Tatiana Valenzuela

🏖 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.