Tatiana Valenzuela

🌴 Felix Pina has been promoted to general manager of Malliouhana, a luxury resort in Anguilla managed by Storey Hospitality. Pina has been with Malliouhana for two years as resort manager. Previously, he worked for 12 years with Ani Villas, including 6 years as general manager in the Dominican Republic. Malliouhana overlooks Meads Bay and Turtle Cove, offering 63 rooms and suites. Storey Hospitality specializes in boutique luxury properties.

🌳 Jumeirah appoints Xander Labuschagne as general manager of Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, managing a 16,500-hectare reserve. Xander's extensive 20+ years in hospitality includes roles in South Africa, Botswana, UAE, and Europe. The reserve features wildlife experiences and conservation efforts, with 90% local staff. Jumeirah Thanda Safari launched in December 2024 alongside Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania, marking Jumeirah's African market entry, accessible via Durban's King Shaka International Airport.

🏖️ Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort & Spa appoints Mark Weatherill as general manager. With 40+ years in hospitality, Weatherill aims to enhance guest experiences. He started with Marriott in 1984 and recently managed The Westin in Houston through a 36-month renovation. The resort, featuring 1,307 rooms, is located in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, near Waikiki Beach.

📈 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.

🏨 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.