Tatiana Valenzuela

🏨 Kevin Briggs has been appointed as the general manager of AC Hotel Beverly Hills. With over 20 years of experience in luxury hotel operations, Briggs has been part of Azul Hospitality Group since 2019, previously managing The Glenmark in Glendale. His background includes significant roles at OLS Hotels & Resorts and positions at Hotel Palomar and Le Montrose Suite Hotel. Briggs aims to enhance guest experiences and community connections at his new position in Beverly Hills.

🏨 Amar Lalvani, Hyatt Hotels Corp's first chief creative officer, expands his role while continuing as president and creative director of the Lifestyle Group. Appointed in 2024 after Hyatt acquired Standard International, Lalvani brings over 25 years of hospitality experience, including leading W Hotels' global development. Reporting to CEO Mark Hoplamazian, he aims to enhance brand identity, design, and guest experiences across Hyatt's global portfolio, emphasizing creativity and distinctive brands for growth and value.

🏨 Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Jacksonville has appointed Melissa Sims as the opening general manager for its 2027 debut. Sims, with 20 years of experience at Four Seasons, was previously GM at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. This new hotel, located on the St. Johns River, will provide marina access and be near Jacksonville's cultural and entertainment hotspots. The project is developed by Shanna Collective with support from the Khan family.

📈 Highgate appoints Erica Doyne as chief marketing officer. With nearly 20 years in travel and hospitality, she was formerly CMO of Cardinal Financial and held senior roles at AMResorts and Apple Leisure Group. She managed brand strategy for over 150 luxury resorts globally and supported over 100 resort openings. Her expertise in brand, customer, and technology will enhance Highgate's commercial strategy, according to Ankur Randev, Highgate's chief commercial officer.

📈 Kempinski Group appointed Noel Attard as chief development officer in 2026, following his role as chief transformation officer from 2025. With 20 years of experience, Attard has managed Kempinski Hotel openings in Lithuania, Malta, and Croatia. Previously CEO of Kempinski Trading DMCC in Dubai for over a decade, he will lead Kempinski's growth, overseeing 73 hotels in 33 countries and 21 projects in development, focusing on luxury expansion and brand continuity.

📅 On October 1st, Tristan Delaittre becomes the general manager of Hotel Eden in Rome. With over seven years at Dorchester Collection, Delaittre transitions from his role as corporate director of food and beverage, where he shaped dining strategies for ten hotels and projects in Dubai (2028) and Tokyo (2029). Hotel Eden, located near Rome’s Spanish Steps, offers 98 rooms and suites, dining options, and spa facilities, continuing its legacy of luxury hospitality.

🏨 Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Md., appointed Kurt Berman as general manager. With nearly 30 years of experience, Berman previously worked in leadership roles across Iceland, Thailand, China, and more. He joins from Eleven Deplar Farm, Iceland, and has held positions including VP at Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah, and CEO at Ropeswing Hospitality Group, Arkansas. The 78-room resort spans 26 acres, offering sailing, dining, wellness, and golf at the Pete Dye-designed Links at Perry Cabin.

📈 Driftwood Capital has appointed David Resnick and David Steiner as co-CIOs, with Andrew Dykeman joining as SVP of equity investments. Resnick previously managed over $850 million in projects at 13th Floor Investments. Steiner, with Driftwood since 2020, co-led $2.3 billion in credit transactions. The firm aims to expand into large-scale, complex hospitality and development projects. Dykeman, from The Witkoff Group, managed $7 billion in developments and $3 billion in financings, including projects in Miami and New York.

🏨 Dieter Schmitz joins The Standard, High Line as managing director, boasting over 20 years in luxury hospitality. He has led eight major projects across New York, Washington, D.C., Arizona, and California, including roles at Accor, IHG, and Marriott. Previously, as GM at Sofitel New York, he managed the renovation of 398 rooms. Schmitz also oversaw a $100 million redevelopment for ADERO Scottsdale. Upcoming plans include a winter ice skating rink and new guest experiences.

🏨 Elizabeth Herzberg appointed SVP of development at PM Hotel Group. Her role focuses on expanding the management portfolio and supporting long-term growth. Previously at Mint House, acquired by Kasa in January 2026, she scaled its platform to over 30 hotels in 25+ U.S. markets. Herzberg has experience in real estate, capital markets, and investor relations. PM Hotel Group is expanding in Florida, New York, Hawaii, California, Oregon, and the Mountain States.