Human Resources

🏠 Airbnb appointed Gus Fuldner as global head of operations, succeeding Tara Bunch. Fuldner, formerly at Uber, joins during Airbnb's expansion beyond rentals into travel and services. CEO Brian Chesky emphasized Fuldner's role in unifying operations into an AI-powered service platform to improve personalization and trust.

🏨 Roland Fasel will become Capella Hotel Group's president on April 6, leading their expansion to double by 2030. He will focus on Middle East and Europe markets and enhancing guest experiences. Fasel's 30+ year career includes roles at Maybourne Hotel Group and Aman Resorts. Notably, he managed an $80m repositioning at Badrutt’s Palace. Capella operates 12 hotels, with six Forbes Five-Star properties. Fasel is expected to drive strategic and operational growth.

🍳 Pierre Minotti, former Executive Chef at the two-Michelin-starred Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, will lead Orrery in Marylebone as it undergoes a transformation. The restaurant will reopen in April 2026 as "Orrery by Pierre Minotti." The Evolv Collection, led by Martin Williams, is behind this move, aiming for Michelin recognition. Minotti's culinary journey began at age 10 and includes working in top Michelin-starred kitchens worldwide. More updates to follow.

🍲 Who? Pierre Minotti, an accomplished executive chef. When? Announced in 2026; reopening in April 2026. Where? Orrery, Marylebone, London. What? Pierre Minotti, previously earning two Michelin stars for Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, joins Orrery as Executive Chef. How? Orrery will undergo a refurbishment and reopen as Orrery by Pierre Minotti with a modern approach to fine dining aiming for Michelin recognition, blending French cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere.

📈 Craig Fletcher, Yvonne Brennan, and Anna Hart are appointed as directors at Apex Hotels in January 2026 to manage revenue, guest experience, and human resources. This coincides with the acquisition of Dunblane Hydro, driving portfolio growth for the Edinburgh-based group. Fletcher will focus on commercial positioning, Brennan on the guest journey, and Hart on organizational culture, aligning with Apex's broader investment strategy to enhance guest service and operational performance.

📌 Michele Grosso has been appointed as regional vice president, Operations, U.S., for Langham Hospitality Group. He will oversee The Langham Hotels and Resorts and Eaton brands in the U.S. Grosso brings 28 years of luxury hotel experience, joining LHG in 2019. He will continue as managing director of The Langham, Boston. CEO Bob van den Oord highlights Grosso's expertise and leadership as vital for maintaining high-quality guest experiences in the U.S. market.

📍 Sage Hospitality Group now manages The Benson Hotel & Faculty Club, a 106-room property on the CU Anschutz medical campus in Aurora, Colorado. Acquired by the University of Colorado and opened in 2023 by AIMCO, The Benson is positioned between Denver and its airport. It features themed rooms, The Common Good restaurant, and a fitness center. The Faculty Club fosters connections among academics and medical professionals. Sage aims to enhance the hotel’s community role through experiential hospitality.

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts has appointed Neetu Mistry as Managing Director for its UK & Ireland estate, overseeing 400+ open and pipeline hotels across 11 brands. With 20+ years of industry experience, Mistry succeeds in driving growth and partnerships. Previously, she served as CCO for Cycas Hospitality in Amsterdam. IHG’s UK&I market benefits from strong domestic travel demand and sustained owner investment, offering significant opportunities for growth across all segments.

🏨 Roland Fasel appointed president of Capella Hotel Group effective April 6. He aims to double the portfolio by 2030, focusing on expansions in the Middle East and Europe. Fasel, previously COO at Maybourne Hotel Group, has over 30 years of luxury hospitality experience, including roles at Aman Resorts and Badrutt’s Palace. He led an $80 million repositioning at Badrutt’s and was key in launching Dorchester Collection, enhancing both culture and performance in luxury hospitality.

🏨 Roland Fasel will lead Capella Hotels & Resorts and Patina Hotels & Resorts, aiming to double their 12-hotel portfolio by 2030. Fasel, with a background from EHL Lausanne and an MBA from Golden Gate University, previously managed luxury brands at Maybourne Hotel Group and Aman Resorts. His role involves maintaining brand integrity and expanding in Europe and the Middle East. Fasel’s focus will be on operational excellence, service culture, and brand visibility in new markets.