisational design and leadership effectiveness.
• Jennifer Campbell has been appointed as Senior Vice President, Network Products & Events at Virtuso. Her expanded responsibilities include leading a team of product professionals and highly talented matrixed teams of designers, engineers, and subject matter experts.
• Dino Pietropaolo joins Optii Solutions as Chief Technology Officer. In his role, he helped to build a unified AI-driven analytics platform for financial institutions.
• John Hearns has been appointed as Director of Operations at Viewline Resort Snowmass. He brings an impressive understanding of food and beverage management particularly within the luxury hotel space.
• Viewline Resort Snowmass appoints Craig Waterman as its new Complex General Manager. He is a graduate of the University of California and launched his career with leading brands across the U.S.
• Ashley Stokes has been appointed as Director of Group Sales & Events at Miraval Berkshires. In this role, she will help lead the sales and events team to achieve group sales goals and develop prospecting campaigns.
• Matt De Guzman has been appointed as Hotel Manager at Mission Pacific Hotel, a Jdv Hotel in Oceanside. He started his hospitality career with Highpointe Hotel Corporation in New Orleans, serving as Manager on Duty at Hampton Inn and Suites. 
• Ryan Smith has been appointed as Hotel Manager at The Seabird Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel. He has spent nearly 15 years with Hyatt Hotels Corporation. 
• The Slate Denver, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Poompan as the property's new Executive Chef. He will oversee all food and beverage operations of the new 251-room hotel.
• Crystal Kennedy has recently been named Area Director of Sales for The Statler, a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel managed by Aimbridge Hospitality. In her role, she will also lead sales at Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre.
• Nishant (Neal) Patel is the new Chairman of Asian Association Hotel Owners Association. He is inspired to give back to the hospitality industry through service.
• Hotel Cerro is pleased to announce the appointment of Anna Olson to the role of General Manager of the boutique property, located in San Luis Obispo. He is a seasoned professional with more than 27 years of industry roles and valuable destination experience.
• Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is pleased to announce the promotion of Jillian Stevens to the role of Director of Meetings and Special Events. She will oversee the strategic business planning for the Meetings and Events department at the resort.
• Shane Batchelor has been appointed as Director of Operations at Dream Nashville. He will oversee all aspects of operations for the boutique property's 168 art deco-inspired guest rooms.
• Pari Sawant has been appointed as Product Officer at Elavon, Inc. in Atlanta. He will oversee the organization's global product management efforts and a worldwide team.
• Gregg Forde has been promoted as President & COO at Island Hospitality Management LLC. In his new role, he will oversee the company's day-to-day operations and overall strategic vision.
• APRON and The Rooftop at the Overland are pleased to announce Drew Kirkland as its new Executive Chef. He now oversees daily operations and menu ideation for APRON and The Rooftop.
• Jon Boggs has been promoted to General Manager of LONs at the Hermosa. He brings with him over 30 years’ experience of food and beverage leadership.
• Choice Hotels International, Inc has appointed Megan Brumagim to the newly created role of vice president of environmental, social and governance (ESG). She will lead Choice's sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Four Seasons Resorts Lanai has announced the appointment of Avi Phookan as Resort Manager, where he will lead the day-to-day operations at the Resort, along with overseeing rooms, spa, food and beverage and engineering.
• Collective Retreats has announced Nicholas Wirth's appointment as General Manager. He brings over eighteen years of hospitality experience to the property.
• Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection announced the appointment of Pete Alles as General Manager of the award-winning resort. With over 20 years of hospitality experience, he will oversee all operations for the property.
• Derek Watson has been promoted to Director of Professional Services at M3. He has been with M3 since the start of the M3 Professional Services department in 2014. 
• Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa announces Jeff Perkins as the new General Manager of the Dana Point, Calif. hotel. The resort is managed and operated by Aimbridge Hospitality.
• Hampton Inn New Smyrna Beach hotel announced the appointment of Fiona O'Connor as Director of Sales. The 112-room property located at 214 Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach, Florida is owned by Key International and managed by LBA Hospitality.
• Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa has named Edgar Maldonado as its new Executive Chef. He will oversee the culinary operation for all seven of the resort's dining venues as well as banquets. 
• Rockbridge announced the hiring of Tom Healy as President and Chief Operating Officer of Rockbridge Hospitality. He brings more than 30-years of hospitality leadership experience to this new role.
• Hilton Anaheim is proud to announce the promotion of Juan M. Lopez to Executive Chef. He will continue to oversee all culinary operations for Hilton Anaheim's 3 restaurants and catering services.
• Manny Baber has been appointed as General Manager at Hotel Indigo and Staybridge Suites Dundee. He brings with him over 25 years of experience in managing F&B and hotel operations. 
• The Ritz-Carlton is pleased to announce that Michael Rostafin has been appointed new Chef de Cuisine. In this role, he will oversee all menu creation and execution for the hotel's popular and award-winning food and beverage outlets including Artisan Bistro and Avery Bar.
• Jay Donahue has been appointed as Executive Chef at Shaker + Spear at Kimpton Palladian Hotel. He is looking forward to refining the menu to create coastal cuisine prepared with local, sustainable ingredients. 
• Sean Collins has been appointed as Executive Chef at Marina del Rey Hotel. With over 16 years of experience pushing the boundaries in the culinary world, he will serve guests and locals alike flavorful California cuisine at the hotel's picturesque restaurant, SALT. 
• The Kinney San Luis Obispo, Tapestry Collection by Hilton has announced the appointment of Billy Haynes as its new Executive Chef. He brings 15 years of extensive culinary experience to Leroy's located inside The Kinney SLO.
• Patrick Andersen has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at CWT in America. He served as Chief Strategy Officer and before that President of the Americas.
• Jim Shepherd joined CWT in America as Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance. He brings more than 20 years senior leadership experience in the areas of finance, strategy, and operational excellence.
• CWT has appointed Lisa Papageorge as Vice President Treasurer. Before joining CWT, she was Treasurer at Service King Collisions Repairs, where she was responsible for the company's implementation of cash management programs. 
• Julia Kou has been appointed as Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Office at CWT. She has been responsible for the effective alignment of CWT's strategic plans to its investments.
• Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts names Phillip Allen as President. He will drive the continued growth and success of the collection of bespoke hotels located in the world's most distinguished golf destinations.
• Brian Leaf has been promoted as Vice President, Capital Markets, Head of Internal Sales at Peachtree Hotel Group, LLC. He will continue to identify opportunities and broaden funding sources with financial advisors with a keen focus on assuming a greater leadership role in guiding the strategy and direction of the internal sales team.
• John Pedlow has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Pacifica Hotels. He brings over 25 years of operations and revenue experience to the Pacifica Hotels team.
• MMGY Global is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Schultz as its Executive Vice President of Global Media Strategy. Since 2007, she has held roles across media, analytics, and integrated planning throughout her tenure. 
• Mia R. Wise has been promoted as Executive Vice President of Global HR at MMGY Global. She is an accomplished employee relations and operations expert with more than 30 years of experience.
• Chi Lee joined HKS as Austin Office Director|Principal.  He has spent the past 18 years growing the urban development of the Austin community with numerous projects.
• Brad Wilkins has been appointed as Design Leader at KHS. He brings an extensive portfolio of more than 100 projects that span 20 countries.
• The Orlando Bonnet Creek properties of Hilton Hotels is pleased to announce the promotion of Justin Jaret to Complex Director of Food & Beverage. He will oversee 15 departments, including 13 food and beverage outlets.
• The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon, Vail Valley is excited to announce that it has hired Natalie LaVire as a Catering Sales & Events Manager. He brings with him more than 10 years of event and hospitality experience.

  
Europe:​

• Nitesh Lama has been appointed as Director of Sales at De Vere Latimer Estate and DeVere Horsley Estate in Buckinghamshire. He joins the group with over 14 years' experience working in sales and with over 12 years spent working in the hospitality industry.
• Kempinski Hotels announced the appointment of Timur Sentuerk as Chief Operating Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa. He is a strong hospitality leader who has worked with iconic hospitality brands.
• One & Only kea Island has appointed Jerome Colson as its new General Manager. It will be home to a collection of 75 elegant resort villas and an enviable collection of Private Homes. 
• Tessa Gorman has been appointed as General Manager by One & Only Portonovi. She drove success across numerous metrics, including room rate, employee engagement and revenue. 
• 45 Park Lane appoints Elliott Grover as its Executive Chef. He oversees the culinary direction of the hotel including Wolfgang Puck's famed restaurant CUT at 45 Park Lane.
• The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London is delighted to announce the appointment of Head Pastry Chef, Pierre Morvan. He will lead the pastry team and oversee menus across the property.
• Wilma Erskine, OBE, BEM has been appointed as Brand Ambassador at The Dunluce Lodge. She is well known in golfing circles both in the UK and USA.
• Firmdale is delighted to announce the appointment of Laura Sharpe as the new Director of Operations, where she will oversee the group's 8 London hotels. 
• Nicolas Pompigne – Mognard has been appointed as Board Advisor at Africa Hospitality Investment Forum. He is also a member of the Task Force for the FIFA - CAF Infrastructure Development Project.
• Matthias Sieber – Wagner joins Intercity Hotel Frankfurt Airport as General Manager. He took on the additional responsibility of heading up the Intercity Hotel Frankfurt Airport on 1 April 2022. 
• The Dorchester announces the appointment of Michael Kwan as Executive Pastry Chef. Bringing over 14 years' experience in pastry with him, he will lead the 25-strong brigade of chefs and bakers.
• Sara Aqel has been promoted to Executive Chef of Fi'lia restaurant. In her new role, not only will she lead the SLS Dubai outlet, but also Fi'lia locations in Miami's SLS Brickell, South Beach and SLS Baha Mar in the Bahamas.
• Bobby Bazemore has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Six Senses Ibiza. He started his career working in tech with clients including Soho House, before eventually jumping in-house and joining the group in 2010.
• Accor India, Middle East, Africa, and Turkey has appointed Laure Morvan as Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead the development team driving the Group's strategic expansion while consolidating its leading position in the region. 
• Onefinestay has announced the appointment of Michael Friedman as Chief Operating Officer - Americas. His responsibilities include oversight of supply and demand of all direct and indirect onefinestay accommodations across the U.S.
• Karim Shawky has been promoted as Director of Operations at Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City. He has worked at the hotel since 2018 as director of rooms, working across front office, housekeeping, reservations, gym, and pool operations.
• Mika Kiljunen joined Meeting Package as Chief Operating Officer (COO). It is a company voted as the 2022 best online venue booking software globally, has attracted more well-known professionals to its leadership team. 
• Jussi Virtanen joined Meeting Package as VP of Design. He has been the go-to person in the Nordics for many scale-ups.
• Meeting Package has appointed Ahti Urb as its Engineering Manager. He aims to build sustainable processes for the growth ahead.
• Cycas welcomed Dean Rossilli as VP Operations. He joins from ONYX Hospitality Group, where he was Area General Manager and had spent four years working for the operator in Malaysia.
• Luc Vicherd has been promoted as VP Operations at Cycas Hospitality.  He will continue overseeing Cycas's French and Swiss portfolio - including its two dual-brand hotels by Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.
• Bill Burnett, who joined Cycas Hospitality in January 2020, becomes VP Operations for the fast-growing company, taking on responsibility for Cycas's properties in Southwest and Northern UK.
• Vincent Panouillot is the newest General manager to join the Cycas team. He brings in-depth knowledge of the Parisian market following recent roles with Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels and Marriott International.
• The Westin Hotel in Dublin has appointed Joanne Dillon as its new General Manager. She was most recently general manager at Dublin's Trinity City Hotel, where she oversaw several hotel expansions and refurbishments. 
• Firmdale Hotels is delighted to announce the appointment of Martin Sweeney as Head Chef at Covent Garden Hotel. He will be responsible for overseeing the hotel's restaurant Brasserie Max. 
• Custodio Barreiros joined RevenueHacks, the global #3 podcast for Hospitality as Host & Producer Revenue Hacks. He brings a vast commercial and operational experience from his many years spent in hospitality and from the technology vendor side of the industry.
• Marie-Noële Schwartzmann will become the new Chief Development Officer of Deutsche Hospitality. She succeeds Claus-Dieter Jandel who has decided at his own request to retire after more than 40 years with the company.
• Fattal Hotel is proud to announce the appointment of Ronen Nissenbaum as CEO of UK, Ireland, Benelux and Spain for Fattal Hotels, effective as of 1.4.2022. He will be in charge of our operational activities and the development of our company in the mentioned countries and will explore the possibilities for expansion into the U.S.

  
South America:​

• MCR names William White as Chief Financial Officer. He has been an integral member of the management team. He will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations as well as the acquisitions.
• Ocean House Collection announced the appointment of Daniel Abrashoff as General Manager. He brings with him more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, including experience with other Relais & Chateaux, Forbes, and luxury destinations.
• The Ranch at Rock Creek is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeremy Belnap as General Manager. His career spans nearly 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
• Commonwealth Hotels announced today that Jeremy Daniuk has been appointed as the Dual Director of Sales of the Hyatt House and the Hyatt Place Chicago/ Naperville/ Warrenville. He brings over 20 years of hospitality experience to his new role.
• The Chanler at Cliff Walk has named Christopher Roberts as Director of Food and Beverage. He joins the team with 20 years of hospitality experience and extensive travel throughout the world.
• Vinod Narayan has been appointed as General Manager at Etereo, Auberge Resorts Collection in Riviera Maya. He brings knowledge of the luxury hospitality industry and the region's demands.
• Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya appoints Francisco Vargas as its new Executive Chef. He brings over 18 years of culinary experience in the restaurant and luxury hospitality space to the resort.
• Jersai Miranda Sanchez has been appointed as Head Chef at Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya. He studied at the Culinary College of Morelia, and during this time, traveled around the country to learn about ingredients, cultures, techniques and flavors.
• Emilio Gonzalez has been named as Head Chef at Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya. He creates expertly handcrafted sushi and seafood dishes alongside his team.
• Markus Laahanen has been appointed as General Manager at NIZUC Resort & Spa. He was graduated with honors in Hotel Management in Neuchatel Switzerland.
• Giancarlo Goeta has been appointed as Commercial Director at Conrad Riviera Maya & Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All – Inclusive Resort. He is responsible for sales performance metrics.
• Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort announced the appointment of Felix Schlokat as its new Hotel Manager. He manages the administration of all day-to-day hotel services and activities at the new 735-room hotel.
• Dimension Hospitality promotes Don Molinich to Chef at Scottsdale Paradise Valley Resort. His responsibilities will include all aspects of the resort’s food and beverage operation.
• Hotel Crescent Court welcomes Shah Adil as Area Managing Director. He will be responsible for managing the hotel’s day-to-day success.
• Hotel Viking is delighted to announce new leadership, with the appointment of Adrienne Willis as Spa Director. He leads the spa’s unique East meets West spa philosophies.
• Visit Greater Palm Springs is pleased to announce the hiring of Carolina Viazcan as Vice President of Sales. Viazcan brings more than 20 years of tourism sales experience to the role.
• KSL Resorts has promoted Michael Palmeri to chief investment officer. He will continue to direct KSL Resorts’ investments and business development division with an expanded focus

  
Middle East:​

• Khalid Saeed has been appointed as Hotel Manager at Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection in Dubai. He has worked at Habtoor Hospitality since 2002, starting as the night manager of the Metropolitan Hotel Dubai. 
• The Ritz – Carlton DIFC announces the appointment of Kristen Parkins as Director of Sales & Marketing. She has extensive experience in training and leading a sales team to meet the targets and budgets.
• Aurelio Giraudo has been appointed as Cluster General Manager at Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. He has been in the industry for over four decades.
• The Iconic 5-star Hotel Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira is pleased to announce the promotion of Emad Ramzy to Hotel Manager. He brings more than 14 years of hospitality experience to the role.
• Al Raha Beach Resort in Abu Dhabi has appointed Hussain Dagher as its Executive Chef. He brings almost 30 years of culinary experience.
• Soley Uzulmez named Sales Director at Four Seasons Hotel Doha. She has over a decade of hospitality experience, starting out in her home country Turkey as a sales executive within the Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel. 
• Samir Lazaar has been appointed as Restaurant Manager at Cleo at Hyde Hotel Dubai. He has now been promoted to his most senior role to date.
• Studio M Al Barsha appoints Dani Moaccad as Hotel Manager. His most recent position before working with Millennium was with Dusit International as an operations manager.
• Atlantis The Palm Dubai has a new director of restaurants. F&B expert Fredericos Tsaparas steps into the role with almost a decade of regional experience behind him.
• The Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi has named Vasko Baletic as its new Director of Sales.  It is his first time as a director of sales, having previously held a number of increasingly senior sales roles in the industry.
• Mark Hehir has been appointed as General Manager at Jumeriah Zabeel Saray. With 38 years of experience, he has held senior executive roles with major global hospitality brands across Asia.
• Rafael Gonzalez Ensesa joins Jumeirah Living Marina Gate as General Manager. He looks to elevate the reputation of luxury residential hospitality.
• Abdel Rahman Abdel Shafi has been promoted to General Manager at Fsirmont Fujairah Beach Resort.  He was responsible for pursuing outstanding quality of operations and performance of the hotel.
• Antonio Ostuni named Director of Operations at Sofitel Dubai The Palm.  He steps up to the role from his previous position of director of F&B.
• The Rixos Bab Al Bahr resort brings in Korgun Guzelgun as Food & Beverage Manager. He will also have a hand in in-house catering for private events.
• Mona Metwally has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Back to press releases Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea. She was hired to lead the commercial team and support the property's transformation into a resort while developing her operational skills.
• Grand Mercure Hotel and Residences and Ibis Styles Dubai Airport has a new Cluster Marketing Manager, Cyrine El Klifi. She joins the Accor complex with just over half a decade of experience under her belt.
• Emirates Palace has appointed Toni Mazzurana as its new Food & Beverage Manager. He steps into the iconic five-star with a raft of experience behind him, including stints with Jumeirah Group and Bulgari Hotels and Resorts.
• Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi has announced the appointment of Victoria Nield as the Director of Operations. With more than 20 years of experience, she has worked across all functions of operations.
• Clinton D’Souza has been appointed as Food & Beverage Manager at St. Regis Downtown Dubai. He will oversee Basta, Bleu Blanc, The St. Regis Bar, The Library, and in-room dining.
• Raffles Doha announced the appointment of Endamia Decour as Marketing & Communications. From 2015 all the way until 2021, she was director of PR and communications at the hotel.
• James Reppuhn has been appointed as Executive Chef at The Chedi Muscat – a GHM hotel. In his new role, the versatile chef will oversee culinary operations and provide strategic counsel to reimagine the global cuisine served at eight distinctive F&B venues, including six restaurants and two lounges.
• Zalan Schuster has been appointed as Chief Concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre. He quickly set about learning every detail of Riyadh and making connections with fine-dining restaurants, upscale retailers, and local transportation.
• Gauillaume Besson has been promoted as Director of Sales & Marketing at Andaz Dubai The Palm. He began as a sales executive at Hyatt Regency Dubai and was soon promoted to sales manager. 
• Maria Diaconu has been promoted Director of Sales at Andaz Dubai The Palm. She started her career in the sales department at Grand Hyatt Dubai in 2014.
• Charbel Karam has been appointed as Food & Beverage Manager at Th8 Palm, Managed by Accor. He brings with him over 15 years of experience in hospitality industry.
• Th8 Palm, managed by Accor announced the appointment of Gaurav Gulati as its new Executive Chef with over 20 years of experience in kitchens from across the world.
• Barcelo Hotel Group has appointed Asier Baquero as General Manager at the Occidental Sharjah Grand Resort in UAE. He was most recently the General Manager of the Occidental Menorca Resort in the Balearic Islands, Spain.

  
Asia:​

• Ayesha Bhalla has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. She will strive to create new and sustainable business streams for the hotel and drive the hotel’s revenue performance.
• Park Hyatt Siem Reap has great pleasure in announcing the selection of Rina Mariani as General Manager. She joined the Hyatt family as a convention services manager at Grand Hyatt Bali.
• One & Only Desaru Coast appointed Jerome Pichon as General Manager. He was intrinsically involved in developing concepts for new resorts and supporting the pre-opening operational teams.
• Four Seasons Hotel Singapore announced the appointment of Tobias Emmer as Hotel Manager. He embraces his new home with open arms as he brings with him the unique professional experience.
• Dave Baswal has been promoted as Chief Executive Officer at Ovolo Hotels. With 20 years of experience in hospitality, finance, and real estate management, he has been instrumental in Ovolo's growth.
• Ankush Tandon has been appointed as Director of Rooms at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu. He began his hospitality career in 2006 and has worked across various verticals in reputed hotels spanning 3 continents, 5 countries and 5 brands. 
• CBRE announced today the appointment of Ananth Ramchandran as Head of Advisory & Strategic Transactions, Hotels & Hospitality. He will be responsible for driving the strategic hotel and hospitality transaction business.
• Sandeep Singh has been appointed as the new Director of Operations at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. He is an industry expert with 16 years of experience.
• William Heinecke has been appointed as Board Advisor at Minor International. He joins the Board with over five decades in the industry.
• Minor International has appointed Dillip Rajakarier as Board Advisor. He has propelled MINT's growth to become one of the largest hospitality, restaurant, and lifestyle companies globally.
• Marc Groh has been appointed as General Manager at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat. He brings with him over 25 successful years in the global luxury hospitality industry.
• Mohamed ashraf joins Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island as General Manager. He brings 20 years of experience from across Asia and the Indian Ocean.
• Ewan Taylor has moved as General Manager of the Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas. He has over 13 years of experience working in the hospitality industry.
• Louise Smythe has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Six Senses Fiji. She was fortunate to be offered several opportunities including a position with The Regent Hotel.
• Six Senses Maldives has appointed Michael Vance as Regional Director of Sales and Marketing. He brings more than 15 years of international experience in the high-end hospitality sector to his latest role. 
• Prateek Kumar has been appointed as Senior Vice President – Operations at Dusit International. He will be responsible for enforcing brand quality standards, enhancing customer satisfaction, and delivering optimum financial returns at each property under his supervision.
• Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Chia as General Manager of Island Shangri-La with immediate effect. He is a seasoned hotelier with a career spanning over 30 years of experience.
• Anandha Ruben makes the move to Four Seasons Resort Langkawi as Head Bartender, bringing award-winning experience and a fresh flair to the magical island destination.
• Bruno Rotschaedl has been appointed as General Manager at Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa. He will be responsible for looking after the overall operations and business strategy of the resort.
• Ram Hiralal has been appointed as General Manager at Jumeirah Bali. Jumeirah Bali is now open, an all-villa retreat with a keen focus on dining.

  
Caribbean​

• Royal Sonesta San Juan announced the appointment of Raul Bustamante as General Manager of the beautiful beach-front property. He has over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
• Grace Bay Club is pleased to announce the promotion of Kulbhushan Tyagi as General Manager. Bringing over 23 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including six with Grace Bay Resorts, he will oversee day-to-day operations of the world-renowned property.  

  
Africa:​

• Marriott International has appointed Richard Collins as its Area Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa. In this new role, he oversees the company's managed operations in the region and will be based out of the company's Cape Town office.
• Aleph Hospitality Uganda appoints Aniket Gupta as Hotel Manager. He will be responsible for optimizing the operation of both properties with a focus on food and beverage development.