Human Resources

🏨 Kirk Kinsell, former CEO of Loews Hotels & Co. and President of the Americas for IHG Hotels & Resorts, has passed away. He was a leader in the hospitality industry and a champion of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and its Foundation. Kinsell contributed significantly to advancing representation and opportunities within the industry, including merging the Castell Project with AHLA. His legacy continues through ongoing initiatives by AHLA and its Foundation.

📅 Mariano Cannello has been appointed general manager of Hilton Buenos Aires. With a 25-year career, he started at Hilton Buenos Aires and has worked across five countries and 13 hotels, including seven Hilton properties. Previously, he was regional director of sales & marketing for Hilton South America, supporting 22 hotels in five countries. His return marks a full-circle moment to his hometown and the hotel where his career began, aiming to elevate the guest experience and culinary offerings.

🏨 Crafted Hospitality Group appoints Jordan Thomson as general manager and Ben Swindells as head of operations at Powdermills. Former managing director Joel Williams has stepped down to relocate to Qatar. Thomson, with experience at Sircle Collection and Virgin Hotels, aims to enhance the company's commercial and operational strategies. Swindells, previously at GuestHouse Hotels, anticipates elevating the guest experience at Powdermills. Both appointments mark a strategic shift for Crafted's future growth.

📈 Julienne Smith was appointed as head of Americas growth for Hyatt Hotels Corporation in Chicago, Illinois. With over 20 years of hospitality experience, she'll lead brand expansion across North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Smith will focus on growing Hyatt's Luxury, Lifestyle, Classics, and Essentials brands. Her past roles include chief development officer for the Americas at IHG Hotels & Resorts and nearly 14 years with Hyatt. Javier Águila remains president of the Inclusive Collection.

🏨 Dreamscape Hospitality assumed management of the 153-room Courtyard by Marriott Bradenton Sarasota/Riverfront, located along the Manatee River in downtown Bradenton, Texas. The hotel offers amenities like an outdoor pool, fitness center, and event space. It features The Bistro for dining and is near the Bradenton Area Convention Center and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, catering to both business and leisure guests.

🏨 Hand Picked Hotels appoints Carl Lynch and Daniel Courtney as general managers for Rhinefield House and Buxted Park, respectively, in March 2026. Lynch, with over 15 years in hospitality, will lead operations in New Forest's Tudor-Gothic hotel, while Courtney, experienced in country house hospitality, takes charge of East Sussex's Grade II-listed mansion on 312 acres. Both aim to enhance long-term growth and operational excellence.

🏨 Lawrenceville, GA — Opening Summer 2026, The Lawrence Hotel, a Hilton Tapestry Collection property, will be Lawrenceville’s first boutique hotel. General Manager Chase Wynn, with over 15 years of experience, and Director of Sales Helen Thomas, bringing 20 years of expertise, lead the hotel. Chef Dominic Simpson, with 25+ years, will introduce Southern and Mediterranean dishes. This four-story, 120-room hotel includes two dining concepts and 6,000 sq. ft. of event space, aiming to elevate local hospitality standards.