Human Resources

🏨 Electra America and AKA will transition two Washington, D.C.-area hotels: Hotel AKA Alexandria to Marriott's Autograph Collection on June 17, 2026, and Hotel AKA Washington Circle to Hilton's Tapestry Collection on June 23, 2026. Concord Hospitality will manage daily operations, with AKA as co-general partner. Architectural highlights include Piero Lissoni’s design at Alexandria, winning a 2023 Interior Design Magazine award, and Gensler’s redevelopment of Washington Circle. Future growth targets include South Florida.

🏨 Electra America and AKA will transition Hotel AKA Alexandria and Hotel AKA Washington Circle to Marriott's Autograph Collection and Hilton's Tapestry Collection, respectively, in June 2026. Concord Hospitality will manage both properties. Hotel AKA Alexandria, designed by Piero Lissoni, won Interior Design Magazine's 2023 "Best of the Year" Award. The transition comes after strategic investments by Electra America Hospitality Group. AKA continues expanding, focusing on key markets like South Florida.

🏨 Christophe Hilty will lead Park Hyatt Mexico City Polanco's pre-opening journey ahead of its early 2027 debut. The hotel, located in the Polanco neighborhood near Chapultepec Park, will feature 27 private residences within a 30-story tower. Hilty, previously VP of global operations at CORE: New York, has extensive experience in luxury hospitality with Four Seasons and other renowned brands. His leadership aims to blend Mexico City's heritage with personalized luxury.

🏨 Spain: Patricia Martín becomes general manager of CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha, Madrid, as of 2018. Located in Barrio de las Letras, this flagship luxury boutique hotel, restored from an 1852 palace-house, features 34 rooms, including two suites with terraces and jacuzzis. Madrid, now a vibrant international hub, enhances its cultural, gastronomic, and hotel appeal. Martín emphasizes authentic hospitality and the hotel's unique city perspective.

💼 Helen Bull has been appointed managing director of Ragdale Hall Spa, Leicestershire, succeeding Hugh Wilson and Allison Garner, who retire after over 35 years. With 30 years of commercial experience, Bull will manage 525 staff at the 93-room spa, operational for 50 years. The leadership change aligns with industry trends, like Jason Adams' 2020 appointment at Rockliffe Hall and Davidson Hospitality Group's strategic acquisition, reflecting a broader shift towards operational growth and innovation in wellness sectors.

📍 Madan Rathore appointed as hotel manager and Hugo Correia as head chef at Hotel Indigo Coventry, a 101-bedroom venue. Rathore joined in April with 20+ years in hospitality, formerly GM at Ramada Encore, Leicester. Correia returns after prior roles, including Weston Hall Hotel head chef. Hotel Indigo opened in January 2024 at Friargate, Coventry, following a multi-million-pound development. Samantha Dunion, the cluster GM, highlights their expertise and leadership in enhancing guest experiences.

🏨 Provenance Collection, a pub and hotel operator, announced a leadership change in 2026 after selling three North Yorkshire venues: Black Bull at Moulton, Punch Bowl at Marton-cum-Grafton, and Cleveland Tontine near Northallerton. Anthony Blundell replaces Peter Grazier as managing director, with Grazier stepping down for leukaemia treatment. The sale strategy aims for growth in standout sites, with positive summer bookings expected. Provenance's founder praises Blundell's readiness for the leadership role after 15 years in hospitality.

📈 Alan Cagle, with 25+ years in hospitality, becomes the new managing director at Loews Philadelphia Hotel. Previously, he was the general manager at Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, with 350 rooms and 24,000 sq ft of event space. Cagle's past includes nearly 8 years at Hyatt Regency Princeton, NJ. Loews Philadelphia is updating its 33rd-floor event space and launching new family-focused summer offerings, aiming to enhance its status as a premier Philadelphia destination.

🏨 Matt Herod, new General Manager of Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville, N.C., appointed by Kessler Hospitality, a division of Highgate. Herod has nearly 10 years of leadership within Highgate, previously overseeing Salmon Falls Resort and The Ketch Inn in Alaska. He also supported interim roles in Colorado, Arizona, and Alaska. Earlier roles include senior positions at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and Grande Denali. Herod chaired Southeast Alaska for the Alaska Hotel & Lodging Association.