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Tatiana Valenzuela

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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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Kasa secures $40 million investment from Silver Lake Waterman

📈 Kasa, a tech-powered hospitality operator, secured a $40-million investment led by Silver Lake Waterman to boost technology and AI in its hospitality operating system. Kasa partners with major real estate owners, including Starwood and Greystar, and surpassed $100 million in annual booking revenue. Operating over 85 properties in 45+ U.S. markets, Kasa's boutique hotel segment is rapidly growing with 35+ properties. Recent openings include Kasa Little Italy in San Diego.
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Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown adds new GM

🏨 Hotel development company Universal Hospitality Solutions appoints Joseph Jennings as GM of Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown by IHG. Located at 1015 Elm Street, this 291-room hotel is near major Dallas attractions. Jennings, with over 30 years in hospitality, was VP at Q Companies. He is vice chairman of the Hotel Association of Tarrant County and co-founder of the Arlington Tourism and Public Improvement District. Jennings aims to enhance guest experiences at the property.
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Fairmont Century Plaza appoints new GM

📅 August 2025, Los Angeles: Fairmont Century Plaza appoints Hiren Prabhakar as general manager. With 30+ years of experience, Prabhakar's career includes roles at Oberoi Hotels, Burj Al Arab, and general manager positions in Poland, Moscow, and Saudi Arabia. The property, transformed with a $2.5 billion renovation in 2021, now boasts 63 luxury residences, a 14,000-square-foot spa, and over 24,000 square feet of event space. Prabhakar aims to blend innovation with heritage.
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New Orleans’ The Pontchartrain Hotel appoints new GM

🏨 Nickolas Thomas appointed as general manager of The Pontchartrain Hotel in New Orleans, bringing 20+ years of hotel operations and guest service experience. Previously director of rooms at Hyatt Centric French Quarter, Thomas has held leadership roles at Sleep Inn Slidell, Hyatt Place Convention Center, and Windsor Court Hotel. Located in the Garden District, the hotel is famed as the birthplace of the New Orleans Saints and frequented by legends like Tennessee Williams and Frank Sinatra.
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