Human Resources

This article was written by Lodging Magazine. Click here to read the original article Photo Credit: PM Hotel Group CHEVY CHASE, Maryland—PM Hotel Group announced the appointment of Elizabeth Herzberg…

The owner of The Connaught and The Berkeley has hired the man who scaled Six Senses to build an operating company for luxury lifestyle hotels it owns and doesn't own.

📈 52 minutes ago, Blastness, an Italian travel tech firm, announced Francis Louis Passerini as the new COO. With a 30-year career in Hospitality and Travel Tech, Passerini, formerly with D-EDGE, is set to enhance operational strategies at Blastness, reporting to CEO Andrea Delfini. The company aims to reinforce its international market presence following transformative acquisitions. Passerini will focus on improving revenue management, digital marketing, and operational efficiency. His expertise is expected to drive the company’s growth and innovation.

🏨 Pepijn Rijvers, former executive at Booking.com, begins as Airbnb's Chief Business Officer overseeing Homes, Hotels, Global Markets, and Enterprise Operations. Rijvers, with over a decade at Booking.com, replaces Airbnb's first CBO, Dave Stephenson. Since May, Airbnb has introduced boutique hotels in 20 cities, including London, Paris, and Rome. Airbnb's hotel sector, a single-digit share of nights, grows three times faster than homes, with 35% of first-time hotel bookers returning to book a home.

📚 Janet Roberts joins Castlebridge Hospitality Management as Director of People and Culture, bringing over 40 years of diverse hospitality experience. Previously with Cycas Hospitality, she will lead strategies in learning and development, employee engagement, and diversity. Castlebridge, expanding its UK portfolio, manages properties like Hotel Indigo in Bath and Chester. Craig Patterson, Managing Director, highlights her expertise in enhancing company culture. Roberts is enthusiastic about contributing to Castlebridge’s growth and people-first values.

🏨 Kolin Pound has been appointed as area president for Hilton's Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) operations. He will oversee 315 hotels and resorts across 35 countries, with 150 more in development. Reporting to Danny Hughes, Pound brings extensive experience from Ares Management and Walton Street Capital. His leadership aims to enhance performance and foster growth as Hilton expands its presence in this dynamic region.

🏨 Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA has appointed Sylvain Lagier as VP of Operations. He will oversee over 25 managed properties in the UK, including brands like Mercure, Accor, and Radisson. Lagier brings over 20 years of hospitality experience, previously working at Brightstar Hospitality. His career began as an assistant financial controller at Hotel New York, Disneyland Paris. Aimbridge aims to leverage his expertise to enhance team performance and meet growth objectives.

📖 In 2024, Barbara Muckermann became Kempinski's first female CEO, focusing on brand desire and historical distinctiveness. Kempinski, established in 1897, owned 75 hotels in 31 countries by 2023. Reto Wittwer expanded from 21 to 73 hotels by 2014. The company acquired Prague's Augustine Hotel in April 2026, their first wholly owned in over 50 years. Muckermann’s strategy emphasizes selective ownership, operational excellence, and integrating technology to enhance human connections.

🏨 Neil Jacobs has been appointed CEO of Constellation Hotels' new luxury hospitality management business. This venture, anchored by The Connaught, The Berkeley, and The Emory in London, aims to expand internationally with projects in Paris and Marrakech. Jacobs previously expanded Six Senses from 8 to 27 properties. Constellation will maintain ownership while the new company will manage operations. Launch expected later this year, reflecting a trend of owners seeking more control over luxury hotel management.

🏖 Vail Resorts, Inc. announced Sue Decker will not seek reelection at the 2026 Annual Meeting due to other commitments. Decker joined Anderson Group, Inc. and Nscale, Ltd. Her current term ends in 2026. The Board will reduce to nine members in 2026 and plans to expand to ten in 2027. In July, Bill Hornbuckle joined the Board, and in 2024, Reggie Chambers and Iris Knobloch were added.