Human Resources

🏨 Raines will manage the 114-room AC Hotel Downtown Little Rock, located in the Capitol-Main Historic District, Arkansas. The hotel features a fitness center, meeting space, and the AC Lounge. Raines aims to enhance the food and beverage experience while utilizing 5,000 sq. ft. of retail-level meeting space. The River Market District, a revitalized area, connects to Riverfront Park and the Clinton Presidential Library, serving as a hub for dining, entertainment, and culture.

📅 In August 2026, Highgate appointed Siim Karu as Chief Commercial Officer in London, focusing on European commercial strategy. Karu brings over 15 years of experience, previously enhancing revenue and technology at Generator and Freehand Hotels. His role will involve collaboration with operational and investment teams to boost Highgate's European growth. Ben Thomas, COO-Europe, highlights Karu's integration of strategy and performance. Karu is enthusiastic about expanding Highgate's presence in Europe.

🏨 Dalata Hotels appointed Aline Caliari as general manager of Clayton Hotel St Andrew Square in Edinburgh, set to open in early 2024 after a £50 million renovation. The site, acquired for £12.5 million in September 2023, will feature 172 guestrooms, a bar, restaurant, gym, and two meeting rooms. The Dalata Hotel Group was acquired last year by Pandox and Eiendomsspar for €1.4 billion (£1.2 billion).

🍳 Duncan Palmer, with over 35 years in luxury hospitality, is now the chair of trustees for The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. Previously, he managed iconic hotels like The Savoy and The Langham in London. Palmer succeeds David Coubrough. He will lead and guide the organization while fulfilling legal and governance roles. The Adopt a School charity, promoting healthy eating among children, also falls under his leadership.

🏨 Bob Fairweather was appointed as the new general manager of Queens Hotel, Leeds, in March 2026. The hotel, owned by Swedish investor Pandox, underwent a £16 million refurbishment in 2021. Fairweather, with over 20 years of hospitality experience, aims to enhance guest experience and oversee investments, including a new café bar. Pandox acquired the hotel for £53 million in 2023. The hotel achieved Green Key accreditation by October 2025, meeting 13 environmental criteria.

🏨 Murray Scott has been appointed general manager of The Standard, London, succeeding Elli Jafari. He transitions from The Hoxton, having managed its London properties, and brings experience from NH Hotel Group and others. Following Hyatt's acquisition of Standard International in October 2024 and Trinity Investments' purchase of The Standard, London, Scott enters a complex ownership structure. Amber Asher, former CEO, left in January 2025 after growing the brand to 25 hotels with a 400% revenue increase.

🍴 Ranjitkumar Sukumaran has been appointed as executive head chef of Hyde and Seek, London Hyde Park, before its September 2026 opening. The hotel, located at 1 Lancaster Gate, underwent a £42 million transformation, evolving from the former Corus Hotel Hyde Park. The property includes 309 rooms, meeting spaces, and a gym. Sukumaran oversees two dining concepts: Seekers Restaurant and Bar (138 seats) and HydeOut Café (88 seats). Paul Davies was appointed GM in June 2026.

🍴 Anthony Connor has been appointed to the board of directors at The Halston in Carlisle, 12 years after joining as a sous chef. Connor, trained at Carlisle College, joined The Halston during its 2014 opening and became head chef in 2017. The Halston, occupying Carlisle's former General Post Office, offers accommodation, dining, and events. Connor, with his family also part of the staff, will lead a supper club event on 28 August.

🏠 Gencom, a U.S.-based investment firm, reorganized its structure into Gencom Capital and Gencom Real Estate, with founder Karim Alibhai at the helm. Key appointments include Alessandro Colantonio as Chief Investment Officer and Donald McGregor as President of Gencom Real Estate. Gencom, founded over 40 years ago, manages nearly $8 billion in assets, with 24 owned assets and over 6,000 hotel rooms globally, partnering with brands like The Ritz-Carlton and Hyatt.

📈 Highgate appoints Siim Karu as chief commercial officer to lead European commercial strategy, focusing on revenue management, sales, and marketing. With over 15 years of experience, Karu previously served as CCO at Generator and Freehand Hotels. Highgate manages over $15 billion in assets across the US, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, covering diverse sectors. Karu aims to strengthen Highgate's European operations alongside existing teams to enhance performance and support regional expansion.