Human Resources

📈 Australian-founded PurchasePlus has relocated its headquarters to Seattle, marking its largest expansion in 25 years. CEO Malcolm Jull leads the U.S. operations, with new executives Karen O’Neill, Jessica Hayes, Jon Castillo, and Jennifer Coppernoll onboard. The company supports global hospitality operations with e-invoicing compliance across 25 countries and has processed over $20 billion in purchases since 1999. Their services include inventory management, supplier engagement, and real-time budgeting, reducing operational costs by 12-15%.

📈 Mark Williams, managing director of franchise development at Extended Stay America, will retire at the end of 2026 after nearly 40 years in hospitality. Joining in 2020, he expanded the brand to almost 200 hotels in the U.S. The company continues to focus on growth and is seeking his successor. Williams contributed significantly to the franchise platform, enhancing the Extended Stay America Premier Suites, Suites, and Select Suites brands.

🏨 Dumbleton Hall, located in the Cotswolds, appointed Marwan Hemchaoui as general manager after a £25 million redevelopment. Acquired by Chatham Park Development in April 2021, the Grade II property underwent a two-year renovation. Previously run by the Post Office Fellowship of Remembrance since 1959, it’s now under Bespoke Hotels. The 16-acre estate features 34 guestrooms, a drawing room, library bar, and three restaurants. Hemchaoui, formerly of The Lakes by YOO, expressed excitement for his role.

💻 Jeff Knowlton has been appointed as chief technology officer at CoralTree Hospitality, bringing over 25 years of experience. He will lead the enterprise technology strategy, focusing on enhancing guest experience and operational efficiency. Previously, Knowlton was CIO at Peregrine Hospitality and Sonesta Hotels International. His expertise is expected to drive digital innovation as CoralTree expands.

🏨 Raines will manage the 114-room AC Hotel Downtown Little Rock, located in the Capitol-Main Historic District, Arkansas. The hotel features a fitness center, meeting space, and the AC Lounge. Raines aims to enhance the food and beverage experience while utilizing 5,000 sq. ft. of retail-level meeting space. The River Market District, a revitalized area, connects to Riverfront Park and the Clinton Presidential Library, serving as a hub for dining, entertainment, and culture.

📅 In August 2026, Highgate appointed Siim Karu as Chief Commercial Officer in London, focusing on European commercial strategy. Karu brings over 15 years of experience, previously enhancing revenue and technology at Generator and Freehand Hotels. His role will involve collaboration with operational and investment teams to boost Highgate's European growth. Ben Thomas, COO-Europe, highlights Karu's integration of strategy and performance. Karu is enthusiastic about expanding Highgate's presence in Europe.

🏨 Dalata Hotels appointed Aline Caliari as general manager of Clayton Hotel St Andrew Square in Edinburgh, set to open in early 2024 after a £50 million renovation. The site, acquired for £12.5 million in September 2023, will feature 172 guestrooms, a bar, restaurant, gym, and two meeting rooms. The Dalata Hotel Group was acquired last year by Pandox and Eiendomsspar for €1.4 billion (£1.2 billion).

🍳 Duncan Palmer, with over 35 years in luxury hospitality, is now the chair of trustees for The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. Previously, he managed iconic hotels like The Savoy and The Langham in London. Palmer succeeds David Coubrough. He will lead and guide the organization while fulfilling legal and governance roles. The Adopt a School charity, promoting healthy eating among children, also falls under his leadership.

🏨 Bob Fairweather was appointed as the new general manager of Queens Hotel, Leeds, in March 2026. The hotel, owned by Swedish investor Pandox, underwent a £16 million refurbishment in 2021. Fairweather, with over 20 years of hospitality experience, aims to enhance guest experience and oversee investments, including a new café bar. Pandox acquired the hotel for £53 million in 2023. The hotel achieved Green Key accreditation by October 2025, meeting 13 environmental criteria.

🏨 Murray Scott has been appointed general manager of The Standard, London, succeeding Elli Jafari. He transitions from The Hoxton, having managed its London properties, and brings experience from NH Hotel Group and others. Following Hyatt's acquisition of Standard International in October 2024 and Trinity Investments' purchase of The Standard, London, Scott enters a complex ownership structure. Amber Asher, former CEO, left in January 2025 after growing the brand to 25 hotels with a 400% revenue increase.