Human Resources

📈 Elite Hotels' management is changing: Graham Copeman will become managing director in January 2026, succeeding Graeme Bateman, who transitions to executive chairman. Copeman, former general manager at Exclusive Collection's Pennyhill Park, has also worked at The Zetter Group, St James’s Hotel and Club, and The Goring. Bateman takes over as chairman of Elite Hotels and The Rotherwick Foundation from Andrew Dixon, who retires after a decade but stays as a trustee. Elite Hotels operates three properties in England.

🏨 Benoît Racle oversees Accor's Premium brands as Global Brand President, managing Pullman, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, and Swissôtel. These brands comprise over 500 hotels and 115,000 rooms globally, covering urban, resort, and leisure locations. They are crucial to Accor’s strategy, balancing performance, asset appeal, and sustainability in a competitive market, while catering to owners, operators, investors, designers, and communities.

🏨 BWH Hotels’ Board of Directors elected Viral (Victor) Patel as board chairperson for 2026, with 25+ years of industry experience. Patel, owner of Best Western Corbin Inn, Kentucky, since age 26, will guide BWH in a transformative year emphasizing digital innovation. The board also named Rajesh Patel as vice-chairperson, Santosh Khanjee as secretary-treasurer, and welcomed Rebecca Driggs. Patel expressed enthusiasm for enhancing hospitality and community impact.

🏖 CoralTree Hospitality now manages DoubleTree by Hilton Park City – The Yarrow in Utah. The hotel, minutes from Park City's Main Street and ski areas, offers 182 rooms, a heated pool, and 5,000 sq. ft. of event space. It's equipped for year-round activity with dining at 1800 Park and Vertical Lounge. CoralTree, experienced in mountain destinations, operates other properties in Vail, Aspen, and more, expanding its presence in Park City.

🏢 Amy Epperson, promoted in 2023, is now the executive vice president of human resources at Remington Hospitality, based in Dallas, Texas. Reporting directly to CEO Ben Perelmuter, Epperson will oversee talent strategy, organizational development, culture, compliance, and associate experience. Her leadership significantly impacts organizational change and engagement, aligning HR with business objectives to support growth across the managed portfolio. Her promotion underscores the importance of human capital in achieving operational excellence and owner outcomes.

🍳 Chef Nick Nairn will leave the Kailyard at Dunblane Hydro in March 2026, ending a 16-year partnership. Apex Hotels and Nairn mutually agreed on the decision. The hotel, renamed Apex Dunblane Hydro in November, is undergoing a significant refurbishment, including a new restaurant concept. Brian Scanlin will continue as executive head chef. A farewell event is set for 26 March. Apex calls this one of the largest investment periods in the hotel's 147-year history.

🏨 Elisa Barral appointed as the first female general manager of The Palace Hotel, Madrid since its 1912 opening. With 25 years in luxury hospitality, including senior roles at L+R Hotels and Marriott, she aims to elevate the hotel as a top luxury destination. Barral returns to the hotel, having previously worked in its finance department. Her focus is on enhancing service and experiences to strengthen guest connections.

📈 Viceroy Hotels & Resorts revamped its leadership team with four new executives following Arash Azarbarzin's recent CEO appointment. Patrick Pahlke, formerly of Sage Hospitality Group, is now chief commercial officer. David Solis steps in as VP global luxury and leisure sales, previously with Ultimate Jet Vacations. Megan Mulholland, from THE WELL, becomes SVP brand marketing and wellness. Shel Buhler, with two decades of experience, is the new VP food and beverage.

🏖 Chris Long will lead the upcoming OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort, debuting in February 2026. Long, appointed in April 2025, brings nearly ten years of leadership at OUTRIGGER, with experience in the Maldives and Southeast Asia. The resort expands OUTRIGGER’s presence in Thailand, adding to locations in Koh Samui, Khao Lak, and Phuket. Long aims to introduce a hospitality style that is relaxed, local, and authentically connected to the island.