Human Resources

📍 Stan Iliev is appointed dual general manager of Le Méridien and AC Hotel Denver Downtown. With over 15 years at White Lodging, he started in 2011 at Hilton Garden Inn, Chicago Midway, and has held roles in Chicago, Valparaiso, Louisville, and Nashville. Previously, Iliev was the GM of Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University. The hotels are centrally located in downtown Denver, close to the Colorado Convention Center and other landmarks.

🏨 Sage Hospitality Group, on CU Anschutz medical campus in Aurora, Colo., now manages The Benson Hotel & Faculty Club, a 106-room luxury hotel. Opened in 2023, the hotel was acquired by the University of Colorado. It features The Faculty Club, a lounge for academic and medical leaders. Positioned between Denver and Denver International Airport, it offers themed guestrooms, a restaurant with locally-sourced menus, a 24-hour fitness center, and meeting spaces.

📚 In 2026, the Savoy Educational Trust marks its 65th year by appointing Katharine Le Quesne and Anastasia Bloom to its board of trustees. Le Quesne, managing director of HoCoSo London, brings expertise in hospitality strategy and sustainability. Bloom adds financial and governance skills from her investment banking career. They join existing trustees to support educational projects aimed at enhancing skills in the UK hospitality industry. The Trust focuses on advancing hospitality education and career development.

🏨 Teague visits Pigeon Forge this week to explore a dual-brand project: Embassy Suites and Tempo by Hilton. The $80 million development is spearheaded by Alpesh Patel, CEO of Kana Hotel Group, in Tennessee. Patel shares his strategy for Kana’s portfolio, emphasizing guest-first service and hands-on roles. The 276-room property blends practicality with luxury. Don't miss next week’s exclusive tour on Teague Talks, a series launched in 2020 by Teague Hunter to connect and educate the hospitality industry.

📄 Outrigger Hospitality Group appointed Stephen Nickerson as VP of Operations for The Americas. Nickerson has leadership experience from Sonesta Hotel Corporation, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Candlewood Suites. Previously, he was SVP of operations at Midas Hospitality, managing a U.S. portfolio. Mike Shaff, EVP of Operations, praised Nickerson's expertise and leadership. This strategic move aims to enhance hotel team performance and guest experience across diverse markets.

📈 Mandy Walker joins Careys Manor in the New Forest as director of sales, bringing 18 years of experience from Rhinefield House and expertise in the MICE sector. Frances Trowbridge-Moore, with the company since May 2024, is promoted to spa manager at SenSpa, leading a team of 31, succeeding Lina Lotto, who retired in 2025. General Manager Steve Woodrow highlights their roles in enhancing guest experience and supporting growth.

🏖 Don Carlos Marbella, located between Marbella and Malaga, will reopen in summer 2025 after a €45 million renovation by Selenta Group. Jorge Manzur, with over 20 years at brands like Le Méridien and Westin, is the new GM. The hotel, part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, offers 284 rooms and 24 residences, with tennis facilities by the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center. Selenta Group aims to enhance its Mediterranean luxury reputation.

🚀 Company achieved 15× growth in 2025, now servicing over 1,000 properties across more than 90 management companies. Three senior executives have been added to support expansion.