Tatiana Valenzuela

📍 Stan Iliev is appointed dual general manager of Le Méridien and AC Hotel Denver Downtown. With over 15 years at White Lodging, he started in 2011 at Hilton Garden Inn, Chicago Midway, and has held roles in Chicago, Valparaiso, Louisville, and Nashville. Previously, Iliev was the GM of Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University. The hotels are centrally located in downtown Denver, close to the Colorado Convention Center and other landmarks.

📄 Outrigger Hospitality Group appointed Stephen Nickerson as VP of Operations for The Americas. Nickerson has leadership experience from Sonesta Hotel Corporation, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Candlewood Suites. Previously, he was SVP of operations at Midas Hospitality, managing a U.S. portfolio. Mike Shaff, EVP of Operations, praised Nickerson's expertise and leadership. This strategic move aims to enhance hotel team performance and guest experience across diverse markets.

🏖 Don Carlos Marbella, located between Marbella and Malaga, will reopen in summer 2025 after a €45 million renovation by Selenta Group. Jorge Manzur, with over 20 years at brands like Le Méridien and Westin, is the new GM. The hotel, part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, offers 284 rooms and 24 residences, with tennis facilities by the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center. Selenta Group aims to enhance its Mediterranean luxury reputation.

🏨 Andrew Houghton joined Davidson Hospitality Group as Senior VP, Luxury Operations, overseeing Ragdale Hall Spa in the UK. Scott Harrell is the new VP, Acquisitions & Business Development. Houghton brings experience from Marriott, including managing The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai. Harrell has 15+ years in hospitality real estate, previously with PM Hotel Group. Davidson aims to grow domestically and internationally. Both will enhance Davidson’s luxury offerings and development strategies.

🏨 Olivia Johnson becomes the general manager at Thompson Houston, located beside Buffalo Bayou Park. With over 10 years of experience across California, New York, and Texas, Johnson transitions from hotel manager, a role she held during the property's opening. The hotel boasts 172 guest rooms, including 34 suites. Previously, Johnson supported the opening of Thompson San Antonio in 2020 and worked as director of housekeeping at Hotel Emma in San Antonio.

📈 Adam Beer, a 25-year veteran in luxury hospitality, has been named General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and The Residences in Boston. From 2021 to 2024, Beer managed a $700M portfolio for Marriott and Hilton. He aims to lead the Boston team as it marks its 25th anniversary in 2026. The Ritz-Carlton, Boston originally opened in 1927 and relocated to Avery Street in 2001. Beer's past roles include General Manager at Lido House and positions at Sheraton, W, and Westin hotels.

📌 Michele Grosso has been appointed as regional vice president, Operations, U.S., for Langham Hospitality Group. He will oversee The Langham Hotels and Resorts and Eaton brands in the U.S. Grosso brings 28 years of luxury hotel experience, joining LHG in 2019. He will continue as managing director of The Langham, Boston. CEO Bob van den Oord highlights Grosso's expertise and leadership as vital for maintaining high-quality guest experiences in the U.S. market.

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts has appointed Neetu Mistry as Managing Director for its UK & Ireland estate, overseeing 400+ open and pipeline hotels across 11 brands. With 20+ years of industry experience, Mistry succeeds in driving growth and partnerships. Previously, she served as CCO for Cycas Hospitality in Amsterdam. IHG’s UK&I market benefits from strong domestic travel demand and sustained owner investment, offering significant opportunities for growth across all segments.

🏨 Roland Fasel appointed president of Capella Hotel Group effective April 6. He aims to double the portfolio by 2030, focusing on expansions in the Middle East and Europe. Fasel, previously COO at Maybourne Hotel Group, has over 30 years of luxury hospitality experience, including roles at Aman Resorts and Badrutt’s Palace. He led an $80 million repositioning at Badrutt’s and was key in launching Dorchester Collection, enhancing both culture and performance in luxury hospitality.

📈 Kirk Pederson was appointed as COO of PM Hotel Group in Washington, D.C., to enhance revenue management, sales, marketing, and distribution. Previously, he led Sightline Hospitality, which merged with PM Hotel Group in 2024. With over $5 billion in hotel and resort asset oversight in the U.S. and Mexico from his roles at Morgan Stanley Real Estate Funds and more, Pederson brings vast experience to the nearly three-decade-old company.