Human Resources

🏨 Focus Hotels appoints four key roles at The Bedford Hotel, opening in 2026 in Belfast’s Linen Quarter. The team includes Yvonne McIlree (sales and marketing), Sharon Dunne (revenue), Victoria Dunn (reservations), and Clodagh Flood (marketing). The hotel, a renovated 1904 Edwardian building, will offer 82 rooms and dining venues. Part of Belfast city center's regeneration, The Bedford aims to blend heritage with modern design for memorable events.

📍 Corinthia London appoints Karina Elias as hotel manager in October, succeeding her roles at Grosvenor House. Previous key hires include Jasper Anderegg (May) and Nick Sievewright (August). Elias has experience from The Langham, The Savoy, and Four Seasons Hotel Boston. General Manager Charlotte Weatherall praises Elias's expertise and leadership. Elias aims to enhance the guest experience at the luxury London hotel, known for its elegance and hospitality.

📁 Hilton appointed Juan Gonzalez Izquierdo as the new general manager of Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. Izquierdo, with over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality, previously managed Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead and contributed to renovations there. His past roles include hotel manager at Conrad New York Downtown and director of operations in New York, Barcelona, and London. Izquierdo began his career as a busboy in London.

📈 Bertrand Mangeot is appointed as managing director of the 373-room Salamander Washington DC, located on the southwest waterfront. With over 20 years of hospitality experience, Mangeot previously served as general manager of InterContinental San Diego since 2023. Salamander Washington DC, recently transformed, features redesigned suites by Thomas Pheasant, a new lobby lounge, dual-level spa, and Dōgon restaurant led by chef Kwame Onwuachi.

📅 Marie-Berengere Chapoton appointed as managing director of Rosewood São Paulo, bringing 25+ years in luxury hospitality. She has worked in 11 countries with Accor brands and led major events like the FIFA World Cup and Olympics in Brazil. Previously, she was general manager at Raffles Al Areen Palace & Spa Bahrain and represented Bahrain on the CCEF. Chapoton aims to elevate luxury and curate exceptional experiences at Rosewood São Paulo, reflecting Brazil's soul.

📅 Bartolomeo Fusco appointed general manager of Orient Express Venice, overseeing its launch in early 2026. Previously, he managed Aman Rosa Alpina in San Cassiano and held roles at Aman Venice, Aman Sveti Stefan, and Amanjena. This strategic move enhances Orient Express's presence in Venice, aiming to transform Palazzo Donà Giovannelli into a refined travel destination. Fusco’s extensive hospitality experience in Venice and internationally will be pivotal in achieving this ambition.

📍 Mustafa Suer has been appointed as the general manager of Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead by Hilton. With over 20 years of international leadership experience, Suer has previously managed luxury hotels across three continents, including roles with Waldorf Astoria, IHG, and Four Seasons. He returns to Atlanta after a stint as hotel manager at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, California, and past roles in Philadelphia, Nevis, Istanbul, and Baku.

📈 Neil Jacobs was appointed as censor of Baccarat's Board of Directors. In 2025, he founded Wild Origins, a consulting firm focusing on hospitality and sustainability. Previously, Jacobs led Six Senses for over 13 years. Baccarat plans to open new hotels in Rome, Florence, Dubai, the Maldives, Miami, and Macao over the next three years. Recent restaurant openings include Hong Kong's “Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic” in 2023 and “Ducasse Baccarat” in 2024.

🏨 David Taylor becomes CEO of Kew Green Hotels on 13 October 2025, succeeding interim CEO James Kim. Taylor will manage over 50 UK hotels, including brands like Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Voco, and Courtyard by Marriott. Kew Green Hotels aims to expand, innovate, and enhance sustainability. Taylor's leadership is expected to drive growth and deliver exceptional guest experiences, leveraging his experience in both national and international markets.

📁 Kempinski Hotels appointed Barbara Biffi as chief brand officer to spearhead global brand strategy. Biffi has over 20 years of experience, previously at Silversea. BWH Hotels named Chad Fletcher as senior vice president of worldwide sales, with Fletcher also having extensive experience. The Palace Hotel appointed Jason Paradis as hotel manager with 18 years at Marriott. DoubleTree New Orleans named Frank Cook general manager. Conrad Maldives adds Dr. Abhilash SC for wellness offerings.