Human Resources

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Hotel HR news: appointments, recruitment, talent and people moves shaping the hospitality industry.

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W Punta Cana Appoints Alejandro Larrondo as General Manager to Enhance All-Inclusive Luxury Experience

🏨 Alejandro Larrondo has been appointed general manager of W Punta Cana, the first all-inclusive resort in the W Hotels portfolio, following its debut last August. Larrondo, with extensive experience in Caribbean and Latin American luxury hospitality, aims to enhance service and guest engagement. Previously, he managed Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe and various Marriott properties. Gastón Gonzalez of Marriott International highlights Larrondo's role in positioning the resort within the luxury all-inclusive segment.
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Barbara Göttling Appointed General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Munich, Succeeding Marc Epper from May 2026

🏨 Barbara Göttling was appointed as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Munich on May 1, 2026, succeeding Marc Epper. Born in Vienna, she has over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality. Previously, she was GM at Mandarin Oriental, Prague. Göttling will focus on strategic evolution, personalized guest experiences, and service culture. She is committed to empowering women in hospitality. Mandarin Oriental, Munich is a leading luxury hotel in Europe and Germany.
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Strand Palace Promotes Jill van Rest as First Female General Manager Since 1998 After £57 Million Refurbishment

🏨 UK: Strand Palace in Covent Garden, London, promotes Jill van Rest to general manager, the first woman since 1998. She succeeds Matthew Beard after six years at the hotel. During her tenure, Strand Palace underwent a £57 million refurbishment of 788 bedrooms. The hotel remained open for key workers during the pandemic. It features a restaurant, bar, cocktail bar, afternoon tea lounge, and 16 meeting spaces. Van Rest aims to re-establish the hotel as a key event location.
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Choice Hotels CEO Patrick Pacious Steps Down; Dominic Dragisich Appointed Interim CEO During Search for Successor

📈 Choice Hotels' CEO Patrick Pacious steps down, effective immediately, with Dominic Dragisich as interim CEO. Pacious, CEO since 2017, will remain an advisor until August 31, 2026. Under Pacious, Choice expanded from 11 to 22 brands, notably acquiring WoodSpring Suites and Radisson Hotels Americas. Dragisich, formerly chief growth & strategy officer, will lead during the CEO search. The board will evaluate both internal and external candidates to find a successor.
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Patrick Pacious Steps Down as CEO of Choice Hotels; Dominic Dragisich Appointed Interim CEO Effective May 20, 2026

🏨 Patrick Pacious will step down as president and CEO of Choice Hotels International, effective May 20, 2026. He will remain as an advisor until August 31, 2026. Dominic Dragisich, the chief growth & strategy officer, will serve as interim CEO. Under Pacious's leadership, the company expanded from 11 to 22 brands and doubled adjusted EBITDA. The board will search for a new CEO with the help of an executive search firm, considering both internal and external candidates.
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Fairmont Mayakoba Appoints Gonzalo Güelman Ros as General Manager to Lead 20th Anniversary Celebrations

🗺️ Fairmont Mayakoba in Mexico's Riviera Maya appoints Gonzalo Güelman Ros as general manager, boasting over 30 years in luxury resorts management across the Americas and Caribbean. Previously GM at The St. Regis Punta Mita, Ros joins for Fairmont's 20th anniversary. The resort recently launched "Past, Present and Paradise," an art installation, and a Wellness Suite. Ros aims to further establish Fairmont Mayakoba as Mexico’s top luxury destination.
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Fairmont St Andrews Appoints Janette Napier as Director of Sales for MICE with 35 Years' Experience

🏨 Janette Napier was appointed as director of sales for MICE at Fairmont St Andrews. With over 35 years of experience at Gleneagles and Hilton, she will drive growth in international meetings and events. Her role involves overseeing client relationships and attending trade shows. Fairmont's decision supports its strategy to bolster revenue in the Scottish conferences market. Jane Frazer, Sales Director, praised Napier's experience and commercial skills, anticipating growth in the MICE market.
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Strand Palace Hotel in London Appoints Jill van Rest as First Female GM Since 1998 After £57m Refurbishment

🏨 Jill van Rest has been appointed the new general manager of the Strand Palace Hotel in London, the first woman in this role since 1998. During the pandemic, she transitioned the hotel to accommodate military key workers, later enhancing its standings on TripAdvisor. The hotel recently underwent a £57 million refurbishment, redesigning 788 rooms and adding a gym. In November, 12 new event spaces were introduced, totaling 16 venues for up to 250 guests.
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Natacha Rafalski Named President of Disney Signature Experiences, Christophe Murphy Takes Over Disneyland Paris Leadership

🎪 Thomas Mazloum, chairman of Disney Experiences, announced key leadership changes in March 2026. Natacha Rafalski, Disneyland Paris president since 2018, is now president of Disney Signature Experiences. Christophe Murphy takes over Disneyland Paris on July 6, 2026. Financial highlights for Euro Disney Associés SAS include a revenue increase to €2.6 billion (+9.7%) and an operating margin of 10.1% in 2025. Disney Cruise Line plans fleet expansion from 8 to 13 ships by 2031.
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The Belfry Appoints Katie Niland and Debbie Collins to Leadership Roles at Beam Amidst £85M Expansion

📈 Katie Niland and Debbie Collins were appointed to leadership roles in Beam, a key UK trade association for business events. Niland joins the board, contributing nearly 20 years of experience, while Collins leads the Action Group. The Belfry Hotel, undergoing an £85m+ expansion, opened a 920-capacity suite in September 2025. Beam, formerly HBAA, focuses on education and best practices in hospitality. These appointments align The Belfry with strategic industry initiatives.
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