Human Resources

📈 President Joe Riley will become CEO of Casago in October 2026, after Steve Schwab transitions to Founder and Chairman. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, the transition includes Schwab focusing on strategy and advocacy. Founded in 2001, Casago is a vacation rental management company, managing properties in North America, Belize, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean. Casago expanded by acquiring Vacasa in 2025, with nearly 95% of U.S.-based partners recognized as Airbnb Superhosts or VRBO Premier Partners.

🏨 Rebel Hotel Company has expanded its executive team by appointing four senior leaders, including Gary J. Thomas as COO, amid significant growth. As of February 2026, the company launched Renegade Hotels, scaling to 10 hotels in the U.S. within four months. Tanya Sims, Kelly Makino, and Patrick Horstmann join as VP of operations, head of HR, and director of luxury & lifestyle, respectively, supporting Rebel’s ambitious expansion plans for 2026.

🏨 InterContinental in Chantilly is adjusting its management two years post-establishment with BMF Hospitality and PFH. Gérald Van Reck is appointed to confirm its repositioning in IHG’s Luxury portfolio. The focus is on enhancing governance and transforming heritage ambitions into measurable performance.

🏨 Gérald Van Reck has been appointed General Manager at InterContinental Chantilly Château Mont Royal. This move is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' strategy to consolidate its luxury segment in France. The focus is on heritage assets near major cities, blending leisure and corporate demand. Van Reck's 15 years in luxury hospitality, especially in Food & Beverage, will enhance differentiation and profitability. This reflects IHG's aim to strengthen its market position and ensure operational excellence.

🎉 Driftwood Hospitality Management celebrated its 27th anniversary in North Palm Beach, Florida. The company marked nearly three decades in hospitality with coast-to-coast events. Each property hosted celebrations, including breakfasts, lunches, games, prizes, and special activities for team members. Employees received matching commemorative shirts. Chief Operating Officer Bryan Postema emphasized the importance of recognizing the hard work and dedication of DHM’s staff. These events aimed to celebrate the company's culture and community spirit across all locations.

💻 Steve Marino appointed VP of IT + Hotel Systems at PM Hotel Group in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with over 25 years of experience at Marriott International. His recent role was VP, U.S. & Canada IT, managing technology for 700+ managed and 6,000 franchised hotels. Marino to oversee IT infrastructure, systems, and innovation, aiming to align technology with operational performance and guest experience. His leadership will enhance PM Hotel Group's tech strategy and operational consistency.

🏨 Nicolas Dubort has been appointed as managing director of Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris. With 25+ years in luxury hospitality, Dubort's experience spans Four Seasons, The Peninsula, Dorchester Collection, Waldorf Astoria, and Mandarin Oriental. Previously, he was GM at Mandarin Oriental Muscat, Oman. Le Royal Monceau, near Champs-Elysées, built in 1928 and reopened in 2010, embodies Parisian glamour and creativity, promising artful elegance and unique experiences.

🏖 Monica Hubert, with 30+ years in hospitality, is the new GM at Everline Resort & Spa, Lake Tahoe. She last managed Outbound Sedona, launching it for Spring 2026. Previously, she was GM at Hyatt Regency Sonoma and led sales at Hyatt Centric Silicon Valley in 2022. Her career includes roles at Resort at Squaw Creek and Delaware North. Everline Resort, managed by CoralTree, offers ski-in/ski-out access and a full-service spa.

📈 Yvette Estrada, with over a decade of legislative experience, joins the AHLA to lead state and local government affairs in the Western U.S., including Alaska, California, Hawai'i, Nevada, and Washington state. Estrada will address the Hotel Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance adopted last summer by the Los Angeles City Council, risking hotel closures and job losses. Brett Horton, AHLA chief advocacy officer, emphasizes the industry's current challenges, particularly in Los Angeles.

🏨 Barbara Biffi, recently appointed as chief brand officer, is set to transform Kempinski Hotels' global brand strategy. With a rich background in luxury cruise branding, including roles at Silversea Cruises, she aims to apply her expertise in digital and brand experience to the 150-year-old hotel group. Biffi's career began in 1999 at Ogilvy, and she has held various strategic roles, leveraging her degree in statistics and economics from Milan's Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.