Human Resources

📰 Gekko Group is expanding its directly contracted hotel portfolio across six European markets. Cristiana Sartore and Silvia Villazala join as Strategic Hotel Account Managers. Sartore will manage the UK, Benelux, and DACH regions, while Villazala oversees Spain, Italy, and Portugal. Both bring over 20 years of experience in online travel and hotel distribution. This expansion aims to strengthen local relationships, enhance hotel visibility, and offer a competitive hotel portfolio through Gekko's B2B distribution network.

🏨 Harshad and Swati Barot, owners of Ambassadors Inn & Suites in Virginia Beach, signed with the newly launched Borderless Hotel Alliance on September 24, 2026. Their 102-room hotel, located near the Virginia Beach Convention Center, will integrate into the Landingplace Hotels' system by December 2026, maintaining its identity while accessing advanced technology and resources. This initiative targets modernization without sacrificing operational independence, supporting independent hotels against larger franchises.

Other facilities include Vega, a top-floor bar and restaurant refurbished in 2025

Former Restaurant Nathan Outlaw sous-chef to lead culinary team at South Devon Art Deco landmark

🏨 Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Jacksonville has appointed Melissa Sims as the opening general manager for its 2027 debut. Sims, with 20 years of experience at Four Seasons, was previously GM at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. This new hotel, located on the St. Johns River, will provide marina access and be near Jacksonville's cultural and entertainment hotspots. The project is developed by Shanna Collective with support from the Khan family.

💸 Actabl appoints Susan Walker as CFO, leveraging her 30+ years of finance experience from roles at Stack Overflow, Jumio, and others. Based in Silicon Valley, Walker will lead Actabl’s finance and strategic priorities. Actabl, with over 300 employees, supports 12,000+ hotel properties globally using AI-driven solutions for business intelligence and labor management. CEO Steven Moore praises Walker’s strategic vision as Actabl strengthens its AI-based offerings to enhance hotel financial performance.

🏨 Fonab Castle, Pitlochry, appoints Julie Williams Wilson as general manager amid food and beverage expansion. With six years at Hotel Co. 51 and senior roles since 2003, she managed Marriott-branded lifestyle hotels. Previously involved in Moxy Edinburgh and AC Inverness openings, she will focus on hotel operations and service standards. Fonab Castle recently relaunched 1892 Grill with John Gilmour Butchers and opened Sandeman’s Bar.

💼 Castlebridge Hospitality has promoted Martin Mansbridge to Group Maintenance Manager. His new role spans the hotel portfolio, focusing on maintenance and engineering strategies to enhance asset value and support expansion. The company emphasizes energy efficiency, sustainable engineering, and reducing environmental impact. Scott Rankin praised Mansbridge’s expertise and dedication. Mansbridge expressed pride in supporting Castlebridge’s growth and sustainable solutions.

📈 Highgate appoints Erica Doyne as chief marketing officer. With nearly 20 years in travel and hospitality, she was formerly CMO of Cardinal Financial and held senior roles at AMResorts and Apple Leisure Group. She managed brand strategy for over 150 luxury resorts globally and supported over 100 resort openings. Her expertise in brand, customer, and technology will enhance Highgate's commercial strategy, according to Ankur Randev, Highgate's chief commercial officer.

🏨 Richard Parker was appointed as the General Manager of The Tempus, a boutique hotel in Northumberland, in September 2026. With over 30 years of hospitality leadership experience, he will lead the hotel’s operations. The Tempus opened in 2023 and gained recognition as VisitEngland’s Small Hotel of the Year 2026. Known for its bold design and acclaimed dining, The Tempus aims to enhance its guest experience under Richard’s leadership.