Human Resources

📈 Kristie Goshow became Chief Commercial Officer at Loews Hotels & Co, overseeing revenue and brand strategy across 27 properties. Her career journey spanned roles with Virgin Atlantic, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, and Preferred Hotels & Resorts, managing over 700 hotels in 80+ countries. Goshow identifies industry challenges such as rapid tech changes and geopolitical unrest as opportunities. She emphasizes maintaining a guest-focused perspective to drive innovation and meet evolving demands. Her leadership reflects a commitment to community and career growth.

🏨 Peachtree Group secured I-956F approval from USCIS for a 116-room Homewood Suites by Hilton in Sugar Mountain, North Carolina. The $28 million project was funded through Peachtree’s EB-5 investment platform, marking its sixth EB-5 financing and totaling over $177 million in capitalization. Located near Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and other attractions, the hotel aims to capture year-round demand. The project received approval in under four months, highlighting Peachtree's efficient approach to EB-5 financing.

🏨 On January 22, Driftwood Capital appointed Carlos Rodriguez Jr. as CEO, succeeding Carlos Rodriguez Sr., who became executive chairman. Since co-founding in 2015, the duo grew Driftwood to manage $3.5 billion in assets and 90 hotels. In 2025, they restructured for growth and launched a luxury division. Targeting international expansion, they aim for Costa Rica, Mexico, and the Caribbean, enhancing cost-effective renovations and leveraging financing capabilities. The company scaled from a $50 million to a $2.5 billion GP fund.

💻 Gilmar Barretella is appointed Managing Director of Seekda, Austria’s hotel distribution platform, effective immediately. Seekda, founded in 2007, operates from Vienna and serves over 4,000 hotels globally, with a 40% market share in Austria. Gilmar, with 20+ years in SaaS and tech leadership, aims to enhance execution and product growth. Seekda's tools include an AI Booking Engine and Stay, aiding hotel efficiency and revenue. The company partners with Expedia and Booking.com.

🏨 Rockliffe Hall appoints Lewis Hunter as new general manager in County Durham. The estate's multimillion-pound transformation is set to complete by summer 2026, featuring renovations of its Grade II-listed building and six new dining concepts. The development includes a 36-cover restaurant, a 50,000-square-foot spa, and a golf course. Ken Holland, with 20+ years in agriculture, becomes head grower to enhance onsite dining with seasonal produce, aiming for a sustainable food system.

🏨 Jane Pendlebury celebrates a decade as CEO of the Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA), since early 2016. She has led the UK organization through significant industry changes, enhancing its role for hospitality professionals in finance, revenue management, and technology.