Human Resources

📈 UK, 2026: Focus Travel Partnership appoints Francesco Deluca, Omega World Travel's EMEA regional director, to its Board. Deluca, boasting over 30 years of global corporate travel management experience, joins as a Non-Executive Director. The move aims to diversify expertise and reinforce innovation as Focus enters a growth phase. Focus chair, Adrian Parkes, anticipates Deluca's industry insights will enhance strategy. Deluca expresses enthusiasm for supporting Focus's community-driven model and mid-sized TMC leadership.

💻 Peter Buerger is appointed CEO of Kayak by Booking Holdings, replacing co-founder Steve Hafner after 22 years. Hafner transitions to Executive Chairman, focusing on AI innovation for the group. Buerger, who joined Kayak in 2016 as CFO and became COO in 2021, previously led international expansion and business travel platform growth. Under Hafner, Kayak launched and achieved industry-leading results post-2013 acquisition by Booking Holdings. Hafner will ensure strategic stability and focus on AI development.

📈 Hans Ritten is the new general manager at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, CA. With over 30 years of experience, Ritten previously opened The HALL Park Hotel in Frisco, Texas, in 2024 as its general manager. He has also managed several hotels in Chicago and worked with Marriott International and Interstate Hotels & Resorts. His expertise spans sales, financial management, F&B, and hotel operations.

🏨 Antonella Puglisi was appointed as the new general manager of Mezzatorre Hotel and Thermal Spa in Ischia by Pellicano Hotels Group. With over 10 years in luxury hospitality, she previously managed Sicilian wine estate Conte Tasca d’Almerita and held leadership roles at Tavanipupu Private Island Resort in the Solomon Islands and Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia. Marie-Louise Sciò praised Puglisi’s international experience and operational rigor.

🏨 Jeff Bzdawka became CEO of Hapi, succeeding founder Luis Segredo, who shifts to chief strategy officer. Bzdawka joined as president in October 2024, bringing over 30 years of industry experience. Hapi, founded in 2017, supports over 15,000 hotels, enabling real-time data use. Bzdawka's aim is to scale and deliver value. Hapi’s clients include major brands like IHG and Wyndham.

📈 Scott Ness, senior VP of accounting at Concord Hospitality, retires on February 13 after 23 years. He joined in July 2003, aiding in relocating the headquarters from Cleveland, Ohio, to Raleigh, North Carolina. Ness previously spent 20 years with Marriott International in senior financial roles. Concord CEO Mark Laport praised Ness’s integrity and leadership. Concord expresses gratitude for his service and contributions to the company's growth and evolution.

📈 Jeff Bzdawka appointed CEO of Hapi in Miami, Florida, succeeding founder Luis Segredo, to lead the next growth stage. Bzdawka, Hapi's president since October 2024, has 30+ years in hospitality. Segredo, founding Hapi in 2017, will now focus on strategy. Hapi supports over 15,000 hotels, enhancing tech integration. Bzdawka aims to scale responsibly and deliver real-time data solutions.

📈 Melbourne, February 05, 2026 – RMS appoints Nathan Reynolds as Chief Revenue Officer and Louise Lysaght as Chief Customer Experience Officer to bolster global operations. Nathan, formerly at MYOB Enterprise, will lead revenue teams, while Louise, from Employment Hero, will enhance customer experience strategies. RMS, based in Melbourne, supports over 7,000 properties in 70 countries, focusing on expanding its hospitality platform and delivering sustainable growth.

💸 Scott Ness is retiring as Senior VP of Accounting from Concord Hospitality on February 13 after a 23-year tenure. He joined in July 2003 and helped relocate the headquarters to Raleigh, NC. Previously, he had a 20-year career at Marriott International. Concord Hospitality, operating across the U.S. and Canada, partners with Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt. In 2019, it launched Opus Collection, a lifestyle hotel management division. Concord is renowned for its innovative processes and community commitment.