Human Resources

📈 Ryan Davis, Valerie Shell, and Vanessa Tilley were promoted within LEFT LANE Development to lead revenue, sales, and marketing, respectively. The firm, based in New York City, focuses on developing historic properties in emerging U.S. markets. New projects are planned in Pittsburgh, Providence, Phoenix, Bozeman, and Savannah, set to open between 2026 and 2028, featuring repurposed historic buildings and new F&B concepts. Hotel Bardo Savannah launched in February 2024.

🏨 In 2026, in Washington, D.C., Liam Brown of Marriott International will chair the AHLA board of directors, with Thom Geshay as vice chair and Jon Stanner as secretary/treasurer. Brown retires in June 2026 after nearly 40 years, with Geshay succeeding him. Mitch Patel, former chair, remains on the board. The AHLA leadership prepares for a "mega decade" of global events, supporting over 2 million U.S. hotel industry employees.

🏨 Apple Hospitality REIT has selected Crestline Hotels & Resorts to manage two properties in Orlando: SpringHill Suites by Marriott and Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites, each offering 200 guestrooms. Both hotels are strategically located on International Drive near attractions like SeaWorld, Disney World, and Universal Resorts. Crestline's CEO, James Carroll, emphasized their strong partnership and commitment to service excellence. This appointment enhances Crestline's portfolio in key U.S. markets, especially in Orlando.

🍳 Marco Terenghi is the new executive chef at L’Assaggio, an Italian restaurant in Paris's first arrondissement. The restaurant has partnered with Michelin-starred chef Ugo Alciati since 2016. Terenghi, previously a sous-chef, trained in Michelin-starred kitchens in France and Italy. He plans to retain classic dishes like vitello tonnato and introduce new Mediterranean-inspired plates. This appointment highlights Starhotels Collezione’s focus on internal talent development.

🏠 Aditya Jain, promoted to chief development officer at Chedi Hospitality, will lead global development strategy from London, focusing on hotels, resorts, and branded residences. With over 10 years in international real estate, Jain aims to expand the brand in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and return to the U.S. He previously established The Chedi Private Residences. Stephan Schupbach, CEO, highlights Jain's role in strategic partnerships and brand positioning.

📘 Philippe Kronberg will join Mandarin Oriental as general manager of Hyde Park, London, and assistant vice-president operations on 12 January 2026. Kronberg will also oversee Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, Paris, and Amsterdam. The Amsterdam hotel will start as a Mandarin Oriental on 14 January. Previously, Kronberg was at Shangri-La in Muscat, Oman, and has extensive experience in Australasia, Turkey, China, Thailand, and Brisbane. A French and Australian national, he holds an executive MBA.

🏠 RedCat Hospitality, led by Rooney Anand, will focus on premium pubs with rooms, exiting managed pub operations. The Coaching Inn Group, acquired in 2021, will encompass all 43 UK inns, expanding from 18 sites and 513 rooms to nearly 1,500 rooms. This move aims to enhance the pub-with-rooms model by integrating traditional coaching inns with modern amenities. RedCat is now the UK’s fourth-largest pubs-with-rooms operator and was named Which? Large Hotel Chain of the Year.

📈 In 2026, the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) elected new leadership in New Orleans, LA. The Board includes Steve Hennis as Chair and Ivar Yuste as President. ISHC inducted 30 new members, expanding its network to over 250 professionals globally. Membership is by invitation, ensuring leaders with integrity. Members contribute thousands of hours annually to the organization, which promotes global hospitality expertise across 50+ functional areas. Explore more at ISHC’s website.

📄 Philippe Kronberg, appointed General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London & AVP Operations, will also support locations in Mayfair, Paris, Amsterdam, and the newly added Lutetia. The announcement from Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, effective Wednesday, highlights Kronberg's 30-year hospitality experience, including roles in Oman, Sydney, Turkey, China, Thailand, and Brisbane, underlining commitment to luxury service excellence. Kronberg previously managed a multi-property destination with over 640 rooms in Muscat for Shangri-La.