Human Resources - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 21

Leadership transition signals Sommet Education’s ambitions

📈 Spencer Coles becomes CEO of Sommet Education on 16 February 2026. With over 25 years in international education, he previously led MPW's four-fold growth over five years. Sommet Education, serving 20,000 students across 10+ countries, offers 400+ programs. The group has strengthened industry ties, focusing on hospitality talent and leadership. Coles' appointment aims to enhance governance, boosting employability and skills relevance in hospitality education.

Stabilizing performance while scaling: Minor reinforces MEA operations

📈 Minor Hotels will have Amir Golbarg as Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East & Africa starting January 2026. This strategic appointment aims to strengthen leadership as the company expands in key markets. Focus areas include enhancing execution quality, aligning with owners, and ensuring disciplined operations to boost performance.

Stabilizing performance while scaling: Minor reinforces MEA operations

🌍 Amir Golbarg's career includes leadership roles since 2012 at Minor Hotels in Bangkok, Doha, and Dubai. In March 2019, he was appointed Vice President Operations for the Middle East, later becoming Senior Vice President in September 2021, managing 38 hotels with 7,000 keys and a 30-hotel pipeline. His leadership drives growth across Middle East & Africa, contributing to Minor Hotels' goal of 300 new hotels by 2027, enhancing brand equity and performance in luxury segments.

1 min

McKeever Hotels appoints new group operations director

🏨 McKeever Hotels appointed Norman McBride as group operations director in 2026 to drive growth and sustainability across seven hotels. McBride, with over 40 years in hospitality and 18 years at Hastings Hotel Group, joined McKeever in 2024, aiding their expansion. His appointment aligns with the group's five-year strategy. McBride aims for operational excellence, collaborating to benefit customers and staff. Eugene McKeever emphasized McBride's experience and understanding of hotel operations.

1 min

Marriott appoints new GMs for Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage and Aloft New Orleans

🏨 Marriott International has appointed Sheila Buciuman as general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, and Ty Bolton as general manager of Aloft New Orleans. Buciuman brings over 20 years of experience, previously serving at The St. Regis Houston. Bolton, also with over 20 years in hospitality, joins from PeachState Hospitality. Buciuman and Bolton both have extensive leadership backgrounds, enhancing their respective roles at well-known hotel chains.

1 min

The Meritage Resort and Spa announces two new appointments

🏝️ Paul Maddison has been named managing director and Barbara Vale Quigley director of people and culture at The Meritage Resort and Spa, Napa Valley, CA. Maddison, with decades of luxury leadership in California, aims to enhance food, wine, and music experiences. Quigley, with over 20 years in hospitality HR, will focus on talent strategy and employee engagement. Both bring extensive experience from prestigious hotels and resorts.

This Week’s Comings & Goings

🏠 Atlantis Paradise Island appointed Vaughn Roberts as COO in February 2024 to enhance operations. Peachtree Group welcomed Bill Deutsch as SVP of Equipment Finance, with 30+ years' experience. Mark Illingworth leads Hotel Indigo Turks & Caicos Grace Bay’s operations as executive GM. In January 2026, Bree Brostko becomes VP of marketing for HSMAI Americas. Matt Stephens, now a director at Partner Valuation Advisors, has executed over $5 billion in transactions in five years.

1 min

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong welcomes new GM

📈 Charles Fisher, a veteran with over 20 years at Four Seasons, has been appointed as the general manager at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. His journey with Four Seasons began at the London Park Lane location after graduating in hotel and restaurant management. Fisher has held key roles in New York, Nevis, Singapore, Chiang Mai, Hawaii, Orlando, Tokyo, and Cairo. This is his third tenure as a general manager, previously serving in Cairo and Tokyo.

1 min

Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe names new GM

🏠 Daniel Haughan has been appointed general manager of Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe in Houston. Previously, he was the GM at Marriott Griffin Gate Golf Resort in Lexington, Kentucky, and has experience from roles at Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island, Canopy by Hilton in San Antonio, and Homewood Suites in Moab, Utah. The resort is the first Margaritaville in Texas, offering 335 suites, including 32 lakefront cottages, on 186 acres.

The Bench Restructures Leadership to Support Global Growth and Investor Engagement

🏠 Ali Shahid appointed CEO of The Bench, succeeding a nine-year tenure, to lead global strategy and product direction. Jonathan Worsley becomes Chairman, focusing on strategic initiatives. Leadership changes include Matthew Weihs as Growth Director and Daria Smith as Middle East and Africa Managing Director. FHS Saudi Arabia scheduled for April 20-22, 2026, at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, with numerous sponsors and partners supporting the event.

Input your search keywords and press Enter.