Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Promotes Jason Rodgers to General Manager
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts | April 12th, 2023
Mexico’s Thompson Zihuatanejo Appoints Executive Team
Thompson Zihuatanejo | January 28, 2022
January 28, 2022 – Thompson Zihuatanejo, the lifestyle resort situated directly along Playa La Ropa beach and its protected bay in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, has announced the appointment of Manuel Villalobos as General Manager and Susan Williams as Director of Sales, Events and Marketing. The resort has also appointed Chef Javier Garcia Cerrillo to lead the culinary programs at Ceniza and HAO restaurants on the property. Each of these leaders bring extensive cultural, culinary, and hospitality expertise to the only hotel in the region located directly on the beach. Manuel Villalobos With over 20 years of industry experience, Manuel Vil...
Mike Kass Appointed General Manager of The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka‘anapali
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka‘anapali | January 28, 2022
LAHAINA, HI – January 28, 2022 – The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka‘anapali has appointed Mike Kass as the property’s general manager, effective Feb. 19, 2022. Kass brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in sales and hotel operations to the new role. Most recently, Kass served as general manager of the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, where he oversaw a $140 million hotel refurbishment. In 2019, he achieved the highest revenue producing year in the hotel’s 30-year history. Kass has also served as a director of sales & marketing at various properties. He opened Tucson’s first luxury resort, Starr Pass Resort &...
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Promotes Charlie Parker to Regional Vice President
January 27, 2022
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai announces the promotion of Charlie Parker to Regional Vice President and General Manager. A skilled leader whose global career with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts spans 26 years, Parker brings a breadth of luxury hospitality experience and knowledge to his new role, which maintains his responsibilities at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai and will also oversee operations at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. A legacy to the Four Seasons Resort Hawaii collection, Parker worked for three years as General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. He then became General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Hua...
Banyan Tree Krabi Appoints Nigel Fisher as New General Manager
BANYAN TREE HOLDINGS LIMITED | January 27, 2022
KRABI, Thailand — January 27, 2022 — Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts has announced that Mr Nigel Fisher, an Australian national with 37 years’ experience in luxury hotel management across Asia and Australia, has been appointed General Manager of its beachfront resort in Krabi, which opened in October 2020. After graduating from Switzerland’s prestigious École hôtelière de Lausanne in 1985, Fisher returned to Australia to join Hyatt International Hotels, where he would spend the next 15 years. In the 2000s, he was Resident Manager at the Four Seasons Sydney and at the Great Barrier Reef’s Hayman Island. He took on the role of G...
Driftwood Capital Appoints Martin Pinsker to Vice President – Acquisitions
Driftwood Capital | January 27, 2022
MIAMI, FL – January 27, 2022 – Driftwood Capital, a vertically integrated commercial real estate investment, development and lending platform specializing in hospitality, is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Pinsker to the role of Vice President – Acquisitions. In this role, Pinsker will help shape and execute on the firm’s long-term investment strategy through the selective acquisition of full-service, cash-flowing hotels in U.S. markets with strong underlying fundamentals. His specific duties will include deal sourcing, underwriting, due diligence, and a variety of investment-related activities. “Martin’s ex...
Brick Loomis Joins Kimpton The Rowan Palm Springs as Director of Restaurants, Bars & Events
Kimpton The Rowan Palm Springs | January 27, 2022
PALM SPRINGS, CA – January 27, 2022 – Kimpton The Rowan Palm Springs announces the appointment of Brick Loomis as Director of Restaurants, Bars & Events for the celebrated culinary and bar concepts within the 153-room downtown Palm Springs hotel: 4 Saints, Juniper Table, High Bar and Window Bar. In his new role, Loomis is responsible for leading the operational strategy, development and management of the award-winning hotel’s culinary, beverage and events programming including the signature 4 Saints rooftop restaurant, recently relaunched by Executive Chef Ysaac Ramirez; the lobby-adjacent Juniper Table, an all-day dining...
Sarah Derry Appointed Chief Executive Officer Accor Pacific
ACCOR | January 27, 2022
Accor is pleased to announce Sarah Derry is appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer Accor Pacific, effective 1 February 2022. Sarah is currently Senior Vice President Talent and Culture and joined Accor in 2017 after having owned and operated her own successful business for over 10 years. With close to 30 years hospitality experience, working for international hotel companies and excelling in her early career in operations, Sarah brings with her formidable experience, not only in talent and culture but in business, strategy and development. As CEO Accor Pacific, Sarah will continue Accor’s growth trajectory in the Pacific, build ...
Remington Hotels Appoints Benjamin Howell as Divisional Vice President of Operations
Remington Hotels | January 27, 2022
Dallas, TX — January 27, 2022 — Remington Hotels, a dynamic and growing hotel management company, today announced Benjamin Howell as Divisional Vice President of Operations. In this role, Howell will be responsible for overseeing the operations of 12 – 15 full and select service properties in the Midwest Region. Howell, who has 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, joins Remington Hotels from various multi-unit roles with Sonesta Hotels and Resorts, Aimbridge Hospitality, and Widewaters Hotels. He spent the first ten years of his career with Remington Hotels, rising from manager to general manager. “Ben’s past...
Holston House Appoints Shannon Williams as New Executive Chef
Holston House | January 26, 2022
NASHVILLE, TN– January 26, 2022 – Holston House, a 191-room boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Nashville, Tenn., announced today the appointment of Shannon Williams as its new executive chef. The 16-year industry veteran joins the Holston House team with a focus on incorporating her specialty southern cuisine infused with modern touches into Holston House’s renowned weekend brunch service and throughout the hotel’s signature restaurant, TENN, fare. As Executive Chef, Williams will oversee all of Holston House’s food and beverage offerings, including the full service restaurant, TENN, l...
Salamander Hotels & Resorts Appoints David Mars as General Manager of Salamander Resort & Spa
Salamander Hotels & Resorts | January 26, 2022
MIDDLEBURG, VA – January 26, 2022 – Salamander Hotels & Resorts has appointed David Mars as General Manager of its Forbes Five Star property, Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Virginia. An experienced leader within luxury hospitality, Mars joins Salamander Resort & Spa from the property’s sister resort, The Henderson, a Salamander Resort located in Destin, FL. “I have had the pleasure of working with David since 2018, and his leadership and embrace of Salamander’s core values has led to extraordinary success” said John Speers, Vice President of Operations, Salamander Hotels & Resorts. “His arrival ...
Raffles Names Dennis de Groot as Acting General Manager for Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor
RAFFLES | January 26, 2022
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — January 26, 2022 — Raffles Hotels & Resorts has confirmed the appointment of Mr Dennis de Groot as Acting General Manager of both Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and its sister hotel Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap. With more than 15 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, de Groot previously held hotel management positions in the Maldives, Azerbaijan and South Africa, including nearly three years at a private game lodge. De Groot was recruited by the Accor Group in 2016 to oversee the rebranding of the Jumeirah Dhevanafushi as it transformed into the Raffles Maldives Meradhoo. H...
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach Appoints Pedro Samper as Executive Chef
January 25, 2022
Culinary artist and expert craftsman Pedro Samper has joined Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach as Executive Chef. His wealth of knowledge and skill stems from 20 years of experience, working in Michelin star kitchens alongside some of the world’s most decorated chefs. Samper’s role sees him lead the Resort’s culinary team, overseeing some of Dubai’s favourite dining destinations including Sea Fu, Mercury Lounge and Shai Salon. “My love for exploring culture carried me to Dubai, and my passion for pursuing excellence brought me to Four Seasons,” says Pedro Samper, Executive Chef, Four Seasons Resort Dubai. ...
Preferred Hotels & Resorts Appoints Cheryl Williams as Chief Revenue Officer
Preferred Hotels & Resorts | January 25, 2022
NEWPORT BEACH, CA – January 25, 2022 – Preferred Hotels & Resorts - the world’s largest independent hotel brand - has announced the appointment of Cheryl Williams as Chief Revenue Officer. In this newly created executive position, Williams will lead the brand’s commercial efforts, working with department leaders to drive revenue to its expanding global portfolio, which encompasses more than 700 hotels, resorts, and residences across 80 countries. Based out of the company’s corporate headquarters in Newport Beach, California, she reports to Michelle Woodley, president of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. “As we conti...
HP Hotels Promotes Kevin Atkisson to Regional Director of Operations
HP Hotels | January 25, 2022
Hoover, Alabama - January 25, 2022 - HP Hotels, a full-service third-party hotel management company, announced that it has promoted Kevin Atkisson to the position of Regional Director of Operations. Kerry Ranson, HP Hotels’ CEO, made the announcement. As the company’s Regional Director of Operations, Atkisson will have responsibilities for day-to-day operational execution of a portfolio of hotels that include the independent boutique segment; one that HP is expanding into, as well as some of HP’s select service and limited-service properties. Atkisson has been a member of the HP Hotels team since 2005. His career path includes h...
Teri Agosta Appointed General Manager of Signia by Hilton Atlanta
Hilton | January 25, 2022
ATLANTA, GA – January 25, 2022 –Signia by Hilton Atlanta announced Teri Agosta has been appointed general manager of the new 975-room hotel, located at Georgia World Congress Center. Expected to open in late 2023, Signia by Hilton Atlanta will overlook the Mercedes Benz-Stadium sports and entertainment complex and will be connected to the Congress Center. In her new role, Agosta will be responsible for leading the opening and operations of Signia by Hilton Atlanta, the first new build for the brand. Owned by Georgia World Congress Center Authority and managed by Hilton Management Services, the hotel will feature 75,000 square feet of wo...
California’s Bernardus Lodge & Spa Appoints Christian Ojeda as Executive Chef
Bernardus Lodge & Spa | January 24, 2022
CARMEL VALLEY, CALIF., 2022 – February 1, 2022, marks the arrival of Christian Ojeda, taking the helm as executive chef of Lucia Restaurant & Bar. Ready to fire up the stoves, Ojeda was selected following an intensive nationwide search for the 73-room lodge’s top toque. Set to deliver on expectation, he joins the Bernardus culinary team from Montage Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, where he held the post of executive chef. Receiving a coveted 12 Forbes stars in 2021, Bernardus Lodge & Spa has long set the standard for luxury lodging along the California coastline. Ojeda’s strong resume and 20+ years in the culinary...
Royston Brady Appointed as New General Manager of Hilton Aventura Miami
Hilton Aventura Miami | January 24, 2022
MIAMI, FL – January 24, 2022 – Hilton Aventura Miami is starting off the year with a new General Manager at the helm. Royston Brady brings 20 years of international industry experience to the recently unveiled luxury property, joining the hotel to help cement its positioning in the market, drive revenue growth strategy and oversee team management. Working alongside the property’s world-class team, efforts will focus on furthering the hotel’s positioning as a premiere choice for leisure travelers and corporate group business given its location between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale’s major airports and proximity to South Florida’s ...
Commonwealth Hotels Promotes Jennifer Ruiz to General Manager of The Embassy Suites by Hilton Akron Canton Airport
Commonwealth Hotels, LLC | January 20, 2022
COVINGTON, KY -- January 20, 2022 -- Commonwealth Hotels announced today that Jennifer Ruiz has been appointed the general manager of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Akron Canton Airport. Ms. Ruiz brings over 10 years of hospitality experience to her new role as general manager having previously served as the regional general manager at the Courtyard Columbus Dublin in Columbus Ohio. "Jennifer's career path with our company is a true reflection of dedication and growth from within." said Jennifer Porter, chief operations officer of Commonwealth Hotels. "She will be integral in ensuring the Embassy Suites continues to remain...
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas Appoints Ananda Bareño as New Executive Chef
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas | January 20, 2022
ENCINITAS, CA – January 20, 2022 – Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas and James Beard Foundation Best Chef West semifinalist Chef Claudette Zepeda are proud to announce the appointment of Ananda Bareño as executive chef of Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas. Bareño will oversee the day-to-day culinary execution of VAGA, in addition to overseeing the menus for The Pocket Pool & Bar, Coffee Box, special events catering and in-room dining. Chef Zepeda will assume the role of chef consultant and will continue to be the creative visionary behind the bespoke culinary experiences at Alila Marea Beach Resort, while also furthering her work...
auroHotels Appoints Jennifer Stilwell Vice President of Marketing
auroHOTELS | January 20, 2022
Greenville, SC – January 20, 2022 – auroHOTELS is pleased to announce the hiring of Jennifer (Jen) Stilwell as Vice President of Marketing. Stilwell is an accomplished, energetic and versatile marketing professional with more than 25 years in the advertising and marketing realm. A high-level strategic thinker and key contributor to the creative process, Jen is arguably one of the travel and tourism industry’s most knowledgeable and decorated brand strategists in destination brand marketing. For the past decade, Jen has served VisitGreenvilleSC (VGSC), the official destination marketing organization for the City of Greenville, SC. ...
Proper Hospitality Appoints Ned Elliott as Executive Culinary Director Across Portfolio
Proper Hospitality | January 20, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA — January 20, 2021 — Proper Hospitality today announces the appointment of chef Ned Elliott as Executive Culinary Director across its diverse portfolio of award-winning properties including the Proper branded hotels in Santa Monica, Downtown L.A, San Francisco and Austin, the Hotel June in West Los Angeles and Malibu; and The Collective, a curation of design-driven independent hotels including Avalon Hotels in Beverly Hills and Palm Springs, the Ingleside Inn in Palm Springs, and the Venice V Hotel in Venice Beach. Elliott has worked alongside some of the world’s most talented chefs including Thomas Keller, Alain Ducasse...
ISHC Names Andrea Belfanti CEO
ISHC | January 20, 2022
January 20, 2022 — The Board of Directors for the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) announced today the promotion of Andrea Belfanti from executive director to chief executive officer effective immediately. Since joining the organization in 2009, Belfanti has skillfully steered the ISHC toward executing and achieving its Mission: “To contribute to the advancement of the industry and its members, cultivate a collegial environment for professional development and knowledge exchange, while fostering credibility and integrity.” Chair of ISHC, Herbert Mascha commented, “Andrea is being recognized for her...
Patrick van der Wardt Joins PROVision as Senior Managing Director EMEA
PROVision Partners | January 20, 2022
Hotel Technology Veteran Tapped to Lead Growth in Europe, Africa and the Middle East for Global Travel and Hospitality Business Advisory Firm New Smyrna Beach, FL — January 20, 2022 — PROVision Partners (“PROVision”), a leading global strategic growth, marketing, technology, and commercial services advisory firm to the travel and hospitality industry, today announces the appointment of Patrick van der Wardt to the role of Senior Managing Director EMEA. A seasoned travel and hospitality IT executive with a highly successful 30-year track record of innovation and leadership in the global hotel technology sector, Van der Wardt will head...
Lexington, Virginia’s Boutique Hotel, The Georges, Appoints Leadership Team
The Georges | January 19, 2022
LEXINGTON, VA – January 19, 2022 – The Georges, a thoughtfully restored, 200-year-old boutique hotel in Lexington, Virginia, is pleased to announce its new general manager, one promotion at its on-site restaurant, Haywood’s Piano Bar & Grill, and a new sales manager. With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, John Gomes brings valuable industry expertise to his role as general manager of The Georges. Gomes has served in several roles in F&B and held leadership positions for some of the most luxurious hotel brands in Asia, the Middle East, Canada and the U.S., including Oberoi Hotels, Four Seasons Hotels, The Ritz...
