Tatiana Valenzuela

🏨 Gregory Maliassas appointed CEO of Driftwood Hospitality Management, bringing 30 years of global hospitality experience. He aims to expand DHM’s presence across the Americas. Previously EVP and COO at Playa Hotels & Resorts, he managed 15,000 employees and partnerships with Marriott, Hyatt, IHG, Hilton, and Wyndham. Driftwood, based in South Florida, seeks growth, leveraging strong capital ties and its integrated model. Maliassas praised David Buddemeyer’s foundational work at Driftwood.

🏨 Alejandro Gallegos has been appointed as the general manager of Kimpton Virgilio in Mexico City’s Polanco neighborhood. With over 30 years of international hospitality experience across Mexico, Argentina, and Uruguay, Gallegos will also support the upcoming launch of Kimpton Castelar, reinforcing the brand’s growth. Previously, he led Hotel Alexander in Mexico City and held roles at Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa and Grace Cafayate.

📈 On July 1, Clark Hanrattie will become CEO and managing partner of HEI Hotels & Resorts, succeeding Anthony Rutledge, who led since 2012. Hanrattie, with 30 years in the industry, has managed over 175 hotels worth $9 billion. Under Rutledge, HEI's assets grew from $2 billion to $20 billion. HEI, based in Norwalk, Conn., operates over 100 hotels across the U.S. Hanrattie aims to enhance real estate value and maintain HEI’s cultural ethos.

📅 Klaus Kabelitz has been appointed as the new general manager of Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, located in Monaco, succeeding Serge Ethuin, who retired after over ten years. Kabelitz began his role in September 2024 at The Kensington in London and has prior leadership experience, including managing The Biltmore Mayfair and The Cadogan London. He aims to enhance the luxury hotel's influence and guest experience with his extensive background in high-end hospitality across Europe and the U.S.

🏨 Hotel Monaco Denver has appointed Adam White as its new general manager. With 18 years of senior hotel leadership experience, White excels in budget management and strategic marketing. Previously, he managed the Kimpton Brice Hotel in Savannah, Georgia. His career includes roles in major U.S. markets like Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Austin, and global brands such as Hyatt and Marriott. White aims to enhance employee growth and service quality for Denver travelers.

🏨 Hilton names Scott Berger general manager of Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. Berger, with over 20 years of luxury hospitality experience, recently managed the new Peninsula London. Previously, he oversaw EOS Hospitality's West Coast portfolio. Berger began his career at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, advancing to hotel manager over 15 years. In civic roles, he chaired the Beverly Hills CVB (2023-24) and was a board member of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce (2020-24).

📈 Charlestowne Hotels appoints Tauseen Malik as Senior VP of Operations. With over 20 years of global experience, Malik will optimize operations and evolve food and beverage strategies. Previously at HHM Hotels, he managed East Coast properties. CEO Kyle Hughey emphasizes Malik's role in supporting growth in complex markets. As Charlestowne expands into new markets, Malik aims to enhance guest experiences and performance through strategic leadership and market-specific strategies.

🏨 Starwood Hotels has promoted leaders: Shadi Omeish to SVP of operations, Americas, with oversight of 17 properties; Ashley Gochnauer to area managing director for 1 Hotel San Francisco, 1 Hotel Seattle, and Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley; Onal Kucuk to area general manager for 1 Hotel Nashville and 1 Hotel Austin, opening in late summer 2026. Omeish, Gochnauer, and Kucuk bring extensive hospitality experience, previously holding key roles in operations and hotel launches across various renowned brands.