Human Resources

[Danbury, Conn., August 18, 2026] — Meyer Jabara Hotels , an award-winning hotel ownership and management company, today announced that it has been selected to manage the Reitz Union Hotel, a distinctive boutique hotel located within the Reitz Union Student Center on the campus of the University of Florida. This is the first university hotel to operate under the MJH umbrella. “This partnership represents a defining moment for Meyer Jabara Hotels,” said Justin Jabara, President of Meyer Jabara Hotels. “The University of Florida is one of the nation’s premier public research universities, and being entrusted with such a signature property is an honor and a powerful endorsement of our team’s expertise in boutique hospitality.” Owned by the University of Florida, the 36-room Reitz Union Hotel is one of the few true on-campus hotels at a major university in the United States, offering guests an unmatched location in the heart of Gainesville’s vibrant campus environment. Situated steps from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (“The Swamp”), the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and UF Health Shands Hospital, the hotel serves a wide variety of travelers year-round, including visiting families, alumni, sports fans, hospital visitors, conference attendees, prospective students, and university recruits. Unlike traditional branded hotels, the Reitz Union Hotel operates independently, allowing it to maintain a unique identity and personality that reflects the spirit of the University of Florida and the Gainesville community. The asset benefits from a diverse, consistent demand base that keeps occupancy strong year-round. The University of Florida continuously draws visitors for academics, athletics, healthcare, conferences, and campus events. “Meyer Jabara has long excelled in the boutique hotel space,” Jabara added. “This industry segment requires a highly personalized operational approach, and that is where our company thrives. This addition further strengthens our growing boutique platform and reinforces our commitment to distinctive, experience-driven hospitality.” MJH was selected for its proven track record of repositioning and elevating unique hospitality assets. Immediate plans for the property include expanded sales, marketing, and revenue management initiatives designed to maximize visibility and performance. The company will also evaluate potential renovation and repositioning opportunities over the next one to two years. “We are thrilled to welcome MJ Hotels to the Reitz Union,” said Dwayne Isaacs, Senior Director, Reitz Union, University of Florida. “Their expertise in hospitality has been evident from day one, and we are already seeing the early results of what this partnership can deliver. We could not be more excited about what this means for the University of Florida campus community and what is ahead.” Chas Henry, SVP Business Development and Acquisitions for Meyer Jabara Hotels, had this to say: “This hotel occupies a truly one-of-a-kind position. Few universities in the country offer visitors the opportunity to stay directly in the center of campus life. We believe this contract positions Meyer Jabara Hotels as a management partner of choice for universities and academic institutions seeking an operator that understands the unique standards and expectations these environments demand.” For more

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This article was written by Lodging Magazine. Click here to read the original article Valor Hospitality Partners is expanding to the West Coast with the addition of The Monsaraz, a…

📈 Jérôme Lassara named Head of Development for Motel One in Southern Europe, focusing on Italy, Spain, and Portugal. In April 2024, Dieter Müller regained control of Motel One; PAI Partners acquired an 80% stake by Q2 2025. Revenue reached €980 million in 2024 with 99 hotels across 13 countries. Motel One's "The Cloud One," launched in 2022, expanded to several cities with a new Lisbon opening planned. Lassara's career spans roles at Accor and an MBA from Cornell/ESSEC.

This article was written by Lodging Magazine. Click here to read the original article Photo Credit: Hyatt Regency Long Island NEW YORK—Hunter Advisors announced the sale of the Hyatt Regency…

Extended Stay America, the leading mid-priced extended stay hotel brand in the United States, announced today that Mark Williams, Managing Director, Franchise Development, will retire at the end of 2026, concluding a distinguished hospitality career spanning almost four decades across several branded global hotel companies. Since joining Extended Stay America in 2020, Williams has played an instrumental role in expanding the brand family, helping drive growth across the Extended Stay America Premier Suites, Suites, and Select Suites brands. Throughout his tenure, he has worked closely with owners, developers, and partners to advance new construction and conversion opportunities while strengthening the company's position as the leading mid-priced extended stay hotel brand family in the United States. Mark's leadership was foundational in shaping the Extended Stay America franchising platform, which is bigger and stronger today than ever before. Over the past six years, he has played a transformative role in growing ESA franchising to nearly 200 hotels across the United States, with a solid pipeline for continued organic development in years to come. We are grateful for Mark’s passion and contributions and wish him every success in his well-earned retirement Greg Juceam, President & Chief Executive Officer, Extended Stay America It has been a privilege to work alongside such an exceptional team and to partner with owners and developers who share our commitment to long-term success. Extended Stay America has built a platform defined by strong brands, talented people, and a clear focus on creating value for our owners and franchisees. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and am confident the company is well positioned for continued franchise growth in the years ahead Mark Williams, Managing Director, Franchise Development, Extended Stay America While preparing for Williams' retirement at year-end, Extended Stay America remains committed to supporting its franchisees and to executing the disciplined growth and performance strategy that has expanded its portfolio in recent years. The company is currently interviewing candidates to succeed Williams but invites qualified applicants to learn more and express interest exclusively here .

MONTREAL, QC — Positron Access Solutions , a global leader in innovative connectivity solutions for the hospitality and multi-dwelling unit (MDU) markets, today announced the appointment of Artjom Airikainen as Vice President, Technical Solutions and Services. In his expanded role, Airikainen will lead the company's technical customer-facing organization, spanning solutions engineering, customer support, and professional services, while taking ownership of system design, installation quality, procedures and partner certification, as the company pushes into new vertical and geographic markets. Artjom brings more than two decades of global hospitality-technology experience to the role, with deep expertise in network design, in-building connectivity, system deployment, and technical service management. Over his career, he has led presales and technical operations organizations across Europe, North America, and emerging markets, and has delivered large-scale connectivity projects for many of the world's leading hotel brands, including Marriott, Hyatt, InterContinental Hotels Group, Four Seasons, and Sheraton. Prior to joining Positron, he held senior technical and presales leadership positions at InnSpire, Exceptional Innovation, and Quadriga, building and running global sales-engineering teams and bringing new Wi-Fi and network platforms to market on four continents. He holds industry certifications including Ekahau ECSE, Cisco Meraki, and Red Hat administration. Artjom joined Positron in 2022, as Director of Presales and Professional Services, and led the company's global presales and professional-services function across its hospitality and telecom verticals. In his new role as Vice President, Technical Solutions and Services, Artjom will oversee the technical relationship with Positron's hospitality managed-service providers (MSPs) and contractors, including their training, qualification, and certification; lead field trials and oversee installations. As a member of Positron's senior management team, his input will help ensure that new customer features are designed and validated for market success in hospitality, casino gaming floors, and healthcare. He will also approve new MSPs and contractors for certification by Positron. "Artjom has been a driving force behind our professional services, procedures, training and certification programs supporting our customer-first approach to the hospitality market. This expanded role reflects the trust that we and our customers and partners place in his leadership. As we grow and move into additional markets, Artjom’s dedication to services, customer support, product quality and end-to-end high-quality solution installation, positions us to scale with confidence." said Pierre Truceau, President and CTO, Positron Access Solutions. "I'm excited to take on this broader mandate," said Airikainen. "Positron has an exceptional platform and a strong partner community, and my focus will be on making sure our solutions, our people, and our partners deliver a first-class experience in every market we serve — from our core hospitality business to new opportunities across Europe, Latin America and beyond." For more information, please visit www.positronaccess.com .

🏝️ TheLifeCo St. Lucia, a 100-key wellness destination in the Caribbean, appoints Olgay Kiraz as general manager. Kiraz, with a two-decade career in global hospitality, aims to enhance guest experiences through advanced medical technologies and therapies. TheLifeCo St. Lucia, located atop Mount Pimard, offers 15 wellness programs, including fasting and stem cell treatments, within A’ila Resorts’ 100,000-square-foot longevity village. Programs range from 4-day to 21-day resets, with amenities like pools, saunas, and hammams.