Human Resources

📌 SH Hotels & Resorts announced promotions of Shadi Omeish as Vice President of Operations in North America and Milton Sgarbi as Regional Vice President of Operations and Special Projects at 1 Hotel South Beach. Omeish, who joined in 2016, has managed properties including 1 Hotel South Beach and 1 Hotel West Hollywood. The company's portfolio comprises eight 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York, and the upcoming Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley, among others. Sgarbi, also with the company since 2016, will oversee 1 Hotel South Beach's 425 rooms, eight dining outlets, and other amenities. SH Hotels & Resorts is expanding globally, with new projects in Melbourne, Copenhagen, Seattle, Austin, and more. Baccarat Hotels & Residences and Treehouse Hotels are also set to open in several locations worldwide including Rome, Florence, Dubai, and Manchester.

👨️ SH Hotels & Resorts promoted Shadi Omeish to Vice President of Operations in North America and Milton Sgarbi to Regional Vice President of Operations at 1 Hotel South Beach. Omeish, with over 20 years of experience, joined the company in 2016, and has managed West Coast properties. Sgarbi, also with vast industry experience, oversees the 1 Hotel South Beach with 425 rooms and various amenities. The brand is expanding with upcoming projects in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, including new Baccarat Hotels in Rome, Florence, Dubai, and more.

🏨 SH Hotels & Resorts promoted two executives: Shadi Omeish as Vice President of Operations in North America, and Milton Sgarbi as Regional Vice President of Operations and Special Projects at 1 Hotel South Beach. Omeish, with over 20 years in the industry, oversees the company's properties in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, including eight 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York, the upcoming Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley, and future projects like 1 Hotel Austin and Seattle. Sgarbi, a veteran in hotel operations, manages 1 Hotel South Beach's 425 rooms, eight dining outlets, and other amenities. SH Hotels & Resorts is expanding globally with new projects in Melbourne, Copenhagen, Paris, and more.

💲 Mo Chaar, after joining Givex in 2007, advanced from Business Development Manager to Vice President of Sales for North America, and now serves as Chief Commercial Officer. In his current role, he guides global commercial strategy and oversees North American sales teams, instrumental in the growth of Givex partnerships. His expertise spans gift cards, loyalty, and POS systems, aligning teams on pricing, products, and sales approaches, while also supporting Global Managing Directors to fulfill strategic commercial objectives.

🏨 SH Hotels & Resorts announced the promotion of Shadi Omeish to Vice President of Operations in North America and Milton Sgarbi to Regional Vice President of Operations and Special Projects at 1 Hotel South Beach. Omeish, with over 20 years in hospitality, previously served as General Manager and Regional Vice President West Coast since joining the company in 2016. Sgarbi, also joining in 2016, oversees 1 Hotel South Beach's 425 rooms, 8 dining outlets, and more. The company is expanding with new projects in cities like Austin, Seattle, and Silicon Valley set to open this year, and developments in Melbourne, Copenhagen, and others underway. Baccarat Hotels & Residences is opening in locations such as Rome and Dubai, while Treehouse Hotels is launching in Silicon Valley and Manchester this year.

🏠 Chef Brad Carter steps away from the Undercroft project in the crypt of Mayfair’s St George’s Church, London. The 107-cover restaurant, created by music industry entrepreneur Martin Priestnall, was set for a summer launch. Carter, who previously earned a Michelin star at Carters of Moseley in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, cited no reason for the decision. The project, first seen by Carter in 2022, has been significantly delayed and may be canceled. Carter remains focused on bringing his food to London.

📣 Joanne Emerson has been appointed as the new marketing, PR & events manager at Focus Travel Partnership, the UK’s leading consortium of independent SME travel management companies. Emerson, with previous roles at Uniglobe Preferred Travel (10 years), American Express GBT (3 years), a leading law firm, and the charity sector, was promoted after joining Focus 18 months ago. This follows the strategic appointments of CEO Steve Banks in June, Victoria Shorrocks for implementation & support, and Lisa Moseling for commercial support earlier in the year. Emerson will lead event curation, continue enhancing the Focus brand, and support TMCs and Suppliers. Shorrocks will bolster digital capabilities, while Moseling will ensure communication and education on suppliers.

🏥 Atlantis Resorts appoints Paul Baker as president, overseeing Atlantis, The Palm; Atlantis The Royal; and Atlantis Sanya. Jennifer Cottgias becomes general manager of The Maven, after leaving Courtyard Portland City Center. Damien Hirsch takes on general manager role at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa. Louis Shapazian is named general manager at Keswick Hall, bringing 18 years of experience. Derek H. Stutz becomes general manager of Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa with 15 years in the industry. Ildebrando Salazar joins Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa as director of sales and marketing. Mark Shine appointed director of sales and marketing for The ART Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton, brings 25+ years' experience. Claire Johnsen is named director of sales and marketing at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel. Maria Sifuentes takes on the role of director of sales and marketing at Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton. Fernando Corona Burch becomes executive chef at Rosewood London. Malyna Si appointed as executive chef for Hotel Jackson's culinary concepts, including a new restaurant opening in 2025. Billy Mark joins Sheraton New Orleans Hotel as director of food and beverage, with 30 years of experience. HBX Group fills three executive roles: Xabier Zabala as COO, Javier Cabrerizo as chief strategy and transformation officer, and Brendan

💲 Paul Dahill appointed as managing director of sales for Koddi's EMEA region, bringing over 15 years of commerce media, data, and adtech experience. Koddi, known for commerce media programs, aims to expand in retail and finance sectors. Nicholas Ward, co-founder, sees EMEA ripe for adoption. Dahill, a former Criteo executive, targets growth and privacy-first technologies. Terra Ingalls joins Koddi’s US team, with a background in building sales teams and advancing Walmart's retail media program.

📍 In August, the U.S. restaurant industry added nearly 30,000 jobs, marking a 21% share of the 142,000 total new positions in the economy. Unemployment dipped to 4.2%. The sector now employs 12.4 million, slightly above February 2020's 12.3 million. Full-service still lags 4% behind pre-pandemic levels, while limited-service is up 3%. Despite this growth, 82% of restaurant operators are hiring, seeking chefs (30%), dishwashers (12%), cashiers (7%). Operating costs and labor shortages are top challenges, with 27% of respondents citing costs and 23% labor issues. Toast found 30% of restaurant workers might leave within two years, though the quit rate is below the pre-pandemic average.