Human Resources

🏨 Leven Manchester hotel has appointed Kostadin Dimitrov as general manager, succeeding Daniel Clayton as of 2025. Dimitrov has over 10 years in hotel management, previously at voco Manchester. The boutique hotel, located in a converted early 20th-century warehouse, features 42 rooms and suites. It's operated by Wellbrook Hospitality and co-developed with Branco Capital. The hotel offers a unique design-led hospitality experience in Manchester's rich industrial heritage setting.

🏨 Boutique hotel The Harper in Norfolk appointed Andrew Oxley as general manager, replacing Jules Keirle who left in May. Oxley, a former manager at Relais Henley and Bicester Hotel and Spa, is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality since 2014 and a Master Innholder since 2015. The hotel, with 32 guest rooms and spa facilities, was acquired by The Morgans Group, led by Shon Morgans, earlier this month, expanding its presence in North Norfolk.

📈 Corinthia Hotels has appointed Peter Roth as President of Hotel Operations. Roth, based in London, will manage operations for Corinthia's current hotels and upcoming openings in Italy, Doha, Riyadh, Dubai, the Maldives, and Chengdu. He reports to Simon Naudi, CEO. With over 30 years of luxury hospitality experience, Roth previously worked at Jumeirah and spent 15 years with Hyatt. This role focuses on service standards and profitability.

🏨 Choice Hotels International appointed Ali Keshavarz, CVS Health's Chief Data & Analytics Officer, to its Board of Directors. Keshavarz, known for leading enterprise strategy across data and AI, has previously held roles at Aetna and McKinsey. His appointment aims to enhance Choice Hotels' growth and value-creation strategies. Stewart Bainum Jr, Chairman, and Dominic Dragisich, interim CEO, highlighted Keshavarz's expertise in AI as pivotal for improving hotel unit economics and driving business growth.

🏨 Christian Westbeld appointed as regional GM for Capella Hotel Group in Southeast Asia, managing properties in Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Capella Singapore, featuring 113 rooms and historic colonial buildings, is his primary focus. With 25 years of experience, Westbeld previously led Raffles Singapore's restoration. In September 2025, Capella revamped leadership with key appointments, aligning with its strategy to double its portfolio by 2030 under new president Roland Fasel, appointed in March 2026.

🏨 Christian Westbeld appointed as regional general manager, Southeast Asia for Capella Hotel Group, overseeing hotels in Singapore, Ubud, and Hanoi. His 25-year career spans hospitality roles globally, including senior management at Raffles Hotels & Resorts and MGM China. Westbeld was general manager of Raffles Singapore in 2017 and most recently its managing director. Roland Fasel, Capella's president, praised Westbeld’s market knowledge and hospitality belief. This follows Capella's recent appointment of Feisal Jaffer as chief development officer.

🏨 Andy Roger leaves his role as resort director at Mar Hall Golf and Resort in Glasgow after one year. Previously, he launched the world's first inland surf resort as CEO at Lost Shore Surf Resort in November 2024. His career includes a directorial stint at Cameron House in 2013, managing 600 staff through major changes. With over 25 years in luxury hotels and resorts, Roger seeks senior leadership roles and interim consultancy opportunities.

📋 Joe Margison has been appointed CEO of Virgin Hotels Collection, leading the expansion of its 16 properties across the US, Caribbean, Africa, and Europe. Margison, who joined Virgin Group in 2015 and served as interim CEO since October 2025, will oversee new sites in Atlanta and Marrakech in 2027. Virgin Hotels aims for significant growth, inspired by a 40% headcount increase at Virgin Orbit. Strategic leadership appointments were made in July 2024 and February 2023.