Human Resources

🏖 JW Marriott Nashville appoints Natasha Casillo as general manager, bringing over 20 years of global hospitality leadership. Casillo's career began at Boston Marriott Cambridge, later leading a $55 million expansion at Hotel Commonwealth Boston. She also managed VIP services at British Airways and held senior roles at InterContinental Boston. In 2017, she led Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown/North Station's opening. JW Marriott Nashville, near Music City Center, welcomes her proven leadership.

🏨 Kew Green Hotels has unveiled a five-year strategy to expand its portfolio and become a UK sector leader. CEO David Taylor, in his role for five months, plans to implement a performance-based framework, with him as the first to be assessed. Energy contracts are secured at fixed rates until 2027. Taylor will visit every hotel in six months to support local management, shifting focus from head-office. The strategy aims to enhance profitability and attract investors.

📈 David Taylor, CEO of Kew Green Hotels for five months, aims for growth, targeting top sector position. A recent leadership meeting set a five-year growth strategy. The firm secured energy contracts till 2027, enhancing cost management. Taylor plans to visit all hotels in six months, emphasizing leadership presence and a performance-based framework. The company seeks to be a preferred UK management brand, focusing on performance and profitability.

🏨 Island Hospitality Management, based in West Palm Beach, Florida, took over management of the 138-suite Homewood Suites by Hilton in Palo Alto, California. The hotel is strategically located near Stanford University and major tech companies like Google and Meta, with proximity to San Jose and San Francisco airports. Amenities include fully equipped kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and an outdoor pool. This addition enhances Island Hospitality's California portfolio, leveraging its expertise in upscale, extended-stay properties.

🏨 Hotel Equities, following the retirement of founder Fred Cerrone in November, expanded into Canada with management of Moxy Vancouver Downtown and Element Vancouver Downtown, opening in 2028. After merging with Springboard Hospitality in May, CEO Ben Rafter and co-chairman Brad Rahinsky are steering the company, emphasizing intentional growth and specialized management across its three divisions. The company seeks growth with capital partners for turnaround opportunities and aims to pair sellers with visionary buyers.

📄 Kristen Millar has been promoted to Chief Brand Officer at NoMad Hotels to oversee global design as the brand expands into Asia and Detroit. With 16 years in hospitality, Millar will guide creative direction, including the opening of NoMad Hilton Singapore later this year and NoMad Detroit in 2027. NoMad, part of Hilton’s luxury portfolio, is focusing on international growth while maintaining a cohesive brand identity. The London outpost opened in 2021.

Seasoned technology executive joins from Sage to lead tech and AI strategy as the business scales its unified platform globally [London & Newton, MA, March 19, 2026] – Access Hospitality, the hospitality…

🏨 JW Marriott Indianapolis will undergo a leadership change as Phil Ray retires on May 31, 2026, after 40 years in hospitality. Fernando Estala, formerly of Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, will succeed him on June 1. Ray, General Manager since 2014, managed the 1,013-room hotel and 103,000 square feet of event space. Under him, the hotel earned honors like Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Hotels and the 2025 World Travel Awards. Ray arrived in Indianapolis in 2003, holding various leadership roles.