ELENA BLACK JOINS ROCCO FORTE HOTELS
Rocco Forte Hotels has appointed Elena Black as senior vice president of marketing, joining the executive leadership team. With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Black joins the company at a pivotal stage in its journey towards growth. Her experience in luxury brand development, digital marketing and driving customer loyalty will help strengthen Rocco Forte Hotels’ brand marketing initiatives. Her strategies and forward-thinking approach will be key in further elevating the brand’s presence and positioning in the market.
Prior to joining Rocco Forte Hotels, Black spent more than 13 years at Six Senses. After further integration of Six Senses into IHG Hotels & Resorts, she was promoted to head of global luxury and lifestyle marketing.
“I’m excited to join Rocco Forte Hotels, a company that embodies a commitment to deeply personalized service, a strong sense of place and authentic experiences. What stands out most is the company’s culture of warmth and care, not only toward its guests but within the organization itself. It’s rare to find such a collaborative environment and I am thrilled to contribute to Rocco Forte Hotel’s plans for the future,” Black said.
STEIGENBERGER HOTELS NAMES NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR
Steigenberger Hotels GmbH has appointed Stephan Hungeling as chief transformation officer and managing director of Steigenberger Hotels. Continuing in his role as CEO of H World International, Oliver Bonke will also become a member of the supervisory board of the Steigenberger Hotels, as of 1 April, 2025, when he will hand the role of CEO, Steigenberger Hotels to Dr. Hungeling.
Dr. Hungeling joins Steigenberger Hotels after six years with Christ, where he led the transformation of the company into a digitally driven and multichannel brand. Before that, he contributed to the success of various German and European market leaders across different retail/FMCG industries, including Douglas GmbH.
“With Stephan Hungeling we gain a leader with a deep understanding of business strategy and transformation, digitization and financial excellence,” said Wilhelm Bender, chairman of the supervisory board of Steigenberger Hotels. “He will build on the tremendous progress we made under Oliver Bonke’s leadership in advancing the integration with H World, laying the foundation towards an asset-light business model and restructuring the cost base of the company.”
MORE MOVES
First Hospitality has named Chuck Moses as vice president of sales. He will oversee all sales-driven segments, including group, business travel and catering. He will analyze market competition, trends and collaborate with owners, corporate leadership and general managers to ensure sales goals are achieved.
Moses will lead the development and growth of the global sales force, while establishing best practices, standards and incentive programs. Bringing more than 20 years of experience in hospitality sales to the new role, Moses most recently served as senior regional director of sales and marketing at Davidson Hospitality Group’s lifestyle operating vertical, Pivot.
Grand Cayman Marriott Resort has appointed Daniela Rico as its new operations director. She will oversee the hotel’s operations, ensuring customer satisfaction while upholding the property’s service standards.
Rico’s career with Marriott International began as a concierge supervisor at the JW Marriott Hotel Caracas in Venezuela. She was promoted to banquet manager and, by 2013, she advanced to the director of event management. In 2015, she transferred to the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort as sales manager and over the years advanced to several key roles, including director of sales, director of sales and marketing.
Marielle Vroemen has been promoted head of operations at Choice Hotels EMEA. In her new role, she will spearhead the strategic development and execution of Choice Hotels EMEA value proposition for franchisees including the entire franchisee lifecycle, onboarding, training, system integration, communication, franchisee support and brand management.
Responsible for all operational functions, Vroemen will focus on optimizing workflows, implementing innovative technologies and supporting franchisees with training and resources.
NEW GMs
Omni Hotels & Resorts has welcomed Gayla Guyse as general manager of the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, the brand’s third property in Florida. With more than 25 years of service at Omni, Guyse brings leadership experience to the property, which will open in fall 2025. She will lead the opening of the hotel and oversee all departments including operations, sales and marketing, rooms, risk management and F&B. The 29-story hotel will be connected directly to the Broward County Convention Center and will offer 801 rooms and 82 suites, nine dining outlets, a rooftop bar, pool, spa, fitness center and more than 120,000 square feet of event space.
Throughout her career, Guyse has held key leadership roles across multiple Omni properties. Most recently, she served as general manager at Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star. Prior to that role, she served as general manager of Omni Houston Hotel, overseeing both the Houston property and Omni Houston Hotel at Westside during a pivotal period that included the transition and sale of the Westside property.
The Westin Los Angeles Airport has appointed Steve Pufpaf as its new general manager. He brings more than 35 years of leadership experience with Marriott in sales, revenue management, marketing and hotel operations. Prior to his new role, he served as the vice president of sales, MSB (Marriott Select Brands) West.
After beginning his career as a bellman at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Pufpaf went on to work in housekeeping, front office, guest services, banquets, catering and event management. He has held various leadership positions, including general manager, director of sales and marketing, market sales leader for Southern California, general sales manager for the Southwest sales office and vice president of sales for the Southwest.
