Human Resources

1008 posts

Hotel HR news: appointments, recruitment, talent and people moves shaping the hospitality industry.

Choice Hotels CEO Patrick Pacious Steps Down; Dominic Dragisich Appointed Interim Leader Amid Strategic Shift

📈 On May 20, 2026, Choice Hotels International, based in North Bethesda, announced CEO Patrick Pacious's departure. Interim CEO Dominic Dragisich, former Chief Growth & Strategy Officer, steps in. Pacious led significant growth, including acquiring Radisson Hotels Americas in 2022. Despite this, organic growth in the U.S. lagged, with net rooms growth only at 1.7% by March 2026. The announcement followed the company’s 70th annual convention, emphasizing AI advancements and franchisee support.
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W Punta Cana Appoints Alejandro Larrondo as General Manager to Enhance All-Inclusive Luxury Experience

🏨 Alejandro Larrondo has been appointed general manager of W Punta Cana, the first all-inclusive resort in the W Hotels portfolio, following its debut last August. Larrondo, with extensive experience in Caribbean and Latin American luxury hospitality, aims to enhance service and guest engagement. Previously, he managed Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe and various Marriott properties. Gastón Gonzalez of Marriott International highlights Larrondo's role in positioning the resort within the luxury all-inclusive segment.
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Dominic Dragisich Named Interim CEO of Choice Hotels Following Patrick Pacious's Sudden Exit; Search Underway

🏨 Choice Hotels' CEO Patrick Pacious unexpectedly exited on Wednesday. Dominic Dragisich, CFO since 2017, is now interim CEO. Dragisich played a key role in Choice's $675 million acquisition of Radisson Hotel Group, achieving over $80 million in synergies within a 16-month timeframe, completing the integration ahead of schedule. The company is currently evaluating both external and internal candidates for a permanent CEO.
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Barbara Göttling Appointed General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Munich, Succeeding Marc Epper from May 2026

🏨 Barbara Göttling was appointed as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Munich on May 1, 2026, succeeding Marc Epper. Born in Vienna, she has over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality. Previously, she was GM at Mandarin Oriental, Prague. Göttling will focus on strategic evolution, personalized guest experiences, and service culture. She is committed to empowering women in hospitality. Mandarin Oriental, Munich is a leading luxury hotel in Europe and Germany.
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Strand Palace Promotes Jill van Rest as First Female General Manager Since 1998 After £57 Million Refurbishment

🏨 UK: Strand Palace in Covent Garden, London, promotes Jill van Rest to general manager, the first woman since 1998. She succeeds Matthew Beard after six years at the hotel. During her tenure, Strand Palace underwent a £57 million refurbishment of 788 bedrooms. The hotel remained open for key workers during the pandemic. It features a restaurant, bar, cocktail bar, afternoon tea lounge, and 16 meeting spaces. Van Rest aims to re-establish the hotel as a key event location.
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Patrick Pacious Steps Down as Choice Hotels CEO; Dominic Dragisich Appointed Interim Chief Immediately

🏠 Choice Hotels announced on Wednesday that Patrick Pacious is stepping down as President and CEO after nearly 9 years. Dominic Dragisich, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer, will assume the role on an interim basis immediately. The leadership change is sudden, with no permanent successor named and an external search in progress. Pacious's severance terms remain consistent with his 2022 agreement, entitling him to a cash payout. The transition reflects ongoing strategic adjustments within the company.
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Choice Hotels CEO Patrick Pacious Steps Down; Dominic Dragisich Appointed Interim CEO During Search for Successor

📈 Choice Hotels' CEO Patrick Pacious steps down, effective immediately, with Dominic Dragisich as interim CEO. Pacious, CEO since 2017, will remain an advisor until August 31, 2026. Under Pacious, Choice expanded from 11 to 22 brands, notably acquiring WoodSpring Suites and Radisson Hotels Americas. Dragisich, formerly chief growth & strategy officer, will lead during the CEO search. The board will evaluate both internal and external candidates to find a successor.
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Patrick Pacious Steps Down as CEO of Choice Hotels; Dominic Dragisich Appointed Interim CEO Effective May 20, 2026

🏨 Patrick Pacious will step down as president and CEO of Choice Hotels International, effective May 20, 2026. He will remain as an advisor until August 31, 2026. Dominic Dragisich, the chief growth & strategy officer, will serve as interim CEO. Under Pacious's leadership, the company expanded from 11 to 22 brands and doubled adjusted EBITDA. The board will search for a new CEO with the help of an executive search firm, considering both internal and external candidates.
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Fairmont Mayakoba Appoints Gonzalo Güelman Ros as General Manager to Lead 20th Anniversary Celebrations

🗺️ Fairmont Mayakoba in Mexico's Riviera Maya appoints Gonzalo Güelman Ros as general manager, boasting over 30 years in luxury resorts management across the Americas and Caribbean. Previously GM at The St. Regis Punta Mita, Ros joins for Fairmont's 20th anniversary. The resort recently launched "Past, Present and Paradise," an art installation, and a Wellness Suite. Ros aims to further establish Fairmont Mayakoba as Mexico’s top luxury destination.
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Fairmont St Andrews Appoints Janette Napier as Director of Sales for MICE with 35 Years' Experience

🏨 Janette Napier was appointed as director of sales for MICE at Fairmont St Andrews. With over 35 years of experience at Gleneagles and Hilton, she will drive growth in international meetings and events. Her role involves overseeing client relationships and attending trade shows. Fairmont's decision supports its strategy to bolster revenue in the Scottish conferences market. Jane Frazer, Sales Director, praised Napier's experience and commercial skills, anticipating growth in the MICE market.
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