Human Resources

1008 posts

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

Strand Palace Hotel in London Appoints Jill van Rest as First Female GM Since 1998 After £57m Refurbishment

🏨 Jill van Rest has been appointed the new general manager of the Strand Palace Hotel in London, the first woman in this role since 1998. During the pandemic, she transitioned the hotel to accommodate military key workers, later enhancing its standings on TripAdvisor. The hotel recently underwent a £57 million refurbishment, redesigning 788 rooms and adding a gym. In November, 12 new event spaces were introduced, totaling 16 venues for up to 250 guests.
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Natacha Rafalski Named President of Disney Signature Experiences, Christophe Murphy Takes Over Disneyland Paris Leadership

🎪 Thomas Mazloum, chairman of Disney Experiences, announced key leadership changes in March 2026. Natacha Rafalski, Disneyland Paris president since 2018, is now president of Disney Signature Experiences. Christophe Murphy takes over Disneyland Paris on July 6, 2026. Financial highlights for Euro Disney Associés SAS include a revenue increase to €2.6 billion (+9.7%) and an operating margin of 10.1% in 2025. Disney Cruise Line plans fleet expansion from 8 to 13 ships by 2031.
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The Belfry Appoints Katie Niland and Debbie Collins to Leadership Roles at Beam Amidst £85M Expansion

📈 Katie Niland and Debbie Collins were appointed to leadership roles in Beam, a key UK trade association for business events. Niland joins the board, contributing nearly 20 years of experience, while Collins leads the Action Group. The Belfry Hotel, undergoing an £85m+ expansion, opened a 920-capacity suite in September 2025. Beam, formerly HBAA, focuses on education and best practices in hospitality. These appointments align The Belfry with strategic industry initiatives.
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The Social Hub Appoints Eyal Amzallag to Lead Expansion into Lisbon, Turin, Edinburgh, and 20 New Agreements

📈 Eyal Amzallag, with over 30 years of experience, joins The Social Hub as chief operating and commercial officer. Formerly at Club Med and Selina’s $1.2 billion Nasdaq IPO leader, he will spearhead expansions into Lisbon, Turin, and Edinburgh, and pursue 20 asset-light hotel management agreements. A new membership program is in development. Founder Charlie MacGregor emphasizes Amzallag's role in showcasing the potential of hybrid hospitality.
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Staypineapple Promotes Beth Anne King to Vice President of Operations, Overseeing Strategy and Performance

🏨 Staypineapple promoted Beth Anne King to vice president of operations. Since 2019, she's been with the company, starting as general manager of Hotel Rose, and became regional director of operations in 2024. King, with over 20 years in hospitality management, will remain general manager of Staypineapple Chicago. She is praised for her leadership, strategic mindset, and commitment to guest experiences. Dina Belon, president of Staypineapple, expressed excitement about her new role.
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Loews Hotels Expands Partnership with Universal, Opening 11 Hotels with 11,000 Rooms Including New Helios Grand Hotel

🏨 In 1996, Loews Hotels partnered with Universal Studios for a $2.6 billion expansion in Florida. By 2010, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened, increasing attendance by 36%. As of 2025, Loews operates 11 hotels with 11,000 rooms in collaboration with Universal. Alex Tisch became Loews Hotels CEO in 2023, succeeding Jonathan Tisch. Loews maintains ownership of 27 hotels, avoiding the asset-light model. In Q1 2026, Loews reported $124 million in adjusted EBITDA, up from $81 million the previous year.
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Paul Sabourin of GlobalData Enhances Southeast Asia QSR Market Strategies with Data-Driven Insights and Trend Forecasts

📊 Paul Sabourier, Southeast Asia Business Development Manager at GlobalData Plc, supports strategic decisions in the food and beverage industry. With over 10 years of experience, he specializes in transforming complex market situations into commercial opportunities. Paul collaborates with QSR brands, food manufacturers, and tech partners, focusing on how economic changes, consumer behavior, and tech innovations reshape the regional QSR market. His insights help businesses forecast demand and optimize digital engagement, with projections extending to 2030.
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Rahul Patel Reflects on Journey from Agriculture to AAHOA Chairman at AAHOACON26 in Philadelphia

📜 AAHOACON26 took place in Philadelphia, gathering thousands of AAHOA Members. Rahul Patel, chairperson for 2026-2027, reflected on his journey from agriculture to hospitality. AAHOA, the voice of hotel owners in America, highlights the diverse backgrounds of its members and their paths to leadership, underscoring the strength of community and shared experiences in the industry.
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InterContinental Boston Appoints Shane McWeeny as New General Manager, Bringing 25 Years of Hospitality Experience

💼 Shane McWeeny, with over 25 years of hospitality leadership experience, is the new general manager at InterContinental Boston. Previously, he held senior roles at Hotel Commonwealth, Boston Park Plaza, and The Beverly Hills Hotel, among others. McWeeny aims to enhance guest experiences and support associates, continuing engagement with the Massachusetts Lodging Association and promoting sustainability and community initiatives.
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My Place Hotels Promotes Eric Myers to Senior VP of Franchise Development to Drive Growth Initiatives

🏨 Eric Myers has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Franchise Development at My Place Hotels of America. Since joining in 2015, Myers has played a vital role in franchise growth. He will now enhance franchise initiatives and collaborate with Brian Quinn, the new Chief Development Officer of The Rivett Organization, to align development strategies. Ryan Rivett, co-founder and CEO, praised Myers for his leadership and contribution to the brand's expansion and franchisee relations.
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