Tatiana Valenzuela

🏨 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.

🏨 Claudia Rodrigues is appointed as the new general manager of Nusfjord Village & Resort in Norway, effective February 2026. Nusfjord, located in the Lofoten Islands, is a historic boutique hotel renowned for its 400-year history. Rodrigues, with nearly 20 years of global hospitality experience, previously worked in Spain, Fiji, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, and Botswana. Nusfjord offers restored 19th-century cabins and is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels’ Considerate Collection.

📈 Travis Burns was appointed as executive vice president of business development at Remington Hospitality. With over 20 years of experience, he aims to expand the company's portfolio by engaging with owners and developers. Previously, at Aimbridge Hospitality, he held senior roles, oversaw 70+ properties, and managed $175 million in annual revenue. Known for delivering results, Burns is set to enhance Remington's development strategy through his extensive industry relationships and understanding of ownership priorities.

🏠 Cain appoints Bob Graziano as chief strategy advisor in December 2025. Graziano brings over 40 years of experience, including roles with J.P. Morgan Chase and the Los Angeles Dodgers. His focus is on One Beverly Hills, featuring Aman Residences. One Beverly Hills will introduce two Aman-branded residential towers, a 78-suite hotel, and club. Cain's portfolio spans Miami, New York, London, and more, partnering with brands like Aman and Raffles. Graziano is involved with the 2028 Olympics and 2027 Super Bowl.

🏖 Christian Maeder, with over 25 years in luxury hospitality, is appointed general manager at Montage Big Sky, Montana, succeeding his role as hotel manager since 2023. Previously, he held leadership roles at Montage Laguna Beach, The Maybourne Beverly Hills, and others. Montage Big Sky, located in a 3,530-acre Spanish Peaks enclave, features 100 guestrooms and suites, plus 39 residences. Jason Herthel of Montage International praises Maeder’s leadership and service dedication.