Human Resources

🏨 Dieter Schmitz joins The Standard, High Line as managing director, boasting over 20 years in luxury hospitality. He has led eight major projects across New York, Washington, D.C., Arizona, and California, including roles at Accor, IHG, and Marriott. Previously, as GM at Sofitel New York, he managed the renovation of 398 rooms. Schmitz also oversaw a $100 million redevelopment for ADERO Scottsdale. Upcoming plans include a winter ice skating rink and new guest experiences.

🏨 Elizabeth Herzberg appointed SVP of development at PM Hotel Group. Her role focuses on expanding the management portfolio and supporting long-term growth. Previously at Mint House, acquired by Kasa in January 2026, she scaled its platform to over 30 hotels in 25+ U.S. markets. Herzberg has experience in real estate, capital markets, and investor relations. PM Hotel Group is expanding in Florida, New York, Hawaii, California, Oregon, and the Mountain States.

📈 David Resnick and David Steiner were named co-CIOs at Driftwood Capital, Coral Gables, Florida, overseeing equity and credit investments. Resnick previously worked at 13th Floor Investments, managing projects worth $850 million and $5.5 billion in total capitalization. Steiner co-founded Driftwood’s credit platform, involved in $2.3 billion credit transactions until October 2025. Andrew Dykeman, ex-The Witkoff Group, joins as SVP of Equity Investments, having managed $10 billion in global deals.

🏠 Driftwood Capital appoints David Resnick as Partner and co-CIO, with David Steiner also elevated to co-CIO. Andrew Dykeman joins as SVP of Equity Investments. Resnick, from 13th Floor Investments, led over $850M in projects. Steiner co-founded Driftwood's credit platform, participating in $2.3B in credit transactions. Dykeman, from The Witkoff Group, managed $10B in deals. Driftwood has transacted over $5B in hospitality assets since 2015.

📅 Jon Hubbard will retire at the end of September after a 40-year career in hospitality. Since 2017, he's led Cushman & Wakefield's EMEA Hospitality division. Fred Le Fichoux, with over 20 years at the firm, will succeed him. The firm, with 52,000 employees in 400 offices worldwide, reported $9.4 billion in revenue for 2024. Notable transactions include the Sunčani Hvar hotel portfolio and Augustine Hotel. In April, Luis Arsuaga was appointed Head of Capital Markets Hospitality in Spain.

🏨 Elizabeth Herzberg was appointed as senior vice president of development at PM Hotel Group in Chevy Chase, Maryland. She will lead portfolio expansion and support long-term growth. Previously, she was with Mint House, aiding its growth to 30+ hotels in over 25 U.S. markets before its acquisition by Kasa in January 2026. Herzberg’s expertise includes real estate, capital markets, and investor relations from her past roles at CBRE and Transwestern.

📈 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.