Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Promotes Jason Rodgers to General Manager
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts | April 12th, 2023
Teneo Hospitality Group Appoints Jon Clark Director of Sales
Teneo Hospitality Group | August 21, 2019
Eden Prairie (Minneapolis), MN, August 2019 … Teneo Hospitality Group, the premier Global Group Sales Organization, has expanded its presence in two key West Coast markets with the appointment of Jon Clark as Director of Sales. Mr. Clark joins Teneo’s Western regional team and will be primarily responsible for clients in the Seattle and San Francisco markets. He will be based in Snoqualmie, Washington, near Seattle. “We are delighted to welcome Jon to the Teneo family, and to have a hospitality professional with his skills and industry standing represent us in the thriving Pacific Northwest and Northern California markets,” says Te...
Hyatt Regency Austin Appoints Jeff Donahoe as General Manager
Hyatt Regency Austin | August 21, 2019
Austin, Texas (August 21, 2019) – Hyatt Regency Austin, located on the shores of Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, has named Jeff Donahoe as general manager. “I am thrilled to join the incredible team at Hyatt Regency Austin,” said Jeff Donahoe, general manager. “First and foremost, my goals are built on the foundation of Hyatt’s purpose of caring for people so they can be their best. This property is iconic to the downtown Austin skyline and has a history of performing very well. My goal is to ensure that the operation continues to perform at a high level while also addressing the changes in the city’s competitive environment...
Christian Ruge Appointed New General Manager of Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko, Bulgaria
Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko | August 21, 2019
Bansko, 21 August 2019 – Kempinski Hotels has appointed Christian Ruge as the new General Manager at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko, Bulgaria. Having worked in Germany, New York, Poland, Egypt, China, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, Christian Ruge brings more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry to his new position. Christian Ruge started his career at Hotel InterContinental Frankfurt in Germany, where he held various leadership positions in Front Office. In 2001 he moved to Hotel InterContinental in New York as Assistant Manager returning in 2003 back to Germany to take on the role of Assistant Front Of...
BENCHMARK® Names Jamie Costa Spa Director for The Essex, Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa
The Essex, Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa | August 20, 2019
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas -- August, 20 2019 -- BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Jamie Costa spa director for The Essex, Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa and a Gemstone Collection property, located in Essex, Vermont. Ron Droegmyer, general manager, made the announcement. “I am so pleased to welcome Jamie to Benchmark and to The Essex,” said Mr.Droegmyer. “She comes to us with exemplary qualifications and superb experience in spa management, current spa treatments and health trends, and with a keen understanding of the resort market. She is a terrific addition to our team.” Jamie Costa was previously...
BENCHMARK® Promotes Shaun Griffin to Regional Director of Finance
Benchmark | August 20, 2019
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, August 2019 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has promoted Shaun Griffin to the position of regional director of finance. Mr. Griffin’s responsibilities will include overseeing the financial operations of several of Benchmark’s Florida properties, including Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa, Cardozo South Beach, Beachwalk Elite Hotel and Resort, and Marenas Beach Resort. Kirk Jones, chief financial officer, made the announcement. “It is an honor to congratulate Shaun on his promotion and his new position within our company,” said Mr. Jones. “He has proven to be exceptional...
Playa Hotels & Resorts Appoints Dean Sullivan, New Vice President, Marketing & Public Relations
Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. | August 20, 2019
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (August 20, 2019) – Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. (NASDAQ: PLYA, “Playa” or “the company”), the owner, operator and developer of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean has named Dean Sullivan, Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations. Sullivan will report to Kevin Froemming, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Playa Hotels & Resorts and will be based out of the company’s Ft. Lauderdale office. In his new role, Sullivan will lead all marketing initiatives that support the strategic and creative direction of Playa’s portfolio of all-inclusive resorts that includ...
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya Appoints Sylvia Smith as Director of Sales and Marketing
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Rivera Maya | August 20, 2019
RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO (August 20, 2019) – Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, a luxury resort located along the sparkling Caribbean beachfront of Riviera Maya, Mexico, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sylvia Smith as its Director of Sales and Marketing. In her new role, Smith will lead Andaz Mayakoba’s sales and marketing initiatives as well as generate revenue for the resort through room bookings, meetings, weddings and events. “We are excited to have someone of Sylvia’s caliber and expertise join us here at Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya,” said General Manager Pascal Dupuis. “With her Hyatt roots, excellent manage...
IHG® Appoints Julienne Smith as Senior Vice President, Development in the Americas
IHG | August 19, 2019
Smith to lead development for Crowne Plaza®, Hotel Indigo® and EVEN® Hotels brands in IHG’s largest region IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has appointed Julienne Smith as Senior Vice President, Development in the Americas region. In this role, Smith will lead a team responsible for increasing IHG’s presence in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean for new-builds and conversions to the Crowne Plaza®, Hotel Indigo® and EVEN® Hotels brands. She will also lead the Transactions & Asset Management team, which is focused on growing and enhancing IHG’s relationship with owners...
Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables Appoints New Managment Team
August 19, 2019
MIAMI, Aug. 19, 2019 -- Recently recognized as one of the 2018 Reader's Choice Awards "Top Hotels in Miami" for Condé Nast Traveler, and located in the heart of the "City Beautiful," the Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables has gone through various changes. Most recently, the ownership of this four-diamond hotel has made major strides to take the property and brand into the new millennium. The storied property was added to the acclaimed Marriott "Autograph Collection," which celebrates boutique hotels, unique in design and thoughtful in spirit. Offering next-level customer service and overall white-glove guest experience, Hotel Colonnade invites...
GCommerce Announces Will Ferris as Chief Technology Officer
GCommerce | August 19, 2019
PARK CITY, Utah (August 19, 2019) - GCommerce has announced that Will Ferris, former Senior Vice President of Operations, will be filling the role as the organization’s new Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Ferris started at GCommerce in 2006 doing work for business development until he quickly moved into the Search Marketing department. His work developed one of the largest paid search accounts at GCommerce. Mr. Ferris’ passion for innovation did not stop there. After his time working within the Search Marketing field, he assumed the role of Senior Vice President of Operations at GCommerce. In this position, he managed the day-to-day work...
Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection Welcomes Lacey Lou Franklin as Executive Chef
Auberge Resorts Collection | August 15, 2019
WASHINGTON, Conn. (August 15, 2019) – Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection, the luxurious countryside retreat, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and woodland in the idyllic town of Washington, Conn., today announced the appointment of Lacey Lou Franklin as Executive Chef. Drawing upon culinary experience honed at Michelin-starred restaurants in Napa Valley, Calif., Franklin will oversee culinary development, operations and programming at the hotel’s signature restaurant, The Mayflower Dining Room, and the Tap Room, the more relaxed, pub-style lounge serving a dynamic take on casual country fare. Franklin bri...
Davidson Hotels Appoints Tim Graham as Executive Chef for Thompson Chicago
Nico Osteria | August 15, 2019
CHICAGO, IL (August 15, 2019) – The Thompson Chicago is pleased to welcome Chef Tim Graham as the hotel’s new Executive Chef. In this role, Chef Graham will oversee all culinary operations of the hotel including private events, in-room dining, and the hotel’s renowned restaurant, Nico Osteria. Chef Graham joins the Thompson Chicago having served as Executive Chef at several acclaimed Chicago restaurants including Michelin-starred Tru, Paris Club (where Chef Graham was an instrumental member of the team that developed and opened the restaurant) and Travelle at the Langham hotel. Most recently Graham was the executive chef and owner of hi...
Roberto Simone Apointed New General Manager of Villa Rosa Kempinski & Olare Mara Kempinski in Kenya
Villa Rosa Kempinski | August 15, 2019
Nairobi, 15 August 2019 - Kempinski Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of a well-rounded luxury hospitality professional, Roberto Simone, as the new General Manager in charge of the luxury city hotel, Villa Rosa Kempinski and the high-end tented camp in Masai Mara, Olare Mara Kempinski. An Italian native, Roberto Simone brings onboard a wealth of experience honed working for some of the world’s leading luxury hospitality brands such as JW Marriott, Anantara Hotels & Resorts and Silversea Six Star Cruise Line, among many others. Since 2017, Roberto occupied the role of Chief Operating Officer with the Tonino La...
Coury Hospitality Names Tom Santora Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director of Hotel Vin, Autograph Collection
Coury Hospitality | August 15, 2019
GRAPEVINE, Texas (August 15, 2019) – Coury Hospitality today announced that Tom Santora will serve as the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, as well as Managing Director of both Hotel Vin, an Autograph Collection boutique hotel, and Harvest Hall, a food hall offering hand-crafted cuisine and entertainment options. Both are part of Grapevine Main, a $114 million mixed-use development in Grapevine, Texas. In his role as Chief Commercial Officer, Santora is responsible for the commercial strategy and advancement of the Coury Hospitality brand. Santora will create and drive innovative branding, marketing and business development strat...
Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara Appoints Travis Watson as New Executive Chef
Hotel Californian | August 14, 2019
Santa Barbara, Calif. (August 14, 2019) – Shaking up the culinary scene in Santa Barbara’s trendsetting Funk Zone neighborhood, Hotel Californian announces the appointment of a new Executive Chef, Travis Watson, who will lead the creation of a fresh culinary experience at Blackbird. The signature restaurant will relaunch in Fall 2019 as Bar Blackbird, a lively and upscale bar-first concept, featuring an inventive cocktail program from Houston Hospitality veteran Devon Espinosa and celebrating the intersection of food and beverage on California’s Central Coast. Chef Travis will also infuse new culinary inspiration throughout the resor...
Dream Hotel Group Appoints Matthew Whiteheart as General Manager for Unscripted Durham
Unscripted Hotels | August 14, 2019
DURHAM, NC (August 14, 2019) – Renowned hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Whiteheart as General Manager for Unscripted Durham, the flagship location for its lifestyle brand and hospitality concept Unscripted Hotels. With nearly 15 years of hospitality experience, including a decade serving in various senior management roles at AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star property The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Whiteheart is an award-winning executive with a passion for delivering excellence. His strategic leadership, attention to detail and dedication to staff training and stellar...
Playa Hotels & Resorts Names Kevin Froemming Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer
Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. | August 14, 2019
FAIRFAX, VA (August 14, 2019) – Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. (NASDAQ: PLYA, “Playa”), the owner, operator and developer of all-inclusive resorts, has announced the promotion of Kevin Froemming to the expanded role of Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer. In this newly created position, Froemming assumes the key leadership role in driving Playa’s commercial strategy and initiatives throughout revenue and distribution, global sales and marketing, e-commerce, as well as brand performance and deliverability. With both top and bottom line responsibility, Froemming’s broadened role is designed to further leverage ...
InnSpire Strengthens North American Presence With Two New Additions to Its U.S.-Based Accounts Service Team
InnSpire | August 14, 2019
Stockholm – August 14, 2019 – InnSpire, a leading provider of guest engagement digital entertainment and business intelligence solutions for the global hospitality market, has strengthened its regional account service team with the appointment of two new executives to its North American Division. Sarah Kozlowski has been tapped as Strategic Account Manager and Chris Tedeschi has been appointed as Technical Account Manager for the company. InnSpire has added these new personnel to the organization in order to align with its stated growth initiatives and to continue the rapid pace of its global expansion. Kozlowski joined the InnSpire sa...
Alex Pasco Appointed Executive Chef at Virginia’s Tides Inn
The Tides Inn | August 13, 2019
(IRVINGTON, VA; August 13, 2019) – The Tides Inn—an iconic coastal resort located in Irvington, Virginia—announces today the appointment of its new Executive Chef Alex Pasco, following the debut of Fish Hawk Oyster Bar, the resort’s newest waterfront eatery. Bringing over 10 years of industry expertise and a passion for supporting local purveyors, Pasco joins the team prepared to elevate the guests’ culinary experience, immersing them in local tradition and showcasing the unique fare of Virginia’s Northern Neck. Pasco’s passion and vision for the Tides Inn promises a seamless evolution of the resort’s food and beverage program...
Wymara Resort & Villas Appoints Rolf Lippuner as General Manager
Wymara Resort & Villas | August 13, 2019
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS + CAICOS – August 13, 2019 – The Swiss national, South-African educated, globally trained citizen of the world, Rolf Lippuner, infuses sophisticated luxury with the service and charm of the Caribbean as the new General Manager of Wymara Resort & Villas on Grace Bay Beach in Turks + Caicos. Having stamped his passport in Johannesburg, San Diego, Nevis, Washington, D.C. and Riyadh, Lippuner returns to the Caribbean, primed and ready to take the helm of Turks + Caicos’ premier beachfront resort. With a penchant for entrepreneurial enterprise, Lippuner held several senior executive roles within the hotel indust...
McKibbon Hospitality Appoints Leslie Lindley as Director of Sales for Aloft Tallahassee Downtown
Aloft Hotels | August 12, 2019
Aloft Tallahassee Downtown, the city’s premier boutique hotel, has named Leslie Lindley its new Director of Sales. Lindley brings 12 years of hospitality experience to the position and has worked in sales for such premier brands as Marriott, Sheraton and Hilton. Tallahassee born and raised, and a diehard Florida State Seminoles fan, Leslie started as a Food-and-Beverage Manager and ascended to Sales Manager within a year at Four Points Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown. From there, she spent nearly six years as Director of Sales for LBA Hospitality. ...
BENCHMARK® Names Tyler Alden Wine Director and Restaurant Outlets Manager for Willows Lodge, Woodinville, Washington
Willows Lodge | August 12, 2019
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, August 2019 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Tyler Alden wine director and restaurant outlets manager for Willows Lodge and its signature restaurant, Barking Frog. A member of the Gemstone Collection, the award-winning property is located in Woodinville, within Washington State’s renowned wine country. Denny Fitzpatrick, managing director, made the announcement. “We are thrilled to have Tyler join us,” said Mr. Fitzpatrick, “and to innovate and lead our extensive wine program here at Willows Lodge in beautiful Woodinville Wine Country. “From everyday pairings in Barking Frog...
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa Welcomes Michael Bergin as New Director of Sales, Events and Marketing
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek | August 12, 2019
BEAVER CREEK, Colo. – Aug. 12, 2019 – Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa is pleased to introduce Michael Bergin as Director of Sales, Events and Marketing for the luxury property, located in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. In his role, Bergin will oversee the coordination of Park Hyatt Beaver Creek’s extensive events offerings. Michael is no stranger to the Hyatt brand. He joined the company as a Food Runner at Hyatt Regency Bonaventure in 2007, going on to the Sales Corporate Management Trainee program at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in 2009. Since then, he has worked in different sales capacities at several Hyatt ho...
The Graham Georgetown Appoints John Waldy as Executive Chef
The Rooftop at The Graham Georgetown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton | August 12, 2019
Washington, DC (August 12, 2019)—The Graham Georgetown (1075 Thomas Jefferson Street NW) announced today that John Waldy will head the property’s kitchens as executive chef. A veteran of the hospitality industry, Waldy brings nearly 20 years of experience working for outstanding brands including The Ritz-Carlton and Renaissance. In his new post, Chef Waldy will oversee in-room dining, the daily menu at The Alex Speakeasy, and will introduce Rooftop EATS today, August 12, a full-service restaurant atop The Graham Georgetown with sweeping 360-degree views of the city skyline and Potomac River....
