Human Resources

📍 Stan Iliev is appointed dual general manager of Le Méridien and AC Hotel Denver Downtown. With over 15 years at White Lodging, he started in 2011 at Hilton Garden Inn, Chicago Midway, and has held roles in Chicago, Valparaiso, Louisville, and Nashville. Previously, Iliev was the GM of Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University. The hotels are centrally located in downtown Denver, close to the Colorado Convention Center and other landmarks.

📚 In 2026, the Savoy Educational Trust marks its 65th year by appointing Katharine Le Quesne and Anastasia Bloom to its board of trustees. Le Quesne, managing director of HoCoSo London, brings expertise in hospitality strategy and sustainability. Bloom adds financial and governance skills from her investment banking career. They join existing trustees to support educational projects aimed at enhancing skills in the UK hospitality industry. The Trust focuses on advancing hospitality education and career development.

📄 Outrigger Hospitality Group appointed Stephen Nickerson as VP of Operations for The Americas. Nickerson has leadership experience from Sonesta Hotel Corporation, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Candlewood Suites. Previously, he was SVP of operations at Midas Hospitality, managing a U.S. portfolio. Mike Shaff, EVP of Operations, praised Nickerson's expertise and leadership. This strategic move aims to enhance hotel team performance and guest experience across diverse markets.

📈 Mandy Walker joins Careys Manor in the New Forest as director of sales, bringing 18 years of experience from Rhinefield House and expertise in the MICE sector. Frances Trowbridge-Moore, with the company since May 2024, is promoted to spa manager at SenSpa, leading a team of 31, succeeding Lina Lotto, who retired in 2025. General Manager Steve Woodrow highlights their roles in enhancing guest experience and supporting growth.

🏖 Don Carlos Marbella, located between Marbella and Malaga, will reopen in summer 2025 after a €45 million renovation by Selenta Group. Jorge Manzur, with over 20 years at brands like Le Méridien and Westin, is the new GM. The hotel, part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, offers 284 rooms and 24 residences, with tennis facilities by the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center. Selenta Group aims to enhance its Mediterranean luxury reputation.

🏖 Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA is managing Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel and Spa. The 83-room hotel, near Bournemouth Beach, features five function suites for 200 delegates, a restaurant, lounge bar, and two indoor pools. Located seven miles from Bournemouth Airport, it offers leisure and corporate facilities. Aimbridge, a US-based company, outperformed market benchmarks in late 2025 with a gross operating profit index of 101.8, surpassing competitors by nearly two points.

🛢 TFE Hotels Europe appointed Jens Dünnebacke as regional director of key accounts to grow partnerships in European corporate travel. Reporting to Sin-Han Thiede, he will focus on long-stay business travel. Previously with Edyn Aparthotels, Dünnebacke led B2B sales in Europe. TFE aims to bolster its brands, including Adina and A by Adina, for business travelers and provide accommodation for local and international assignees. His expertise is vital for TFE’s European market expansion.

📈 Hadley O'Dwyer joins HotelREZ as VP of customer success and engagement to manage digital innovation and international growth. Overseeing 2,500 hotels in 100+ countries, O'Dwyer, with 20 years' industry experience, aims to enhance customer retention and revenue, leveraging data-driven strategies. His appointment follows John Seaton's as chief growth officer in December 2025, focusing on global service improvements and operational efficiency.

🏨 Sage Hospitality Group now manages The Ben, Autograph Collection, a 208-room hotel in West Palm Beach, Florida, acquired by Related Ross. Opened in 2020, The Ben offers a rooftop lounge, a heated outdoor pool, two restaurants, and over 17,000 square feet of event space. Situated by Palm Harbor Marina, it’s near Clematis Street and downtown attractions. Sage aims to enhance this vibrant, design-centric property’s guest experience as part of its experiential hospitality focus.