Human Resources

🏢 Journey Mentor appointed Mark Anzur as EVP of Sales, bringing over 20 years of experience from senior roles including CEO of Air Montenegro and management positions at Adria Airways, Stobart Air, and UNEX Management Consulting. Anzur led Air Montenegro's increased revenue via a long-term business strategy, and at Adria Airways, he spearheaded a successful turnaround resulting in its privatization in 2016. His focus at Journey Mentor will be to drive sales and address challenges with advanced technologies.

📢 Artistry Restaurants, with 29 Southeast locations and five brands, appoints Bryan Lockwood as CEO to drive expansion, including a sixth brand in 2023. Lockwood, a veteran with CEO roles at Stonefire Grill and Real Mex Restaurants, brings a multi-disciplinary approach to growth. He succeeds Jason Brooks, now COO and partner, formerly of Uncle Julio’s and Bloomin’ Brands. Artistry brands include Boca, Shrimp Basket, Oak & Stone, Atlantic Beer and Oyster, and Sandbar Amelia Island.

🏥 Neil Swanson replaces Andrew Flintham as managing director of Tui UK & Ireland, following Flintham's move to British Airways Holidays as managing director in late October. Swanson, who joined Tui in 2001, was previously chief marketing officer starting June last year. Tui Group's restructuring introduces a new operational model to enhance growth, focusing on classic and dynamic packages and increasing personalized offers. The transformation aims to scale the business globally and improve efficiency and profits, under the leadership of Markets + Airline chief executive David Schelp. Tui reported double-digit growth in underlying EBIT for the eighth consecutive quarter in August.

🏨 Daniel C. Peek has joined JLL as president of its Americas region, boasting nearly $60 billion in career transactions. Based in Tampa, he'll collaborate with CEO Mark Gibson and Kevin Davis to enhance client relations and financial strategies. Christophe Thomas is Aethos' new COO, aiming to refine the brand's strategic direction and operations. Andaz Prague makes two key appointments with Axel Ziegler as GM and Christopher Koleros as Director of Sales and Marketing. The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok gears up for its November opening with six executive hires, including Tina Liu as GM. Pendry Washington DC-The Wharf names Amanda Santiago as Director of Sales and Marketing. Nicole Di Maio-Kennedy joins EOS Hospitality as VP of Revenue Maximization, bringing over two decades of experience. Edmund Richardson advances at Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, aiming to enhance the resort's operations. Hilton appoints Antonio Bugarin as GM of Hilton Los Cabos, and Sabrina Graves takes the helm as GM at B Ocean Resort in Fort Lauderdale. Pedro Dias becomes GM of El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, and Mali Carow is announced as GM at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale.

📖 Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor at Informa's Restaurant & Food Group since August 2021, has over seven years of specialized experience in restaurant and hospitality industry journalism. She holds a bachelor's degree from The College of New Jersey and a master's from CUNY's Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism. Her past roles include Associate and Assistant Editor at Informa (July 2019-August 2021), Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter, and positions at Insider and The Daily Meal. Joanna is also known for her contributions to The New York Times, Forbes, and Vice.

🚀 Oojo, an online travel booking service, plans to launch in Germany by the end of the month, aiming for global expansion across the US, Canada, the UK, and more. Targeting a growth of at least 30% year-over-year in sales, Oojo maintains a Net Promoter Score (NPS) above 60 to ensure customer loyalty. By the end of 2026, the company seeks to be present in over 10 countries while limiting employee headcount growth to less than 10% annually. Technological scalability and market adaptability are identified as key challenges.

🎭 Ewan Venters, former CEO of Fortnum & Mason, left Artfarm amid concerns the Groucho Club is 'going corporate'. The Soho-based club, acquired by Artfarm in 2022, sparked member concerns over cultural 'destruction'. Artfarm, run by Swiss investors Iwan and Manuela Wirth since Venters joined in 2021, expanded with a Yorkshire sister site and several other hospitality ventures. Venters will exit by January next year, pending a replacement. Recent expansions include Da Costa in Bruton, following the Audley Public House and Fish Shop in Ballater.

🍝 Otto & Pepe, Miami’s first pasta bar by Gabriela Chiriboga and Samuel Ghouzi, opened on September 12 in Wynwood Art District. The 147-seat venue was designed by Saladino Design Studio, featuring house-made pastas and natural wines. Menu by Michelin-starred chef Viviana Varese, with wine expert Karina Iglesias and mixologist Matias Iriarte. The menu offers four categories: red sauce pasta, white sauce pasta, more pasta, and not pasta, plus desserts like tiramisu and brioche with gelato.

📈 Mike Metcalf named President of HQ Hotels & Residences as the brand prepares for its first hotel openings in Montreux, Switzerland, and Detroit, Michigan. Metcalf, with 40+ years in hospitality, joins from Crescent Hotels & Resorts. BWH Hotels appoints Harry Dong as President and CEO for China (Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan), Mongolia, and Nepal, succeeding his father, William Dong. Cody Bradshaw is L+R Hotels' new Group CEO, overseeing global strategy, growth and performance. SH Hotels & Resorts promotes Shadi Omeish to VP of Operations, North America, and Milton Sgarbi to Regional VP of Operations. Omni Hotels & Resorts names Annette Bales VP of Sales. Christian Pertl is Shangri-La Group's new VP of Commercial. Kevin Kelly joins The Resort at Pelican Hill as General Manager, while Parag Athavale takes the helm at Sagamore Pendry Baltimore. Simon Beaumont appointed General Manager of Avani+ Khao Lak Resort. Francisco García becomes General Manager of The Maybourne Riviera. Holger Flory to manage Europäischer Hof Baden-Baden, opening summer 2025. Great Oak Manor in Maryland welcomes Calin Taralunga as General Manager.