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Tatiana Valenzuela

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Accor appoints Marriott exec Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia

📈 Ranju Alex has been appointed as CEO for Accor in South Asia, which includes India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. She previously served 14 years at Marriott International, most recently as regional vice president for South Asia, overseeing 170 hotels. Accor aims to expand to 300 hotels by 2030, currently operating over 70 with 30 more in development. This move is part of their joint venture with InterGlobe to consolidate their business in the region.
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Omni announces chief creative officer

🏨 Laura Trussel McKoy becomes chief creative officer of Omni Hotels & Resorts. She joined Omni in February 2007 and has been pivotal in shaping its design identity. Previously, she held roles at CNL Hotels in Orlando and BBGM Architects in Washington, D.C. McKoy's new role involves leading interior design for renovations and new developments, enhancing Omni’s creative vision, and collaborating with Marketing and Operations. Her nearly 20-year tenure includes founding the Omni Design Studio.
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Ashford Hospitality Trust sells two hotels totaling $33M

💸 Ashford Hospitality Trust sold two properties: Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake in Houston, Texas for $27 million, and Residence Inn Evansville East in Evansville, Indiana for $6 million. The combined sale price represents a 1.3% capitalization rate and 45.3 times EBITDA when adjusted for capital expenditures, or 2% capitalization and 28.1 times EBITDA excluding it. These sales aim to improve debt metrics and cash flow, with similar future sales anticipated.
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Hotel duo Thompson Austin and tommie Austin add new GM

🏨 Christina Fry has been appointed as the general manager of the Thompson Austin and tommie Austin hotels. With 13 years in hospitality, Fry has a history with Hyatt, most recently as general manager of Andaz West Hollywood. Opened in 2022, Thompson Austin has 212 rooms and suites, while tommie Austin offers 193 king bed rooms. Both hotels share amenities like a 6,000-square-foot gym, sports simulator, rooftop pool, and dining options.
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DoveHill acquires Maine’s White Barn Inn

🏠 Real estate investment group DoveHill acquired the historic White Barn Inn in Kennebunk, Maine, part of Auberge Resorts. Opened in the 1970s, it's 90 minutes from Boston and comprises 13 rooms, 8 junior suites, 1 studio suite, 5 cottage suites, and "The Cora Houseboat." The inn is famous for its luxury spa and culinary excellence. DoveHill, through its Opportunity Fund 2, targets unique, irreplaceable properties, focusing on iconic and high-barrier-to-entry markets. Auberge Resorts will continue management.
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Aimbridge adds president of select service division

📈 Chris O’Donnell has been appointed as president of Aimbridge Hospitality's select service division starting September 15. O’Donnell, with over 20 years of experience in hospitality, will focus on operational performance, maintaining alignment with Aimbridge’s balanced scorecard framework. Previously, he held senior roles at Magna Hospitality and White Lodging, serving as COO at Atrium Hospitality. This appointment follows Allison Handy’s promotion to CCO, as Aimbridge strengthens its executive team.
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Siari, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve appoints new GM

📍 Guillermo Varela has been appointed as the general manager of Siari, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. He will oversee the resort's 86 keys, including a five-bedroom presidential suite and 34 ocean-view residences. Varela has over 15 years of international leadership experience, previously working with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and Aman. The resort is located in an 800-acre private community in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, and will open in winter 2025.
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The Kimpton Brice appoints new GM

🏨 Adam White is the new general manager of The Kimpton Brice in Savannah, GA. Previously, he managed the Austin Southpark Hotel and held positions at several Hilton and Marriott properties. The Kimpton Brice, located near River Street, offers 145 guest rooms, a Secret Garden courtyard, an outdoor pool, and nearly 6,000 sq. ft. of event space. It is managed by HEI Hotels & Resorts.
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Langham names global head of residential

🏠 Langham Hospitality Group has appointed Rico Picenoni as global head of residential. His role focuses on enhancing design, branding, and operations of private homes. Picenoni, with prior experience at Savills, Accor, and Seven Tides Hospitality, will operate from Dubai, where Langham plans its first hotel opening in 2029. This move aligns with industry trends, as companies like Rosewood expand branded residences with new leadership appointments.
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