Human Resources

🏨 On April 15, 2026, Henning Matthiesen joined RLA Global as a non-executive director. He brings 20 years of luxury property management in Prague and Germany, including overseeing significant renovations at Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa. RLA Global, having completed over 100 projects across six continents, anticipates Matthiesen will enhance its consulting services, especially in operational continuity during refurbishments. His appointment aims to bolster advisory services for luxury hotel and resort developments.

📅 Maribeth Bisienere retired in 2025 after over 30 years with The Walt Disney Company. She held senior roles in resorts, transportation, and food & beverage. Starting in 1995 as GM at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, she later managed Disney Institute and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Bisienere served on the Central Florida Hotel Association and Johnson & Wales University boards and joined the AHLA Board post-COVID-19.

🏨 PM Hotel Group has taken over management of the 234-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Tysons Corner in Tysons, Virginia. Positioned advantageously between Washington, D.C. and Washington Dulles International Airport, the hotel benefits from proximity to the Silver Line Metro. PM Hotel Group aims to boost performance by aligning sales, revenue management, and marketing strategies. This addition enhances their presence in the D.C. metro area, complementing existing properties like The River Inn and Hotel Hive.

🏨 Frank Fuentes appointed as Senior VP for The Americas at HotelREZ Hotels & Resorts. With over 15 years at IHG, Fuentes will drive HotelREZ's expansion in North and Latin America. HotelREZ supports 2,500+ hotels globally, covering 222,500 rooms. This appointment is part of a leadership expansion, alongside hires like John Seaton and Hadley O’Dwyer. The focus is on strengthening partnerships and distribution to support growth in culturally rich destinations.

🏨 PM Hotel Group has taken over management of the 234-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Tysons Corner in Tysons, VA. The hotel is strategically located between downtown Washington, D.C., and Washington Dulles International Airport, accessible via the Silver Line Metro. Targeting corporate, group, and transient demands, the hotel offers two-room suites and meeting spaces. The management aims to enhance sales and revenue by leveraging its experience in urban and suburban markets, expanding its D.C. metro presence.

🏠 Cain International has appointed Ina Plunien as Senior VP of Hospitality to expand its EMEA presence. Plunien, from Cedar Capital Partners, brings 10 years of experience managing over $3 billion in hotel assets. Cain manages a $10 billion portfolio, including investments in Aman Resorts and Delano Hotels, and partners with brands like Soho House and Rosewood. Arvi Luoma emphasizes the firm's focus on luxury and experiential hospitality growth in EMEA.

🏨 First Hospitality will manage the new Historian Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin, set to open in early 2027. Located at the 111-year-old Churchill Building at 16 N. Carroll Street, it features 81 keys. The building, Madison's first skyscraper, is being revitalized by Angus Young and will join Marriott's Tribute Portfolio. Parts & Labor will restore original architectural features, while Milwaukee chef Dan Jacobs will lead the new ground-floor culinary concept.

📈 Mike Morey joined Peachtree Group as Executive Vice President of Capital Markets in April 2026, based in Atlanta, Georgia. Morey, with over 15 years at The Standard, will focus on expanding lender relationships and optimizing capital sourcing. He has held roles at Intervest Mortgage Investment Co., and Portland State University. Peachtree CEO Greg Friedman emphasized Morey's role in enhancing partnerships with insurance companies to offer better lending options.

🏨 AAHOA announced its new 2026-27 Board of Directors during its convention in Philadelphia, appointing Dhiren Masters as Secretary. AAHOA represents over 20,000 members. Masters brings nine years of leadership, including roles in North Texas and various committees. Rahul Patel chairs the board. Newly elected regional directors include Animesh Patel (Arkansas) and Meghna Patel (South Florida). Three industry partners join: Fahem Khan (JPMorgan Chase), Nil Kumar (Anand Systems), and Kevin Sloan (Gauthier, Murphy & Houghtaling).