Human Resources

📈 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.

🏨 Capstone Hotel Management and Marsden Group merged to form New Zealand's largest locally owned hotel management platform, overseeing 40+ properties nationwide. The merger combines Capstone’s management services with Marsden’s capital strength, managing five brands including Ramada and Wyndham. The new entity has 45 properties and 2,500+ rooms. Sajad Bassam was appointed CEO, while Clare Davies remains COO and board member. The focus is on strategic growth through acquisitions and partnerships.

📍 Avion Hospitality is managing the Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center in Grapevine, Texas, as of recently. The hotel, owned by Highline Hospitality, features 397 rooms and over 60,000 square feet of meeting space, strategically close to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. This addition brings Avion's portfolio to 40 hotels nationwide. The partnership aims to enhance the hotel’s strong reputation for business travelers in the Dallas–Fort Worth market.

📈 Ammisha Bhardwaj, with over 25 years of experience in the boutique hotel industry, has been appointed as the director of revenue and distribution for Watergate Bay Hotel, Another Place, and SeaSpace. She takes over from Judi Blakeburn, who transitioned to an advisory role. Bhardwaj will focus on revenue strategy and maintaining a "people-first" culture. Ben Harper, the group CEO, highlighted her sharp commercial instinct and human approach to leadership.