The Boutique Search Firm
Heads Above the Rest - October 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 little by 83,000 in September, in line with the average monthly job gain over the first 8 months of the year. Within the industry, employment in food services and drinking places rose by 60,000 in September.
• Employment in leisure and hospitality is down by 1.1 million, or 6.7 percent, since February 2020.

 
Recent Appointments
 
­­North America​

• Fabio Pineda has been appointed as Executive Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center. He has more 20 years of culinary experience. 
• Comcast Center announced the appointment of Damien Graef as Jean-Georges Sommelier. He has worked in fine dining restaurants throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, serving in roles from server assistant to general manager.
• Ryan Schmitt has been promoted as Executive Sous Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center.  He will direct daily culinary operations at Jean-Georges Philadelphia, JG SkyHigh, Vernick Fish and Vernick Coffee Bar.
• Comcast Center announced the promotion of Danielle Seipp as Executive Pastry Chef. She will oversee each of the outlet's pastry and bread production.
• Dream Hotel Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Marc Marrone as Corporate Chef. He oversees culinary operations, menu development, creative concepting and strategic execution
• David Scharfstein named Chief Financial Officer at Hotel Equities Group, LLC.  He will lead and support all functions and go forward financial strategy.
• Travis Murray has been appointed as President at McNeill Hotel Company. He will be responsible for day-to-day supervision of McNeill Hotel Company.
• The Ritz-Carlton has appointed Francois Behuet as Executive Pastry Chef. He brings extensive luxury hospitality experience and a deep understanding of the industry landscape.
• Scott Mason has been appointed as General Manager at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa. He has held a variety of leadership roles at some of the brand's top resorts.
• The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach has announced the appointment of Huy Vo as Director of Marketing Communications. In this position, he will lead all global strategic marketing communications efforts.
• Joel Pyser joins Thynk.Cloud at Americas as Chief Executive Officer. He brings a deep understanding of the hospitality technology landscape, he been worked as Senior Vice President of Sales with Amadeus Hospitality.
• M3 has promoted Magan Mizell to Implementation Success Coordinator. She joined M3 in 2018, in this role she will be focused on leading the implementation process for multi-product and enterprise customers throughout the implementation lifecycle from beginning to end.
• My Digital Office (MDO) today announced the appointment of Scott Ryan as President. He has more than 20 years of experience in enterprise software sales and cross-functional leadership.
• Chris Dikovics appointed Chef de Cuisine at Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas. His responsibilities also include shaping the menus for OUTLAW Taproom, the Resort's indoor/outdoor saloon-style bar celebrating Texas musical legends.
• Julie Oliff joins the property as General Manager of Sensei Porcupine Creek Rancho Mirage. She has long history in luxury hospitality more than 10 years; she gained tremendous experience in the luxury wellness space, serving as Spa Director.
• Tiffany Li appointed as Director of Operations at Sensei Porcupine Creek in Rancho Mirage. She has extensive leadership experience in luxury resorts, having served most recently as Director of Rooms at one Hotels.
• Sensei Porcupine Creek in Rancho Mirage delighted to announce the appointment of Andrea Wieland as Director of Wellness. She is a licensed psychologist with a PhD and MBA and was formerly the President of Winning Systems.
• Cameron Petrelli joined as the Director of Food & Beverage, at Sensei Porcupine Creek in Rancho Mirage. He also has a long history working in the F&B space with Fairmont in Dubai, Hawaii, San Diego and more, as well as The Ritz-Carlton in Dallas.
• Seeun "Wezy" appointed as Executive Chef at Sensei Porcupine Creek in Rancho Mirage. About 13 years ago, they began her journey with Nobu at his Tribeca location.
• Sensei Porcupine Creek in Rancho Mirage appointed Takahiro Masuno as Head Sushi Chef. He has over 20 years of experience focused on Japanese cuisine, originally hailing from Japan and completing his training in the United States.
• Sonesta International Hotels Corporation pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Yarbrough as Senior Vice President of Lodging Development, Select Service Brands. His recent experience includes a similar leadership position representing the eastern region of the U.S. & Canada.
• Adrienne Snow promoted as Director of Sales at Jamaica Bay Inn. Prior to her role at Jamaica Bay Inn, She served in various roles at The Redondo Beach Hotel, Cambria Hotels & Suites, Doubletree by Hilton, and Davidson Hotels & Resorts.
• Denise Waggoner promoted as General Manager of The Belamar Hotel in Manhattan Beach, CA. She has nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality world.
• Half Moon Bay Lodge appointed Keith Battaglia Director of Sales. He has extensive experience working as a sales and marketing executive in the hospitality industry for more than 25 years.
• Gatlynn Hicks promoted as Corporate Regional Director of Operations at Pacifica Hotels. She has decade of years’ experience in the field; she has been an integral part of Pacifica Hotels since joining in 2019.
• Mit Shah named as founder and chief executive officer at Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society (PSHRS) in University Park. He presently serves as an executive committee member of the board of directors for the American Hotel and Lodging Association
• Donovan Stephens appointed General Manager at Doubletree Suites by Hilton Hotel Doheny Beach in Dana Point. He brings over two decades of experience managing and operating U.S. hotels.
• Double Tree Suites by Hilton Hotel Doheny Beach in Dana Point is happy to announce the appointment of Sabrina Schroeter as Director of Sales & Marketing.  Over three decades of experience, she has served in sales roles at hotels across California.
• Gregor Jamieson appointed as Golf Ambassador at Cabot Citrus Farms in Brooksville. In his role, he will serve as an advisor on aspects of the golf facilities and resort amenities critical to the Cabot Citrus Farms guest and owner experience.
• Global luxury travel network Virtuoso has honored Valentina De Santis as Hotelier. She pursued a new career following in the footsteps of her parents and in keeping the perfect balance between honoring traditions and infusing innovation.
• Hospitality Ventures Management Group announced Jim Haggerty Vice President Of Design & Development. Before joining HVMG, He recently served as senior vice president of brand development with Atlantic City.
• Hotels at Tambourine is excited to announce the promotion of Mekell Barker to Vice President of Account Service, Hotels. She will oversee the Account Service department, responsible for all hotel client relations.
• Arlie Sisson appointed as Senior Vice President and Global Head of Digital at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. She has previous experience in both the hospitality and digital media space including overseeing emerging digital products.
• Peachtree Group delighted to announce promotion of Brian Waldman to Chief Investment Officer. Throughout his 20-plus-year career, He will manage Peachtree's multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio and direct investment strategies across its distinct operating, lending and real estate divisions.
• Jeremy Stoler appointed as Executive Vice President at Debt Capital Markets at Peachtree Group. He has 25 years career in real estate handling, and he will focus on supporting Peachtree's operating companies and growth into other real estate sectors.
• Park Hyatt Washington, D.C. is pleased to announce the appointment of Ilemona Salifu as Director Of Sales, Marketing, and Events. In his new role, he was instrumental in guiding and leading the sales and events teams through the pandemic and recovery efforts.
• Tim Dahlen joined as General Manager at The Candler Hotel Atlanta Curio Collection by Hilton. He joined The Candler Hotel with a proven record as an industry pro.
• Julio Castillo-Aviles appointed as Head Chef at By George at The Candler Hotel Atlanta, Curio Collection by Hilton. He has more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
• The Candler Hotel Atlanta Curio Collection by Hilton happy to announce Michelle Bradley as Director of Sales and Marketing. She is eager to build the property's reputation as a prime location for business events, filming, weddings and more
• Davante Adams has entered into an agreement with MGM Resorts International as brand ambassador. He will be featured in MGM Resorts marketing campaigns, digital content initiatives and Rewards special events.
• Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek has announced the appointment of Justin Crum as Chef de Cuisine. He spent more than two decades in the restaurant industry.
• The Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles is pleased to welcome Alex DeCarvalho as the new General Manager. He has 25 years of hotel management experience.
• Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells just outside of Palm Springs has appointed Kevin Barnes as General Manager. He has more than two decades of experience in the hospitality industry; he will oversee the property's 215 upgraded guestrooms and villas. 
• Hay Creek Hotels announces Josh Hamlin as Director of Food and Beverage at Hotel Hartness in Greenville. He brings with him nearly two decades of experience in managing food and beverage operations.
• HVS Executive Search announces the promotion of Alice Sherman to Senior Vice President. She works with a diverse hospitality client base and has had great success placing executives in all disciplines.
• Alex Kim promoted as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Enchantment Group. He had a long career in luxury hospitality.
• Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island announces the appointment of Paul Hartmann as the General Manager. He is responsible for the overall management and operations at the oceanfront resort and for overseeing an exciting renovation.
• Sally Kelly joined Advisory Services at Provision Partners as Senior Vice President. She has 15 years of experience and expertise in the development and execution of strategic communications.
• Sharon Gabriel appointed Director of Sales at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum. She will lead the hotel to continuously exceed revenue goals while assisting with new hires, managing the vertical markets.
• Omni Mount Washington Resort is proud to announce the appointment of Daniel DeFusco to the position of Executive Chef. He has 20 years of experience, managed a variety of restaurants and food programs within the hospitality industry.
• Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego announces today the appointment of Casper van Eldik Thieme as the new Director of Sales and Marketing. He brings a wealth of industry knowledge to his role, with over 20 years of hospitality leadership roles.
• Samuel Peery appointed as Executive Chef at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot in New Orleans. In his new role, he will oversee the hotel's food and beverage program and will lead the kitchen and develop with new and exciting menus.
• The Morrow Washington DC, Curio Collection By Hilton welcomed Paul Puzzanghero as General Manager. He has spent over 35 years developing and leading sales and management.
• Babou Saine was hired as Hotel Manager at The Morrow Washington DC, Curio Collection By Hilton. He brought more than twenty years of hospitality experience to his role as the Hotel Manager at The Morrow.
• The Morrow Washington DC, Curio Collection by Hilton is pleased to announce Dionne Dabney-Williams as Director of Sales. She will oversee sales operations, while simultaneously designing plans to meet sales targets, and developing and cultivating relationships.
• Adrian Mishek appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at The Morrow Washington DC, Curio Collection by Hilton. He has nearly 30 years of experience in Food & Beverage.
• Ashley Hunter-Perez joined The Morrow Washington DC team as a Marketing Manager. She has nine years of experience in the hospitality industry.
• Hospitality International is thrilled to announce the hiring of Patrick Cheedie as Marketing Program Directors. He has more than 30 years of sales and territory management experience, including nine years in the hospitality industry.
• Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta welcomes Daniella Lea Rada as its new Executive Pastry Chef. In this role, the 15-year patisserie will lead the culinary artistry.
• Vic Vescovo appointed as Franchise Development and Assurance Director at Hospitality International Inc. He will handle the Midwest region, enjoyed tremendous success developing the Americas Best Value Inn brand.
• Hilton New York City has announced the appointment of Diarmuid Dwyer to Area Managing Director. He has 20 years of hospitality experience, in his new role; he oversees the hotels' general managers, area operations and commercial capabilities.
• Ritz-Carlton Boston is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Goluszka as Pastry Chef. He will oversee all pastry operations for The Ritz-Carlton.
• Mark Sanders appointed as General Manager at New York Hilton Midtown.  He is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city's hotel with the largest hotel meeting space footprint, including the largest ballroom in the destination.
• Patricia Manzanares promoted as General Manager at Hampton Inn by Hilton. She will be responsible for directing all aspects of hotel operations.
• AHC Hospitality announces the appointment of Adam Tanner to Assistant Vice President of Food and Beverage. He will oversee the restaurant and catering programs of AHC Hospitality's hotels.
• David Tortora appointed as director of operations at Conrad New York Midtown. He as 15 years of industry experience to the position, he will oversee all operational departments at the hotel.
• Stonebridge Companies pleased to announce Tom Brinkman as President and Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, he drives operational performance and assist in the execution of the company's calculated growth strategy.

Europe:

• Dorchester Collection announces the appointment of Marion Ryan as Area Director of Sales & Marketing. She brings over 20 years of extensive experience in the luxury hospitality industry.
• Steve Ogden has been appointed as General Manager at The Chester Grosvenor. He has 27 years' experience in the industry and worked at high-end hotels.
• Jake Greenall has been appointed as General Manager at Sun Street Hotel. He will be tasked with the running of the group's Sun Street Hotel, which is set to open in London on October of this year.
• Restaurants & Bars at PPHE Hotel Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Jamie Kerr as Executive Vice President Restaurants & Bars. He oversee the division's outputs and development, which includes the established and successful TOZI Restaurant & Bar.
• Martin Cometto appointed Hotel Manager at The Gore London – Star hotels Collezione. He has 20 years hospitality experience, working for luxury properties, he will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the day-to-day running of all hotel operations.
• Change Management and Technology at MEININGER Hotels hired Rick Medford appointed as Vice President. He keeps the IT hat on but now he is tasked with leveraging digital technologies to improve management efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Hendrik Engel takes over the position as Director of Operations at June Six Hotels. He is responsible for the rollout of the new own brands June six in the boutique hotel segment and June Stay in the long-stay segment.
• HVS has appointed Stephen Still as Associate Director in their London office. He will provide hospitality valuation and advisory services throughout the UK and EMEA regions.
• Pascha Bhatti appointed as Director of Operations at Hotel Arts Barcelona. He has impressive background in luxury hospitality. 
• Strand Palace Hotel in London appointed and welcomes Pavan Soni as the new Cluster Commercial Director. He has a vast hospitality background with over 20 years of luxury and mid-scale brand experience within the hotel industry.
• Melroy Fernandes appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Corinthia Lisbon. He will oversee restaurants and bars, which includes the established and successful Erva restaurant and bar.
• Anthony Cox joins Norton Park Hotel; Spa & Manor House welcomed New General Manager. He has 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

South America​

• Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is pleased to announce the appointment of Sebastien Cormier as Director of Sales and Marketing. Over 20 years of experience within the hospitality space, Sebastien will oversee all sales and marketing efforts for the award-winning resort.
• George Stanfield appointed as Managing Director at Waldorf Astoria Cancun. He will oversees all aspects of guest experience and operations at both Waldorf Astoria Cancun and Hilton Cancun.
• Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection appointed Jose Adames as General Manager. He has 33 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry; he will oversee all the operations for the property.

Middle East:

• Jean-Pierre Trabut has been appointed as General Manager at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. He has spent close to 14 years at Abu Dhabi National Hotels.
• Emre Pasli has been appointed as the General Manager of JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha. He will oversee all operations of the property and steer it through the busy FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 season. 
• The Abu Dhabi EDITION hotel has hired a General Manager for its restaurants as jinobin Thomas. He spent more than four years at UAE capital from Marriott property W Dubai - The Palm.
• Maria Elkaer has joined the upcoming Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha as cluster executive Director of Talent and Culture. She has HR professional experience in her previous career; she is going on to become an independent HR consultant for the next five years.
• Park Rotana and Park Arjaan by Rotana in Abu Dhabi is pleased to welcome its new and first female General Manager, Eleni Tsolakou. A seasoned hotelier with over 20 years of experience across the globe.
• Ejaz Ahamed is taking on the role of DJ and Entertainment Manager at Eshimmers Jumeirah Mina A’Salam in Dubai. He has a hospitality management degree and working as DJ since 2010.
• 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central promoted Mads Wolff as General Manager. He steps into the role as sneaker-loving chef-turned-hotel manager looking to bring the enormously successful hotel to even greater heights.
• Serge Gouloumès appointed as Executive Chef at Hilton Doha the Pearl Hotel & Residences. He has 13 years of chef Experience.
• Anantara the Palm Dubai has hired a new Beverage Manager Anton Bykov. He has decade of experience to the role and will work across all of the Palm Jumeirah resort's outlets.
• Mahoud Hegazy appointed as Commercial Director at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa. He brings 19 years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing.
• Bahar Yildirim appointed as Director of Sales at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island in Ras al Khaimah. She oversaw several of the brand's key properties, Prior to Marriott.
• Andaz Doha hired Thibault de Vries as General Manager. He is responsible for overseeing the hotel's designs, projects and operations.
• Christina Valentine appointed as Director of Operations at Andaz Doha. She will oversee numerous departments with managerial role in day-to-day operations.
• Evoy Pinto appointed as Director of Human Resources at Andaz Doha. He will direct the hotel's talent acquisition plans, performance management and employee wellness engagement initiatives.
• Ashwani Vyas appointed, as Director of Food & Beverage at Andaz Doha .He will overlook the in-room dining and banqueting facilities.
• Fairmont the Palm, Dubai has appointed Dominic Arel as General Manager. He has almost three decades of experience with Accor. 
• Patrice Cornée appointed as General Manager at Amman Rotana. Long-time Rotana boss steps into the role, joining from Bahrain where he spent the past eight years.
• JA Resorts and Hotels has promoted William Harley-Fleming to vice president of operations. He brings 15 years of experience; he will continue to oversee the Group's Indian Ocean properties.
• Ozge Yilmaz appointed as General Manager at Hilton Garden Inn Muscat Al Khuwair. She will lead all aspects of hotel operations, from marketing and hotel administration to guest services and satisfaction.
• Fadeel Wehbe appointed as Multi-Property General Manager at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre and Le Méridien Fairway. He has 30 years of extensive experience in hospitality.
• Jumeirah Group confirmed Thomas B. Meier, as Interim Chief Executive Officer. He has more than 20 years of luxury hospitality experience.
• Cove Rotana in Rask Al Khaimah has appointed Edwin Gomes as the property's new executive chef. He oversee six bars and two restaurants including the Italian- Mediterranean signature restaurant Basilico.

Carribean:

• The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is delighted to announce the appointment of Cynthia Boyett as Director of Sales and Marketing for the resort. She brings over two decades of hospitality experience.
• Will Oakley has been appointed as Managing Director at Jumby Bay Island. He brings over 25 years of international luxury hospitality experience.
• Kimpton Sea fire Resort and Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Executive Sous Chef Christian Gonzalez Ponce to its culinary team. He will be in charge of supporting all of the culinary programming at Kimpton sea fire Resort and Spa.
• Kimpton Sea fire Resort + Spa is pleased to announce the promotion of Chef Andre Wilson to Banquet Chef. As the Banquet Chef, he will continue to support resort banquets, catering, conferences, and assistant manager operations.
• Abhimanyu Ghuliani promoted as Chef de Partie at Kimpton sea fire Resort + Spa. He will oversee the creation of delicious pastries, which are baked fresh on-site every day.
• JW Marriott Hotel Santo Domingo is pleased to announce the appointment of Yudit Garcia as General Manager. In this new role, she will lead the dynamic luxury team to sustain the hotel's positioning and business elite in the country
• Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Cedrik Ollivault as Executive Chef. He will oversee culinary program of Rosewood Le Guanahani, including its signature-dining venue, Beach House St. Barth.

Asia:

• Jeremy Aniere has been appointed as Vice President of Operations for Singapore, General Manager, Pan Pacific Singapore at Pan Pacific Hotels Group. He will drive the operational processes, standards and performance of eight Singapore properties.
• Marcel Holman joins Pan Pacific Hotels Group as Vice President of Operations for China, Indonesia and Japan; as well as General Manager for Pan Pacific Orchard.  He will oversee the operational performance of 13 properties under the Group, including those in development.
• Richard Tan appointed Margaret Paul as Vice President of Operations for Dhaka, Indochina, Malaysia and Nairobi at Pan Pacific Hotels Group. He will oversee 17 hotels, resorts and serviced suites.
• Pan Pacific Hotels Group announced the appointment of Vice President of Pre-Opening and Operations for Oceania. She will also oversee six properties currently operating in Australia.
• Anne Golden has been appointed as Vice President of Operations for United Kingdom & North America, General Manager, Pan Pacific London at Pacific Hotels Group. She will oversee the operational performance for a total of six properties in these regions.
• Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini appoints Shashank Gulati as Director of Food & Beverage. He is an ardent professional with more than 19 years of rich and diverse experience.
• Voco and Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre is pleased to announce the appointment of Nathan Dean as Cluster General Manager. He has almost 20 years of hospitality management.
• Marco Polo Plaza Cebu announced the appointment of Roel Constantino as General Manager. He will lead the operation of the deluxe urban resort hotel nestled on Nivel Hills, Cebu City.
• Christian Metzner appointed General Manager at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove. He brings three decades of luxury hospitality experience and a fresh strategic vision for the property.
• The Conrad Centennial Singapore has appointed Su Zie Chew as Director of Operations. He has over 22 years of hospitality industry experience; she will oversee all operations at the hotel, including accommodation, food and beverage as well as the Conrad Spa and Fitness. 
• Pranjal Walawalkar appointed as Commercial Director at Conrad Centennial Singapore. He is responsible for leading the business development team, which includes sales, catering, events, marketing and reservations, and he will focus on expanding business opportunities for the hotel.
• Sidney Dcunha Joined as Culinary Director at Sofitel Mumbai BKC. He has over 18 years of experience in the culinary space.
• Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay delighted to welcome Jessie Khoo-Gan as General Manager. She has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
• JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Rohit Chadha as the new Executive Sous Chef of the Iconic Property. In his new role, he will work closely with the culinary team at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu to curate compelling
• CAM RANH, Vietnam Alma Resort has appointed Doan Pham Anh Tu as director of F&B. He says his strengths include people management, staff development, targets and budgets, menu planning and function management.
• Nguyen Huy Cuong joined as Director of F&B at the resort overlooking Long Beach on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh Peninsula. In his new role overseeing the resort’s MICE and F&B sales.
• Sonu Khatod has joined Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini as Unit Finance Controller. He brings with him 15 years of rich experience in Finance, Accounting, Taxation, and Auditing.
• Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa have appointed Michal Zemlicka as new Director of Food & Beverage. He has 15 years of experience managing food & beverage divisions in hotels and restaurants.
• Amit Gusain appointed as Indian Chef at SAii Laguna Phuket. In his early 30s, he has gained extensive experience in the kitchens of leading hotels and restaurants across Asia. 
• The Peninsula Beijing is pleased to announce the appointment of Cameron Cundle as the hotel's new General Manager. He said, it is an honour and a pleasure to be a part of this magnificent premier all-suite hotel.
• The Reverie Saigon has appointed Marcelo Geraldini as New Executive chef.  He says he takes a hands-on approach to managing the hotel’s multiple kitchens, beginning with sourcing the highest quality, freshest ingredients all the way to preparation.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Christoph Weidemann as the General Manager. He has 20 years of working experience in hospitality specialization in operations.
• Pawan Poojari appointed as Housekeeping Manager at Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai. He has 10 years of cross-cultural experience in the hospitality industry.

Africa:

• Kennedy Ombok appointed as Regional Development Manager at IT Hospitality, East Africa. In his new role, he will facilitate further expansion opportunities and regional awareness across East Africa.