LODGING Staff - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 109

4 min

This Week’s Comings & Goings

📌 Crescent Hotels & Resorts appointed Elie Khoury as COO. Highgate named Ben Thomas as COO for Europe. First Hospitality promoted Jenna Fishel to CCO since 2004. Vision Hospitality Group named Mary Beth Cutshall as CGO. Peregrine Hospitality welcomed Jason Druso as SVP of operations. Dreamscape Hospitality appointed Christy Jernigan as VP of feasibility. JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group hired Kristina D’Amico as VP. Stonebridge appointed David Wahba as VP of sales. Concord Hospitality promoted Dannialle Neville to regional VP of operations. IHG Hotels & Resorts appointed Yann Gillet as area GM. Four Seasons named Diego Angarita as GM for Naples Beach Club, opening Fall 2025. Grand Resort Bad Ragaz welcomed Simon Spiller as GM. Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk appointed Chryssaldo Thomas as GM. R Collection Hotels, The Ava Hotel, Rosewood Little Dix Bay, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, Hyatt Regency Greenwich, The Katharine Brasserie & Bar, Park Lane New York, SLS Baha Mar, and Riverhouse Lodge announced new GMs or food and beverage directors. Bob W added Philip Ward to its Board. BH Properties hired Taylor Reid as senior asset manager. Montage Healdsburg appointed Nikki Severson as director of spa. Fairmont Chicago, Millennium

2 min

Finding the Perfect Fit

📌 Laura Brouk's career in hospitality began with an economics and travel interest in high school, leading to a hospitality major and a pivotal internship at Marriott in St. Louis. Mentors like Patty Clark and Maureen Healy at Marriott, and Jean-Luc Barone and Chris Anderson from White Lodging, were crucial in fostering an inclusive environment. Observing more women and minorities in hospitality leadership, Brouk recognizes the industry's progress and the AHLA's commitment through the acquisition of the Castell Project, aimed at advancing women's leadership.

2 min

Shaping Hospitality’s Future

👥 Sarah Dinger, influenced by her community of 20,000 where Super 8 originated, cites hard work and "Midwest nice" as her inspiration in hospitality. She joined My Place in 2012, mentored by founders Ron Rivett and Ryan. Advocacy and supportive leadership were crucial lessons from Rachel Humphrey. Dinger sees progressive diversity and inclusion within hospitality and is optimistic about women's increasing leadership roles, acknowledging organizations like Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance and AHLA ForWard Network for their efforts in advancing women.

3 min

Hilton Signs Agreement to Bring Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts to Texas

🏠 Hilton will debut the Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country and its Residences in Fredericksburg, Texas, set to open in 2027. Managed by Hilton, the new resort will feature 60 guestrooms, 37 villas (as 74 additional keys), and 50 private residences. The property will also include five food and beverage outlets, an 11,000-square-foot spa, two pools, and 6,000 square feet of meeting space. Located less than a mile from downtown Fredericksburg, the resort is within a prominent wine region with over 100 wineries.

2 min

Marriott Enters Agreement With PathSpot for Hygiene Management System

🛈 Marriott International collaborates with PathSpot Technologies to implement hygiene management systems across its portfolio of over 9,300 properties globally. The tech includes handwashing validation and equipment monitoring to enhance food safety. With $7 billion in food and beverage sales and 53 Michelin stars, Marriott employs PathSpot's Hand Scanner and SafetySuite for health standards, including real-time temperature monitoring for food quality assurance. This move further solidifies Marriott's commitment to guest health and safety.

1 min

Choice Hotels’ Clarion Pointe Brand Opens 70th Property

🏨 Choice Hotels International, Inc. opened its 70th Clarion Pointe hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Currently, 43 hotels are in the pipeline, with 27 expected to open in 2023 in locations such as Galveston, Texas, and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Clarion Pointe, launched in 2018, offers modern amenities, food and beverage options, fitness essentials, on-demand TV casting, and is part of the Choice Privileges rewards program. Cathy Hartman emphasizes Clarion Pointe’s appeal in the competitive midscale segment for both travelers and hotel owners.

2 min

A Career Sparked by Opportunity

📢 Pilar Arizmendi-Stewart began her career at Hyatt Hotels & Resorts as a finance intern, transitioning to a sales coordinator role which sparked her hospitality passion. With mentors from Hyatt, she learned adaptability and the value of nurturing talent. Arizmendi-Stewart emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion for innovation and stronger teams in hospitality. Despite progress, she notes a gender gap at the executive level, advocating for more female leadership through mentorship and organizational commitment.

2 min

Inspiration, Mentorship, and Leadership in Hospitality

🏠 Heidi Grant began her career in the high-stakes Bingo industry during the Oklahoman gaming and hospitality boom, transitioning from small Bingo halls to world-class resorts and casinos. Choctaw Casinos & Resorts, owned by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, emphasizes community and cultural connections, including a Choctaw language program introduced last year. Almost half (46%) of the leadership at Choctaw Casinos & Resorts is female, with women holding positions like general managers and corporate leaders.

1 min

SHR Launches AI Assistant to Automate CRS and CRM Platforms

💻 SHR, based in Houston, Texas, introduced a new AI Assistant that automates content within its CRS and CRM platforms. It provides multilingual updates, consistent messaging, and accessibility compliance. The AI Assistant reduces manual workload by generating room descriptions, promotional messaging, and image alt-text, ensuring consistency across all languages and systems. Hoteliers can adjust AI-generated content to match their brand voice within the CRM. SHR's CEO, Rodrigo Jimenez, emphasizes the role of AI in enhancing guest experiences and driving bookings and revenue.

2 min

Extended Stay America Opens 50th Premier Suites Hotel

🏨 Extended Stay America announced the opening of its 50th Premier Suites hotel in Schertz, Texas, a franchise developed by Provident Realty Advisors. The three-story, 115-room property features WiFi, breakfast, a fitness center, and fully-equipped kitchens in each suite. Located along the IH-35 corridor, the hotel is positioned to serve guests associated with the nearby Randolph Air Force Base and the area's growing development. Provident Realty Advisors plans to open new Premier Suites hotels in Kyle and Temple, Texas, and aims for 100 properties in three years.

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