Human Resources

📈 Dina Winder, appointed HAMA President for 2026, leads an 11-member board from diverse backgrounds, including Vice-President Sarah Gulla. HAMA manages 3,500 U.S. hotels, 775,000 rooms, and $40 billion in annual revenue. Winder, with over 20 years of hospitality experience and executive roles at Highgate, aims to enhance asset management impact. HAMA, with 245 international affiliates, focuses on asset management, investment, and operational policies, supporting 250,000 employees and $3 billion in capital expenditures.

🏨 David Flueck, a 22-year veteran of Marriott International, will retire at the end of March to pursue outdoor passions. He played a pivotal role in transforming Marriott Bonvoy into a top-rated travel loyalty program. Marriott, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, operates nearly 9,100 properties across 142 countries. They will soon identify a new leader for their Loyalty organization, ensuring sustained growth. Marriott Bonvoy boasts 31 brands, offering members global experiences and point-earning opportunities.

🏨 IHG Hotels and Resorts plans to open Voco Lucknow, a 135-key hotel in Ashiyana near Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, by late 2029. The hotel will be the third IHG property in Lucknow, India. Currently, IHG operates 51 hotels across six brands in India and aims to increase its presence to 400 hotels by 2031. The Voco brand offers a blend of individual hotel charm and global quality, targeting Lucknow's growing market.

🏨 Ramune Aleks becomes general manager of Swinton Estate, effective February 2026. Aleks transitions from The Grand, York, where she spent nearly three years as director of Food and Beverage. Her 18-year UK hospitality career includes roles at Leeds, Harrogate, and Oulton Hall. Aleks will manage Swinton Park Hotel, Swinton Country Club, and holiday cottages. She expressed gratitude to The Grand Hotel and anticipation for her new role at Swinton Estate on LinkedIn.

🏨 Iconic Luxury Hotels and L&R Hotels have merged to form Iconic Hotels and Resorts. The merger, crucial for L+R's transformation, integrates its real estate portfolio valued at over £10 billion. Shan Kanagasingham, with 30 years in hospitality, is appointed COO. The company opened a 7,000 sq ft headquarters in London, employing 100 specialists. Atlas Hotels, Europe's largest Holiday Inn Express franchisee, remains separate in Leicester. This strategic move aims to streamline operations and enhance global presence.

📚 Pride of Britain Hotels announced Bridgerton actress Kathryn Drysdale as their seasonal ambassador for the 2026 'Now and Then' campaign, focusing on heritage properties. Meet the Makers events at member hotels will feature British brands like Gusbourne winery. Featured properties include The Royal Crescent Hotel (Bath), The Painswick (Gloucestershire), Grantley Hall (Yorkshire), The Athenaeum (London), and Middlethorpe Hall (York). The campaign coincides with the release of The Handle, a 2026 coffee table book. PoB Hotels, established in 1982, represents Grade I and II-listed landmarks across the UK.

🏨 Dreamscape Hospitality has taken over management of The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica, a historic Art Deco property originally opened in 1933. Located by the Pacific Ocean, the hotel is transitioning to a Hyatt soft brand, maintaining its unique character while expanding its reach. This management shift highlights Dreamscape's expertise in lifestyle hotels. Adam Patenaude, president of Dreamscape, emphasized the strategic fit, while Jon Blanchard of JB Hotel Group praised Dreamscape’s respect for the hotel's character.

📍 Robert Boyd appointed general manager of Kimpton Everly Hollywood, bringing over 20 years of luxury and lifestyle experience. Boyd previously led Hotel Greystone in Miami Beach to earn two MICHELIN Keys. Kimpton Everly Hollywood, located at the foot of the Hollywood Hills, features 216 guestrooms, 12 suites, and proximity to Hollywood landmarks. The hotel is 13 miles from Los Angeles International Airport and seven miles from Bob Hope Airport.

🏨 Dreamscape Hospitality is managing The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica, CA, aiming to join a Hyatt soft brand while retaining its unique character. Opened in 1933, this Art Deco landmark blends vintage and modern design. Dreamscape's strategy focuses on expanding its appeal, aligning with their lifestyle and independent approach. The move enhances Dreamscape’s portfolio of branded and independent properties across the U.S., ensuring the preservation and growth of the hotel’s iconic status.

📁 Juan Losada returns as General Manager to Regent Phu Quoc in Vietnam, where he previously served from early 2019 to late 2022. With 15+ years in luxury hospitality, Losada's career includes roles at Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol and El Palace Barcelona. Regent Phu Quoc, situated on Phu Quoc island next to a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, offers luxury suites, villas, six dining outlets, and a wellness facility.