Human Resources

🏨 Mark Williams, Managing Director of Franchise Development at Extended Stay America, will retire in 2026 after a notable 40-year career. Since 2020, Williams has been pivotal in expanding the brand, now including nearly 200 franchised hotels in the U.S. Extended Stay America, the leading mid-priced extended stay hotel brand in the U.S. with over 650 hotels, continues to thrive as ESH Hospitality, its subsidiary, manages 559 hotels with 62,000+ rooms.

💻 Artjom Airikainen is appointed as VP, Technical Solutions and Services at Positron Access Solutions in Montreal, QC. With over 20 years of experience, he will lead technical customer-facing operations, focusing on new vertical and geographic markets. Previously at InnSpire, Exceptional Innovation, and Quadriga, he joined Positron in 2022. Artjom's responsibilities include overseeing MSPs, installations, and certifications, supporting hospitality, casino, and healthcare markets across Europe, Latin America, and beyond.

📈 Siim Karu starts as head of revenue management, sales, and marketing for Highgate's European portfolio on August 10, 2026, based in London. With over 15 years in hospitality, he previously worked with Generator and Freehand Hotels. His role aims to enhance revenue growth and pricing strategy. This follows other governance changes at Highgate: Pete Sams became president in July 2025, and Pedro Braz was appointed finance director for Highgate Portugal in January 2026.

🏝️ TheLifeCo St. Lucia, a 100-key wellness destination in the Caribbean, appoints Olgay Kiraz as general manager. Kiraz, with a two-decade career in global hospitality, aims to enhance guest experiences through advanced medical technologies and therapies. TheLifeCo St. Lucia, located atop Mount Pimard, offers 15 wellness programs, including fasting and stem cell treatments, within A’ila Resorts’ 100,000-square-foot longevity village. Programs range from 4-day to 21-day resets, with amenities like pools, saunas, and hammams.

📍 Murray Scott appointed general manager at The Standard, London, succeeding his roles at The Hoxton Holborn and Shoreditch. With 21 years of hospitality experience, Scott has worked with NH Hotel Group and Marriott. The Standard, London, located in a 1974 Brutalist building in King’s Cross, features 266 rooms, The Library Lounge, Sounds Studio, five dining venues, gym, spa, and event space. His leadership aims to maintain the hotel's creative and authentic culture.

🏨 Shannon Schwier becomes General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. Her Four Seasons journey began in 2013 at Beverly Hills. By 2021, she was opening hotel manager in Fort Lauderdale. Schwier managed international roles, including Dubai in 2015. Situated in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, this Santa Fe resort features an Adventure Center, spa, and restaurant Terra, embodying the area's rich culture and beauty.

📈 Australian-founded PurchasePlus has relocated its headquarters to Seattle, marking its largest expansion in 25 years. CEO Malcolm Jull leads the U.S. operations, with new executives Karen O’Neill, Jessica Hayes, Jon Castillo, and Jennifer Coppernoll onboard. The company supports global hospitality operations with e-invoicing compliance across 25 countries and has processed over $20 billion in purchases since 1999. Their services include inventory management, supplier engagement, and real-time budgeting, reducing operational costs by 12-15%.

📈 Mark Williams, managing director of franchise development at Extended Stay America, will retire at the end of 2026 after nearly 40 years in hospitality. Joining in 2020, he expanded the brand to almost 200 hotels in the U.S. The company continues to focus on growth and is seeking his successor. Williams contributed significantly to the franchise platform, enhancing the Extended Stay America Premier Suites, Suites, and Select Suites brands.

🏨 Dumbleton Hall, located in the Cotswolds, appointed Marwan Hemchaoui as general manager after a £25 million redevelopment. Acquired by Chatham Park Development in April 2021, the Grade II property underwent a two-year renovation. Previously run by the Post Office Fellowship of Remembrance since 1959, it’s now under Bespoke Hotels. The 16-acre estate features 34 guestrooms, a drawing room, library bar, and three restaurants. Hemchaoui, formerly of The Lakes by YOO, expressed excitement for his role.

💻 Jeff Knowlton has been appointed as chief technology officer at CoralTree Hospitality, bringing over 25 years of experience. He will lead the enterprise technology strategy, focusing on enhancing guest experience and operational efficiency. Previously, Knowlton was CIO at Peregrine Hospitality and Sonesta Hotels International. His expertise is expected to drive digital innovation as CoralTree expands.