Tatiana Valenzuela

🏠 Sheraton Phoenix Downtown has appointed Daryl Rhead as its new general manager. Rhead's career, starting in 2004 with Marriott International in San Francisco, spans 20 years. He has held roles such as vice president – global asset management and area director of finance. Most recently, he was vice president — owner franchise services. Rhead has also taught at The George Washington University and the University of Maryland. His expertise promises to elevate guest experiences at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown.

📈 Kristie Goshow joins Loews Hotels & Co as chief commercial officer, tasked with enhancing revenue and customer relationships across its 27 properties. With over 20 years of experience, including roles at Peregrine Hospitality and Preferred Hotels, Goshow's strategic leadership spans sales, marketing, and revenue strategy. Previously, she held senior positions at Viceroy and Jumeirah. Goshow's recent roles included trustee for AHLA Foundation and board member for HSMAI Foundation.

🏖 Thomas Caska has been appointed as the complex general manager for Casa Marina Key West and The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton. These properties have 311 and 150 rooms, respectively, and are located in Key West, Florida. Caska’s career began in theatre management and beverage operations before joining Hilton in 2014. He has held key roles, including overseeing a $20 million renovation at Hilton New York Times Square.

🏨 Chris Lorino appointed as Executive VP of Operations at HHM Hotels, announced in January 2026. Previously with Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Sonder, Lorino will manage operational strategies in U.S. markets, collaborating with commercial leaders. His background includes leadership roles at Perry Lane in Savannah, Hotel Commonwealth in Boston, and others. Lorino holds a hospitality degree from Boston University and aims to enhance service delivery and drive growth for HHM Hotels.

🏨 BWH Hotels’ Board of Directors elected Viral (Victor) Patel as board chairperson for 2026, with 25+ years of industry experience. Patel, owner of Best Western Corbin Inn, Kentucky, since age 26, will guide BWH in a transformative year emphasizing digital innovation. The board also named Rajesh Patel as vice-chairperson, Santosh Khanjee as secretary-treasurer, and welcomed Rebecca Driggs. Patel expressed enthusiasm for enhancing hospitality and community impact.

🏨 Elisa Barral appointed as the first female general manager of The Palace Hotel, Madrid since its 1912 opening. With 25 years in luxury hospitality, including senior roles at L+R Hotels and Marriott, she aims to elevate the hotel as a top luxury destination. Barral returns to the hotel, having previously worked in its finance department. Her focus is on enhancing service and experiences to strengthen guest connections.

🏖 Chris Long will lead the upcoming OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort, debuting in February 2026. Long, appointed in April 2025, brings nearly ten years of leadership at OUTRIGGER, with experience in the Maldives and Southeast Asia. The resort expands OUTRIGGER’s presence in Thailand, adding to locations in Koh Samui, Khao Lak, and Phuket. Long aims to introduce a hospitality style that is relaxed, local, and authentically connected to the island.

📈 Hyatt Hotels Corp. has appointed Jason Ballard as the global brand leader – Essentials in 2025. He will oversee the growth of the Essentials portfolio, which includes brands like Hyatt Studios and Hyatt Select. This year, Hyatt has signed over 20 new deals, reaching a total of 70 hotel deals for Hyatt Studios. Half of the U.S. Essentials deals for 2025 are in new markets. Ballard brings nearly 20 years of experience in scaling select-service properties.

📅 The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park has appointed Borja Garcia as the new general manager. 🎉 With over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality across the Americas and Europe, Garcia previously managed The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort and Hotel Maria Cristina. His expertise with brands like Marriott International and Four Seasons shapes his goal to deliver outstanding service and memorable experiences, enhancing the hotel's prestigious reputation.

🏨 Dave Montrose, First Hospitality's new COO, brings 30+ years of expertise. He will oversee operations, commercial strategy, and senior leadership. Previously, Montrose held roles at Highgate Hotels, White Lodging, Brush Creek Ranch, and InnVentures, managing 85+ hotels. First Hospitality, a 40-year-old company, operates throughout the U.S. Montrose’s experience with full-service, independent, and luxury hotels in Austin, Nashville, and Indianapolis is pivotal as the company scales its portfolio.