Human Resources

💻 HFTP announced its 2027 HITEC North America Advisory Council, chaired by Scot Campbell with vice chair Jeff Parker. The council will guide education and programming for HITEC, June 28–July 1, 2027, at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center. The hospitality technology event features 400+ exhibiting companies and 50+ educational sessions addressing current and emerging industry challenges. Founded in 1952, HFTP is a nonprofit headquartered in Austin, Texas.

🏨 RealTime Reservation announced Ricky Castoldi as Chief Sales Officer in Huntington, New York, following its acquisition of Spanish company Stay. Based in Dallas, Castoldi will lead global sales and report to CEO Shawn Tarter. He brings 25-plus years of hotel technology sales experience across the Americas, Europe and Asia, most recently as Cendyn’s Chief Sales Officer. His appointment supports RTR’s expansion into more markets with its enlarged hospitality platform.

🌳 Elysium Retreats has appointed Laney Thompson General Manager of Fairwood Lakes in Wiltshire, 20 minutes from Bath. She will oversee operations following September’s launch of The Glades’ 13 lodges and support October’s planned opening of two refurbished one-bedroom lakeside Private Hideaways. Previously Resort Director at Cornwall’s Whalesborough Spa Resort, Thompson joins as Elysium, owned by Sight Acre Group, plans up to 12 new UK locations over the next two years.

👨‍🍳 The Hari Singapore has appointed Aaron Tan as Director of Culinary ahead of its early 2027 opening. The Cantonese specialist brings over 25 years’ experience and will oversee four restaurants and bars, banqueting and in-room dining. Tan joins from Frasers House, where he held executive chef roles since 2019. He won the 2016 Lee Kum Kee International Young Chef Chinese Culinary Challenge in Hong Kong, competing against 42 chefs from 13 countries.

🏨 Trailborn Hotels & Resorts announced Jay Sarkar’s appointment as chief financial officer in New York. He will oversee financial operations and support the company’s growth alongside its executive team. Sarkar brings more than 30 years of hospitality finance experience, including four years as CFO at Meyer Jabara Hotels, eight years as CFO at Stepstone Hospitality, and 12 years at Pyramid Hotel Group, where he managed regional finances and supported acquisitions.

🏨 Meyer Jabara Hotels has created two operating divisions as it approaches its 50th year. New SVP Jared Karras leads Full Service and Lifestyle, bringing 20-plus years’ experience and prior oversight of 14 hotels across locations including New York City, Baltimore and Tallahassee. James Kirkland, who joined in November 2024 following the Griffin Hotel Management merger, oversees Focus Service. The restructuring aligns leadership with hotel segments to support operations and growth.

📈 Claire Hemphill’s appointment is part of a five-year growth plan launched in 2025 under CEO David Taylor.