Human Resources

📈 In 2024, Rob Smith became CEO & president of Stonebridge Companies, which manages over 160 hotels. Smith emphasizes profitability through guest service, talent retention, and optimal segmentation, rather than cutting costs. Despite muted transaction activity, growth has been achieved by improving underperforming assets. The focus remains on luxury and lifestyle segments, where experience and consistency are key. Paul Eckert was hired as COO to enhance organizational success, and the next year is expected to see more management changes to boost profitability.

🏨 Trilogy Hotels will operate The Sands Torquay from 1 July 2026, marking its debut on Victoria's Surf Coast. Located 90 minutes from Melbourne and 20 minutes from Geelong, the resort features 112 suites and an 18-hole golf course designed by Stuart Appleby. Guests enjoy amenities like a 25-meter pool, gym, tennis courts, and three dining venues. The Sands is a key leisure and event destination near Bells Beach, fitting for the area’s lifestyle culture. Trilogy Hotels oversees 24 properties.

📈 The HFTP Nominating Committee announced new leadership roles for the 2026–2027 term. Key appointments include Ian Millar as Secretary and Scot Campbell as Executive Advisor. Mike Blake, Sarah Ford, Mark Gage, and Michael Goldrich join the Global Board. These leaders bring extensive experience in hospitality finance, IT, and AI. HFTP aims to advance industry education and standards through this diverse expertise, focusing on global expansion and innovation.

📈 Savvy Collective appoints Marcus Magee and Stephen Miles as operations and development directors. Based in Cheshire, the firm unveiled a new brand identity and expanded services for independent hotels. Founded by Steven Hesketh, it targets venues with up to 100 rooms. The appointments come amid a rise in UK hotel transactions, amounting to £1.6 billion in Q1 2026. Magee and Miles will drive operational resets and revenue strategies for clients.

🏨 Leven Manchester hotel has appointed Kostadin Dimitrov as general manager, succeeding Daniel Clayton as of 2025. Dimitrov has over 10 years in hotel management, previously at voco Manchester. The boutique hotel, located in a converted early 20th-century warehouse, features 42 rooms and suites. It's operated by Wellbrook Hospitality and co-developed with Branco Capital. The hotel offers a unique design-led hospitality experience in Manchester's rich industrial heritage setting.

🏨 Boutique hotel The Harper in Norfolk appointed Andrew Oxley as general manager, replacing Jules Keirle who left in May. Oxley, a former manager at Relais Henley and Bicester Hotel and Spa, is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality since 2014 and a Master Innholder since 2015. The hotel, with 32 guest rooms and spa facilities, was acquired by The Morgans Group, led by Shon Morgans, earlier this month, expanding its presence in North Norfolk.

📈 Corinthia Hotels has appointed Peter Roth as President of Hotel Operations. Roth, based in London, will manage operations for Corinthia's current hotels and upcoming openings in Italy, Doha, Riyadh, Dubai, the Maldives, and Chengdu. He reports to Simon Naudi, CEO. With over 30 years of luxury hospitality experience, Roth previously worked at Jumeirah and spent 15 years with Hyatt. This role focuses on service standards and profitability.

🏨 Choice Hotels International appointed Ali Keshavarz, CVS Health's Chief Data & Analytics Officer, to its Board of Directors. Keshavarz, known for leading enterprise strategy across data and AI, has previously held roles at Aetna and McKinsey. His appointment aims to enhance Choice Hotels' growth and value-creation strategies. Stewart Bainum Jr, Chairman, and Dominic Dragisich, interim CEO, highlighted Keshavarz's expertise in AI as pivotal for improving hotel unit economics and driving business growth.