Human Resources

📄 Kristen Millar has been promoted to Chief Brand Officer at NoMad Hotels to oversee global design as the brand expands into Asia and Detroit. With 16 years in hospitality, Millar will guide creative direction, including the opening of NoMad Hilton Singapore later this year and NoMad Detroit in 2027. NoMad, part of Hilton’s luxury portfolio, is focusing on international growth while maintaining a cohesive brand identity. The London outpost opened in 2021.

Seasoned technology executive joins from Sage to lead tech and AI strategy as the business scales its unified platform globally [London & Newton, MA, March 19, 2026] – Access Hospitality, the hospitality…

🏨 JW Marriott Indianapolis will undergo a leadership change as Phil Ray retires on May 31, 2026, after 40 years in hospitality. Fernando Estala, formerly of Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, will succeed him on June 1. Ray, General Manager since 2014, managed the 1,013-room hotel and 103,000 square feet of event space. Under him, the hotel earned honors like Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Hotels and the 2025 World Travel Awards. Ray arrived in Indianapolis in 2003, holding various leadership roles.

📍 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.