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Tatiana Valenzuela

138 posts

Great Wolf Resorts appoints new CFO

📈 Jay Markham appointed CFO of Great Wolf Resorts with over 20 years of expertise. He will manage finance, accounting, and procurement. Previously, he was Senior VP of Finance, leading FP&A and Procurement for more than a decade. He will focus on financial performance for five new lodges opened in the last 30 months. Markham's past roles include corporate controller at Golub Capital and senior auditor at Ernst & Young LLP. His leadership will guide future growth.
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The Woodward Auberge welcomes new GM

🏨 Edward Leenders has been appointed as the new general manager of The Woodward Auberge in Switzerland by Auberge Resorts Collection. With over 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Leenders previously led the reopening of Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria in Brussels and was managing director at Hotel De L’Europe in Amsterdam. He also held senior roles at Rocco Forte Hotels in various locations, including the US, Jordan, and the UK.
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Wedded to the details: How hotels are saying “I Do” to modern wedding trends

💐 Weddings create intense emotions and expectations. Hotels like Zemi Beach House in Anguilla and Westin London City adapt with personalized packages, offering bridal suite experiences, spa services, and running routes. Weddings with 200+ guests are less common; couples favor smaller gatherings, elopements, and eco-friendly options like linen-less tables. Sustainability and custom tableware are trending. Competition among destination wedding venues is fierce, with hotels enhancing personalization and shortening planning windows to attract couples.
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Grand Hyatt Deer Valley adds Nate Hardesty as new GM

🏖️ Nate Hardesty has been appointed as the new general manager and area vice president for Grand Hyatt Deer Valley. With 23 years at Hyatt, Hardesty’s experience includes managing Thompson Austin and tommie Austin, and Andaz West Hollywood. He previously served as regional VP of sales, overseeing 60 directors across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. This appointment marks Grand Hyatt’s Utah debut, with 3,700 skiable acres at Deer Valley.
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Snowpine Lodge apoints new GM

🏖️ Eric Hagman has been appointed as the general manager of Snowpine Lodge, a boutique hotel in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. With over 20 years of hospitality experience, he previously managed Park Plaza Resort in Park City. Snowpine Lodge offers ski-in/ski-out access to Alta Ski Area, celebrating its 88th anniversary. Located at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon, it’s 40 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport. Hagman aims to enhance guest experiences with new offerings.
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Arlo Williamsburg welcomes Mark O’Brien as GM

📌 Mark O'Brien, a seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience, has been appointed as the general manager of Arlo Williamsburg in North Brooklyn. Previously, he held roles at The Maritime Hotel, Shinola Hotel in Detroit, and Ace Hotels in New York and Brooklyn. Arlo Williamsburg, formerly The Williamsburg Hotel, features 147 guest rooms and eight suites. Under O'Brien's leadership, Arlo Hotels aims to enhance its reputation as a vibrant destination.
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The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio appoints new GM  

🏨 Nearly two decades after his initial role, Chaitan Mugili has been appointed as the general manager of The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio. Previously, he was general manager at AC by Marriott & Element by Westin, also in San Antonio. With a 20+ year career spanning Marriott, Hyatt, and Starwood Hotels, Mugili serves as chairman of SAHLA. The 473-room hotel, located near the Alamo museum, combines traditional and Spanish-inspired design.
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Jason Reader joins Davidson Hospitality as COO

🏨 Jason Reader appointed COO of Davidson Hospitality Group, will drive operational performance and profitability. Oversees Davidson Hotels, Restaurant Group, Pivot, and Resorts. Reader has 25+ years in hospitality, previously COO at Remington Hospitality, COO at Magna Hospitality, 15 years with Pyramid Hotel Group. He is on advisory councils for Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt. His leadership expected to enhance guest experiences and financial performance.
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Pete Sams appointed president at Highgate

💼 Pete Sams has been appointed as president of Highgate, effective July 7th. Sams will oversee 500 properties, focusing on performance and growth, working with CEO Arash Azarbarzin. With over 30 years in hospitality, Sams previously served as COO at Peregrine Hospitality and Davidson Hospitality Group. Highgate aims for operational excellence and strategic growth under Sams’ leadership, who is inspired by their value-driven mission.
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Corinthia London welcomes new general manager

📈 Corinthia Hotels has appointed Charlotte Weatherall as General Manager of Corinthia London. Weatherall, previously Director of Sales and Marketing since 2022, has over 20 years of luxury hospitality experience in the UK and UAE, with roles at Rocco Forte, Mandarin Oriental, and others. Corinthia London, located by the River Thames, has 279 guestrooms, including 55 suites and seven penthouses. CEO Simmon Casson praises her leadership, philanthropy, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
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