Tatiana Valenzuela

📍 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.

📈 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.

🏨 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.

🏠 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.

🏨 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.