Human Resources

🏨 Sacha Cauwels-Wigan is announced as the new general manager of The Imperial Hotel Blackpool. With over 32 years in international hospitality, she has held senior roles at Sheraton Hotels across the UK, Africa, and the Middle East. She will manage daily operations and oversee the transition to a family-oriented model. The 19th Century hotel is expanding to include themed bedrooms and all-inclusive packages, alongside its existing amenities like a cinema room and arcade.

🏡 Domaine des Etangs in Charente, France, has appointed Damien Bastiat as general manager. The 13th-century château will reopen in March. Bastiat, with 30 years of luxury hospitality experience, recently managed Almae Collection and previously led hotels like Hotel Le Toiny St. Barth and Ballyfin Demesne. The property joined Auberge Collection in April 2023. Mo Elbanna of Auberge Collection praises Bastiat’s leadership as they aim to establish the château as a luxury destination.

📍 Guillaume Ranvier, appointed general manager of Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, succeeds Louis Starck as of September 2025. Previously with Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, Ranvier's career includes roles at Hyatt properties in Paris, Doha, Cannes, and Nice. Established in 1928, the hotel, known for its Belle Epoque facade and Gustave Eiffel-designed dome, is undergoing renovations. New suites and Bar Gustave are set to open in June 2026, enhancing its historic elegance.

Here's a concise summary with key facts and statistics from the article: 📅 2025 in Greenville, SC, Hospitality America celebrates its 30th anniversary since its founding in 1995 by Chris Cargen. The company is led by CEO Ben Campbell. Hospitality America was ranked #22 on South Carolina's 50 Fastest Growing Companies list. They’ve been recognized by USA Today as a Top Workplace in 2024 and 2025. Recent openings include Element Charleston Airport. Kellie Hanselman and Ryan Sistare have been promoted to VP positions.

🏨 Hand Picked Hotels appointed Matthew Selch as general manager of Brandshatch Place Hotel and Spa in Kent. With 10+ years of leadership experience, including roles at Village Hotels and De Vere Hotels, Selch will enhance the hotel’s bespoke events and private hire offerings. The hotel collaborates with local venues like Mount Vineyard and London Golf Club. Hand Picked Hotels runs 21 hotels across the UK and Channel Islands, aiming to strengthen their presence in the Kent event market.

📍 In 2027, IHG® Hotels & Resorts plans to open a 45-key Garner hotel in Bhiwadi, India, developed by Modest Structures Private Limited and managed by United Hospitality Management. This marks the fourth Garner signing in India, reflecting confidence in its midscale brand. IHG currently operates 51 hotels across six brands in India, with 80 more in the pipeline over the next 3-5 years, targeting India's high-growth, tier-two cities.

📈 Jean-Yves Minet, Global Brand President at Accor, manages ibis, ibis Styles, ibis budget, Novotel, and Mercure Hotels, representing nearly 70% of the group's global portfolio with over 3,500 hotels worldwide. He emphasizes mastering purpose, value proposition, and brand personality to ensure future-proof brands. Minet's approach focuses on delivering consistent, valuable experiences globally, shaped by his non-hospitality background. His full interview on brand strategy is available on Hospitality ON.

📈 Garreth Walsh, appointed as area general manager for Kimpton Hotels in central England, will lead Kimpton Fitzroy London and support Kimpton Clocktower Hotel and Manchester Deansgate Hotel. Walsh, with IHG since October 2019, brings a 15-year experience from The Doyle Collection, managing The Marylebone and Kensington Hotels. His hospitality career started at Jurys Doyle Hotel Group, where he held management roles, including deputy GM at Jurys Inn Islington.

📈 Aimbridge Hospitality appoints Alex Fiz as president of its LATAM and All-Inclusive Divisions, effective March 2. Leandro Castillo will retire but will serve in an advisory role. Alex brings 34 years of experience from Marriott International, where he led strategies in Latin America and the Caribbean. The All-Inclusive Division started in 2025 and focuses on significant growth opportunities in Latin America. Aimbridge Hospitality serves major global brands and independent properties across Mexico and Latin America.

🏨 Minor Hotels announced Winston Gong as General Manager for Avani Kota Kinabalu, set to open in Q2 2026. Winston, experienced in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, previously led Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay. The 352-key hotel features 22 suites, diverse dining, and meeting facilities. Located in Luyang, it is 13 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, aiming to cater to leisure and corporate guests with seamless connectivity.