Human Resources

🏨 In 2026, lifestyle hotel The Standard London appointed Sophie Bratt as head of bars, overseeing its bars like Sweeties, Double Standard, Decimo, and Isla. With a decade-long career in venues like The Roof Gardens and Nobu, Bratt was awarded Bar Manager of the Year in 2024. Isla recently transformed into a wine bar, focusing on organic and biodynamic selections. The Standard was acquired by Hyatt for £272 million in 2024.

📄 Darren Scott has been appointed as the new operations director for Manorview Group as of August 2026. Previously, Scott served as COO at Jupiter Artland from March 2025 to August 2026 and held positions at Taymouth Marina, Le Monde Hotel, and G1 Group. Manorview Group, known for its boutique hotels, started its Living Wage application in July 2020, estimating an increase of £300,000-£350,000 in payroll costs.

🏨 Valor Hospitality Partners is expanding to San Diego's Point Loma by managing The Monsaraz, a 92-room Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel. Opened in 2021, it was the first new hotel in over a decade. Valor will handle all operations, including its Portuguese-inspired restaurant, Unico. CEO Euan McGlashan emphasizes their growth across 75 cities in 26 countries. This move marks Valor's first West Coast property, aligning with their 'A Whole World of Local' philosophy.

📈 Jérôme Lassara named Head of Development for Motel One in Southern Europe, focusing on Italy, Spain, and Portugal. In April 2024, Dieter Müller regained control of Motel One; PAI Partners acquired an 80% stake by Q2 2025. Revenue reached €980 million in 2024 with 99 hotels across 13 countries. Motel One's "The Cloud One," launched in 2022, expanded to several cities with a new Lisbon opening planned. Lassara's career spans roles at Accor and an MBA from Cornell/ESSEC.

🏨 Hunter Advisors brokered the sale of the Hyatt Regency Long Island, a 358-room hotel, in Hauppauge, NY. Ashford Hospitality Trust was the seller. The hotel offers 18,000 sq. ft. of event space, dining options, pools, and a fitness center. It's adjacent to Wind Watch Golf & Country Club and near Long Island Innovation Park. The strategic location provides access to major highways, MacArthur Airport, and Ronkonkoma train station, making it an attractive acquisition.

📈 Siim Karu starts as head of revenue management, sales, and marketing for Highgate's European portfolio on August 10, 2026, based in London. With over 15 years in hospitality, he previously worked with Generator and Freehand Hotels. His role aims to enhance revenue growth and pricing strategy. This follows other governance changes at Highgate: Pete Sams became president in July 2025, and Pedro Braz was appointed finance director for Highgate Portugal in January 2026.

🏝️ TheLifeCo St. Lucia, a 100-key wellness destination in the Caribbean, appoints Olgay Kiraz as general manager. Kiraz, with a two-decade career in global hospitality, aims to enhance guest experiences through advanced medical technologies and therapies. TheLifeCo St. Lucia, located atop Mount Pimard, offers 15 wellness programs, including fasting and stem cell treatments, within A’ila Resorts’ 100,000-square-foot longevity village. Programs range from 4-day to 21-day resets, with amenities like pools, saunas, and hammams.

📍 Murray Scott appointed general manager at The Standard, London, succeeding his roles at The Hoxton Holborn and Shoreditch. With 21 years of hospitality experience, Scott has worked with NH Hotel Group and Marriott. The Standard, London, located in a 1974 Brutalist building in King’s Cross, features 266 rooms, The Library Lounge, Sounds Studio, five dining venues, gym, spa, and event space. His leadership aims to maintain the hotel's creative and authentic culture.

🏨 Shannon Schwier becomes General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. Her Four Seasons journey began in 2013 at Beverly Hills. By 2021, she was opening hotel manager in Fort Lauderdale. Schwier managed international roles, including Dubai in 2015. Situated in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, this Santa Fe resort features an Adventure Center, spa, and restaurant Terra, embodying the area's rich culture and beauty.