Human Resources

🏨 Rocco Forte Hotels has appointed four new general managers across Europe. Anna Gricini will lead Hotel de la Ville in Rome starting 1 November; Maximilian von Reden will manage Hotel Amigo in Brussels from 3 November; Matteo Gentile will head Hotel Savoy in Florence from 3 November; and Ulrich Schwer will manage The Charles Hotel in Munich. Francesco Roccato will oversee The Carlton Milan's opening on 6 November. Rocco Forte Hotels, founded in 1996, operates 15 properties.

🛣 YOTEL, founded by Simon Woodroffe in 2007, opened its first hotel at Gatwick Airport. As of today, YOTEL operates 23 hotels globally, aiming for 15,000 rooms by 2030. Phil Andreopoulos, formerly of Marriott, is the new CEO. Supported by majority owner Al-Bahar Group, YOTEL focuses on innovation, tech, and strategic growth. Challenges include rising costs and labor shortages, while YOTEL leverages smart design and automation to adapt and thrive.

📈 Lake District Hotels announced a leadership reshuffle, opening the GM position at Lodore Falls Hotel and Spa. Marcell Cilliers, previously GM since autumn 2020, is now group operations manager. Over 100 staff work at Lodore Falls. Applications for the GM role close on 29 October 2025. Mizu Pan Asian Restaurant, within Lodore Falls, recently won Best Restaurant in England at the Golden Chopsticks Awards. The group owns six properties in the Lake District National Park.

🏨 Norton Park Hotel, Spa, and Manor House, part of The QHotels Collection, has appointed Nathan Chart as the new general manager. Chart's career spans over 20 years in hospitality, including roles at Hilton and Marriott. His plans include enhancing commercial offerings in weddings and events and strengthening local partnerships. He previously managed The Solent Hotel and chaired the Southampton Hoteliers Association, launching regional hospitality awards now in their fifth year. Chart aims to position Norton Park as a premier leisure and event destination.

📅 TPG Hotels & Resorts appointed Patrick Short as president and COO. Great Wolf Resorts named Rachel O’Connell as chief human resources officer. Davidson Hospitality Group appointed Steve Contos as EVP, managing director for luxury and international. Highgate named Nikos Konstantinidis as SVP of acquisitions for Europe. Starwood Hotels appointed Stéphanie Segaux as VP of development for EMEA, based in Amsterdam. Ambar Chicago appointed Kevin Girshman as executive chef in August 2025.

🏨 Patrick Short has been appointed president & COO of TPG Hotels & Resorts in Providence, Rhode Island. Short, with 30 years of experience across 25+ brands, previously expanded Peachtree Hospitality from 27 to 100 hotels. He holds a Hospitality degree from University of Wisconsin-Stout and an MBA in Finance from Argosy University. Short will relocate from Minnesota to McKinney, Texas. TPG is poised for growth under his leadership, with a focus on operational excellence.

🐞 Damola Adamolekun, a 31-year-old executive with Ivy League credentials, recently became Red Lobster's CEO after transforming P.F. Chang's. Known for strategic innovation and operational discipline, Adamolekun has committed to improving Red Lobster's fortunes with $60+ million in upgrades and plans to eliminate underperforming promotions. Red Lobster aims for a 43% EBITDA boost by 2027 and positive net income by 2026. Adamolekun's leadership, focusing on quality and accessibility, could redefine the brand's future.

🏨 Patrick Short has been appointed as president & COO of TPG Hotels & Resorts. He will lead operations at the national headquarters in McKinney, TX. With 30+ years in hospitality, Short previously expanded Peachtree Hospitality from 27 to 100 hotels. He has experience with over 25 brands and held roles at Kinseth and CSM Corporation. Robert Leven of Procaccianti Companies praised Short's leadership as TPG plans further expansion.

📍 Olivier Thomas will join Raffles London at The OWO as managing director on November 3rd. Thomas, with over 30 years of luxury hotel experience across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and North Africa, previously led Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo and Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi. Located in Whitehall's historic Old War Office, Raffles London features 120 rooms, five restaurants, two bars, a 678 sqm ballroom, a 2,510 sqm spa, and 85 OWO Residences.

🏨 Rocco Forte Hotels has appointed five new leaders for its properties. Anna Gricini becomes General Manager of Hotel de la Ville, Rome, while Maximilian Von Reden takes over as General Manager of Hotel Amigo, Brussels. Matteo Gentile will lead Hotel Savoy, Florence starting November 3. Ulrich Schwer is now at The Charles Hotel, Munich. Francesco Roccato, Managing Director of Northern Italy, will also oversee The Carlton Milan, opening on November 6, 2025.