Tatiana Valenzuela

🏠 Carlos Rodriguez Jr. has been appointed CEO of Driftwood Capital, succeeding his father, Carlos Rodriguez Sr., who co-founded the firm in 2015 and will continue as executive chairman. Over the past decade, Driftwood Capital has expanded significantly, managing approximately $3.5 billion in hospitality assets and over 80 hotels. The firm has more than $1 billion in projects under development and has participated in over $2 billion in loan originations.

📈 Peregrine Hospitality appointed Heather Stege as COO to enhance operational quality across its portfolio. Stege, previously with KBP Inspired and Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, will collaborate with executive leadership. Three new executives joined: Anthony Gaeta (technology), Christina Gregg (human resources), and Jeff Gross (asset management). Peregrine Hospitality manages 92 properties in the U.S., Fiji, the Maldives, Mauritius, and Thailand, focusing on hotel management and global sales. These leadership changes aim to drive innovation and portfolio performance.

📈 Marriott's Liam Brown becomes AHLA Board Chair in 2026 after Mitch Patel. Thom Geshay and Jon Stanner appointed vice chair and secretary/treasurer, respectively. Brown, after retiring in June, aims to build on Patel’s momentum. The 2026 AHLA Board includes industry leaders like Jeff Horwitz and Amanda Hite. The AHLA, representing over two million employees nationwide, prepares for a "mega decade" of global events, highlighting the importance of the hospitality sector in the U.S. economy.

📈 Ryan Davis, Valerie Shell, and Vanessa Tilley were promoted within LEFT LANE Development to lead revenue, sales, and marketing, respectively. The firm, based in New York City, focuses on developing historic properties in emerging U.S. markets. New projects are planned in Pittsburgh, Providence, Phoenix, Bozeman, and Savannah, set to open between 2026 and 2028, featuring repurposed historic buildings and new F&B concepts. Hotel Bardo Savannah launched in February 2024.

📄 Philippe Kronberg, appointed General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London & AVP Operations, will also support locations in Mayfair, Paris, Amsterdam, and the newly added Lutetia. The announcement from Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, effective Wednesday, highlights Kronberg's 30-year hospitality experience, including roles in Oman, Sydney, Turkey, China, Thailand, and Brisbane, underlining commitment to luxury service excellence. Kronberg previously managed a multi-property destination with over 640 rooms in Muscat for Shangri-La.

📰 Steve Mitchell was appointed managing director of global lodges at Belmond, reporting to Iain Langridge. He oversees the expansion of Belmond's global lodge portfolio and existing safari lodges in Botswana, including Eagle Island Lodge and Savute Elephant Lodge. Previously, Mitchell co-founded Angama, leading its growth in locations like Kenya's Maasai Mara. He also founded the Angama Foundation, supporting local communities. His appointment aims to enhance guest experiences and reinforce Belmond's position in Slow Luxury travel.

📈 Mark Sergot becomes IHG Hotels & Resorts' new chief development officer for the Americas, leading growth across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean. With 25+ years in hospitality sales, Sergot joined IHG in 2020 and has led global sales since 2022. He'll focus on IHG's Luxury & Lifestyle and Suites portfolios. Previously at Fairmont Hotels for 16 years, Sergot also serves on the U.S. Travel Association board.

🏨 Marriott International has appointed Sheila Buciuman as general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, and Ty Bolton as general manager of Aloft New Orleans. Buciuman brings over 20 years of experience, previously serving at The St. Regis Houston. Bolton, also with over 20 years in hospitality, joins from PeachState Hospitality. Buciuman and Bolton both have extensive leadership backgrounds, enhancing their respective roles at well-known hotel chains.

🏝️ Paul Maddison has been named managing director and Barbara Vale Quigley director of people and culture at The Meritage Resort and Spa, Napa Valley, CA. Maddison, with decades of luxury leadership in California, aims to enhance food, wine, and music experiences. Quigley, with over 20 years in hospitality HR, will focus on talent strategy and employee engagement. Both bring extensive experience from prestigious hotels and resorts.

📈 Charles Fisher, a veteran with over 20 years at Four Seasons, has been appointed as the general manager at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. His journey with Four Seasons began at the London Park Lane location after graduating in hotel and restaurant management. Fisher has held key roles in New York, Nevis, Singapore, Chiang Mai, Hawaii, Orlando, Tokyo, and Cairo. This is his third tenure as a general manager, previously serving in Cairo and Tokyo.