Human Resources

🏨 Starwood Hotels appoints David Duran as GM of 1 Hotel Austin, opening August 2026, and Collin Ten Dam as GM of Treehouse Hotel Manchester. Duran, formerly GM of Pendry San Diego, led a 317-key property with 500+ staff. Ten Dam, with 15+ years at Marriott, will oversee the debut of the 14th floor at Treehouse Manchester, featuring The Nest rooftop bar, Sister Moo restaurant, and nine premium suites.

💸 Milos Nedovic appointed as chief asset and investment officer at Chedi Hospitality to oversee financial strategy and portfolio expansion. He brings 15+ years of luxury hospitality finance experience in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, including roles at Hyatt Hotels and Rikas Hospitality Group. Nedovic's role includes capital allocation, revenue performance, and tech integration for operational efficiency. Stephan Schupbach, president and CEO, highlights Milos's role in enhancing capabilities and long-term value.

📅 Jakob Helgen appointed as general manager of JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo, which opened in October 2025. Helgen brings over 22 years of global hospitality experience at Marriott International. From 2019 to 2024, he served as area vice president for Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar, expanding Marriott's presence from 50 to 80 hotels, doubling in Vietnam. His career began in 2002 at Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon. He also worked in Europe before Marriott.

📈 In 2024, Rob Smith became CEO & president of Stonebridge Companies, which manages over 160 hotels. Smith emphasizes profitability through guest service, talent retention, and optimal segmentation, rather than cutting costs. Despite muted transaction activity, growth has been achieved by improving underperforming assets. The focus remains on luxury and lifestyle segments, where experience and consistency are key. Paul Eckert was hired as COO to enhance organizational success, and the next year is expected to see more management changes to boost profitability.

📈 Savvy Collective appoints Marcus Magee and Stephen Miles as operations and development directors. Based in Cheshire, the firm unveiled a new brand identity and expanded services for independent hotels. Founded by Steven Hesketh, it targets venues with up to 100 rooms. The appointments come amid a rise in UK hotel transactions, amounting to £1.6 billion in Q1 2026. Magee and Miles will drive operational resets and revenue strategies for clients.

🏨 Leven Manchester hotel has appointed Kostadin Dimitrov as general manager, succeeding Daniel Clayton as of 2025. Dimitrov has over 10 years in hotel management, previously at voco Manchester. The boutique hotel, located in a converted early 20th-century warehouse, features 42 rooms and suites. It's operated by Wellbrook Hospitality and co-developed with Branco Capital. The hotel offers a unique design-led hospitality experience in Manchester's rich industrial heritage setting.

🏨 Boutique hotel The Harper in Norfolk appointed Andrew Oxley as general manager, replacing Jules Keirle who left in May. Oxley, a former manager at Relais Henley and Bicester Hotel and Spa, is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality since 2014 and a Master Innholder since 2015. The hotel, with 32 guest rooms and spa facilities, was acquired by The Morgans Group, led by Shon Morgans, earlier this month, expanding its presence in North Norfolk.