Human Resources

📈 Patrick Cimerola, Chief Human Resources Officer of Choice Hotels, will retire at the end of 2026 after a 25-year tenure. He joined Choice Hotels in 2001, playing a critical role in its growth and transformation. The company, a global leader with over 7,500 hotels in 46 countries, will conduct an executive search for his successor. Cimerola will remain as an advisor to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

🏨 Keith Sonderling was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Labor, per Rosanna Maietta, the president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Sonderling's understanding of the franchise model is vital, as 60% of hotels are owned by small business owners. Last month, he toured hotels in Arizona and Nevada, witnessing their economic impact. AHLA aims to work with him to modernize the H-2B visa program and establish consistent joint-employer standards.

🏖 OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group has appointed Brian Regula as CFO. With over 20 years in finance leadership, Regula previously held roles at Pyramid Global Hospitality, Turtle Bay Resort, and The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, managing finances for over 130 hotels. His expertise in optimizing financial operations and Hawaiian connections align with OUTRIGGER’s mission to lead in the beach resort industry, as stated by Jeff Wagoner, President and CEO.

🏨 In North Bethesda, Maryland, Patrick Cimerola will retire as Chief Human Resources Officer of Choice Hotels International at the end of 2026, after 25 years with the company. Joining in 2001, he's played a critical role in the company's growth and strategy, including CEO transitions and pandemic response. The company will search for a successor, while Cimerola assists as a special advisor post-retirement.

📍 Kremi McCabe, with 30+ years in luxury hospitality, joins The Stafford London as General Manager. Her experience includes leading brands like Mandarin Oriental and Dorchester Collection. The Stafford, London’s No.1 Hotel by Travel + Leisure, recently achieved a MICHELIN Star, AA Five Red Stars, and Green Key certification. Kremi aims to honor the hotel’s heritage while innovating guest experiences.

🏝️ Katie Moran joins Crossbasket Castle as hotel manager, bringing over 10 years of hospitality experience, previously at AC Hotel by Marriott. John Abercrombie becomes the resort director with over 20 years in hotel operations, last at The Westerwood Hotel. Crossbasket Castle, near Glasgow, is undergoing a multimillion-pound expansion, including a Four Angels Spa and new riverside cabins. Owner Steve Timoney expresses excitement about the new leadership and the estate’s future growth.

📅 Ryan Haynes will lead the National Hotel Marketing Conference after HOSPA's acquisition. With 20 years in hospitality marketing and PR, he will shape the 2027 conference's direction. The event is set for 27 May 2027 at Hilton at St George’s Park. HOSPA aims to evolve the conference to meet marketing professionals' needs. Jane Pendlebury, HOSPA's CEO, highlights the acquisition as a chance to enhance community support and collaboration.

💻 Tim Sullivan has been appointed as Chief Growth Officer at Bonafide, an AI Alignment platform, to lead growth strategies in sales, marketing, and strategic partnerships. Sullivan, with 30 years of technology leadership, has been on Bonafide’s Advisory Board since 2024. He previously led transformations at Kognitiv and Cendyn. Bonafide aims to enhance AI's understanding of brand contexts as agentic commerce evolves. Sullivan’s role is pivotal for Bonafide’s commercial scaling.

💸 Kempinski Group appoints Andrea Vanni as CFO on October 2026, leveraging his 25+ years in luxury real estate. Vanni, a board member of Kempinski A.G. for over 3 years, previously held senior roles at J.P. Morgan and Deutsche Bank. Kempinski operates 74 properties in 33 countries, with 20+ projects in development. The strategy focuses on enhancing existing assets and expanding through acquisitions and management contracts to maximize returns.

🏨 Kevin Briggs has been appointed as the general manager of AC Hotel Beverly Hills. With over 20 years of experience in luxury hotel operations, Briggs has been part of Azul Hospitality Group since 2019, previously managing The Glenmark in Glendale. His background includes significant roles at OLS Hotels & Resorts and positions at Hotel Palomar and Le Montrose Suite Hotel. Briggs aims to enhance guest experiences and community connections at his new position in Beverly Hills.