Human Resources

📈 Kristie Goshow became Chief Commercial Officer at Loews Hotels & Co, overseeing revenue and brand strategy across 27 properties. Her career journey spanned roles with Virgin Atlantic, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, and Preferred Hotels & Resorts, managing over 700 hotels in 80+ countries. Goshow identifies industry challenges such as rapid tech changes and geopolitical unrest as opportunities. She emphasizes maintaining a guest-focused perspective to drive innovation and meet evolving demands. Her leadership reflects a commitment to community and career growth.

🏨 Peachtree Group secured I-956F approval from USCIS for a 116-room Homewood Suites by Hilton in Sugar Mountain, North Carolina. The $28 million project was funded through Peachtree’s EB-5 investment platform, marking its sixth EB-5 financing and totaling over $177 million in capitalization. Located near Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and other attractions, the hotel aims to capture year-round demand. The project received approval in under four months, highlighting Peachtree's efficient approach to EB-5 financing.

🏨 On January 22, Driftwood Capital appointed Carlos Rodriguez Jr. as CEO, succeeding Carlos Rodriguez Sr., who became executive chairman. Since co-founding in 2015, the duo grew Driftwood to manage $3.5 billion in assets and 90 hotels. In 2025, they restructured for growth and launched a luxury division. Targeting international expansion, they aim for Costa Rica, Mexico, and the Caribbean, enhancing cost-effective renovations and leveraging financing capabilities. The company scaled from a $50 million to a $2.5 billion GP fund.

🏨 Jane Pendlebury celebrates a decade as CEO of the Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA), since early 2016. She has led the UK organization through significant industry changes, enhancing its role for hospitality professionals in finance, revenue management, and technology.

🏨 In 2025, Hyatt Hotels Corporation reported a record pipeline of approximately 148,000 rooms, achieving its highest U.S. signings in five years. Over 65% of new deals came from brands like Hyatt Select and Unscripted by Hyatt. Jason Ballard, with nearly 20 years at Hyatt, will lead the Essentials portfolio's growth, focusing on international expansion and maintaining brand consistency. In 2025, 50% of new U.S. deals for this portfolio marked Hyatt's entry into new markets.

🏨 The Gresham Aparthotel in Leicester, established in a Grade-II listed building, is closing its restaurant in 2024 due to declining footfall. Instead, it will focus on luxury stays, offering 121 serviced apartments since its November 2021 opening after a £17m refurbishment. Dominique Haines and Ashley D’Mellow have been newly promoted within the team. The venue will still serve breakfast and offer its kitchen for private hire. The bar remains open to guests and public.

🏨 Swiss-Belhotel International is boosting its footprint in Indonesia with hotel management contracts signed in early 2026. Key expansion cities: Batam, Bali, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Bengkulu, Tangerang, Lampung, Central Kalimantan. Offering luxury to economy brands. Target: 530+ properties by 2033. Current: 120+ hotels in Indonesia, 165+ globally in 20 countries. This growth aligns with increasing leisure, corporate, and MICE demand, supported by strong digital infrastructure and strategic execution for long-term value.

📈 Sneha Jha steps up as Director of Sales & Marketing for Fairmont Mumbai and Roswyn, A Morgans Originals Hotel, overseeing their commercial direction. With 20+ years in luxury hotel sales, Sneha has been part of several landmark launches, including Fairmont Mumbai. Deepak Khusalani, with 15+ years in hospitality, becomes Director of Revenue & Reservations, focusing on revenue optimization. Sonia Paul takes on an expanded role as Director of Marketing & Communications, leveraging her two decades of experience in luxury hospitality.

📈 Antoine Dubois, a few months into his role, oversees Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer's assets, spanning two square kilometers and including iconic hotels and renowned gastronomy. Founded in 1863, the company continually reinvents itself to maintain its luxury status. Initiatives include cellar renovations, a unique cigar club, and new concepts like Amazonico. The strategy focuses on exclusivity, balancing heritage with innovation to cater to ultra-high-end clientele seeking bespoke experiences.