Human Resources

📈 DiamondRock Hospitality Chairman William W. McCarten will retire at the 2026 Annual Meeting on April 29, after 22 years. Bruce D. Wardinski will step up as non-executive chairman, reducing the board from nine to eight directors. McCarten, a founder and former CEO, has been pivotal in the company's success. Bruce Wardinski, with prior experience as chairman of three hotel companies, has been on DiamondRock's board since 2013.

🏠 Luc Delafosse has been appointed as the new head of The Peninsula Paris. His appointment comes as HSH (The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited) and Katara Hospitality adjust their governance approach for this strategic European asset. This move highlights a significant change in leadership and strategy within the luxury hotel sector, focusing on enhancing management and operations at one of Paris's prestigious locations.

🏨 EOS Hospitality appointed Abe Liao as vice president of operations, overseeing selected assets like Kingston Resorts and Washington DC properties. With over 20 years in hospitality, Liao previously managed The Watergate Hotel's rebuild and was VP of operations at Aimbridge Hospitality. EOS operates over 60 hotels and resorts with more than 10,145 keys across the U.S. CEO Simon Mais praised Liao's leadership and operational alignment.

💻 Daniel del Olmo appointed as CEO of Sage Hospitality Group in Denver, Colorado, succeeding founders Zack Neumeyer and Walter Isenberg. Transition follows a multi-year succession plan. Del Olmo joined Sage in 2020, previously as co-CEO. Isenberg becomes executive chairman, Neumeyer assumes chairman emeritus and vice chairman roles. Focus on growth, talent investment, and strategic partnerships continues, aiming to redefine hospitality experiences. Sage, founded in 1984, maintains its mission to enrich lives through hospitality.

🏨 Marriott International appointed Henri Michel as general manager of the Paris Marriott Champs-Élysées Hotel, coinciding with the hotel's redesign completed by Muza Lab. Michel, with Marriott since 2000, has 25 years of experience in Germany and France, including leadership roles such as general manager of Renaissance Paris Nobel Tour Eiffel Hotel. His appointment aims to enhance the property's operations and guest experience. Michel started his hospitality career with a three-year apprenticeship.

🏨 Avion Hospitality expands into Pennsylvania with the management of the 298-room Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township. This marks Avion's entry into its 15th state and its 40th hotel since 2022. Avion plans to enhance revenue, team development, and guest satisfaction. CEO Robert Burg highlights partnerships and growth. Highline Hospitality's Chuck Pomerantz supports Avion's operational approach, aligning with long-term strategies to optimize the hotel's potential.

📈 Pierre-Marie Ragon appointed as the head of Le Mas Candille on the Riviera, indicating a strategic shift in luxury management. As competitive pressures grow and capital allocation becomes stricter, execution excellence is now crucial. This change focuses on altering risk profiles rather than brand identity.

📁 Hospitality firm Numa Group appoints Philip Lassman as managing director for the UK and Ireland. Lassman, with nearly 25 years of experience at Accor and IHG, succeeds Olivia Immesi. He will oversee Native by Numa and Numa brands. Numa opened its Chelsea Green in London in December 2025 and plans expansions in Fulham Broadway, Fitzrovia, and Edinburgh in 2026, alongside a refurbishment of Native by Numa Hyde Park.