Human Resources - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 29

1 min

AHLA Welcomes Yvette Estrada, Senior Director of State and Local Affairs

📈 Yvette Estrada, with over a decade of legislative experience, joins the AHLA to lead state and local government affairs in the Western U.S., including Alaska, California, Hawai'i, Nevada, and Washington state. Estrada will address the Hotel Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance adopted last summer by the Los Angeles City Council, risking hotel closures and job losses. Brett Horton, AHLA chief advocacy officer, emphasizes the industry's current challenges, particularly in Los Angeles.

5 min

Wealth of Experience: Kempinski’s Chief Brand Officer on Cruising Into the Luxury Hotel World

🏨 Barbara Biffi, recently appointed as chief brand officer, is set to transform Kempinski Hotels' global brand strategy. With a rich background in luxury cruise branding, including roles at Silversea Cruises, she aims to apply her expertise in digital and brand experience to the 150-year-old hotel group. Biffi's career began in 1999 at Ogilvy, and she has held various strategic roles, leveraging her degree in statistics and economics from Milan's Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.

This Week’s Comings & Goings

📅 Hapi appointed Jeff Bzdawka as CEO, succeeding founder Luis Segredo in October 2024. Pure Wellness named Zachariah Webster as president. Concord Hospitality announced Scott Ness's retirement. Allbridge appointed Jann Gorske as SVP. Tommy Bahama Resort named Janet Galippo as marketing director. W and Element Philadelphia appointed George Adel as GM. The Woodward appointed Héctor Lugo as GM. Hotel Viata named Gerard Kenny as executive chef. Aimbridge Hospitality appointed Alex Fiz as president of the LATAM Division, effective March 2.

1 min

President and COO appointed at Obie Hospitality

🏨 Obie Companies has promoted Curt Asmussen to president and COO of Obie Hospitality. Asmussen, who was vice president for five years and managing director at Obie's Inn in Boise, has worked in hospitality for two decades. Relocating to Eugene, he will lead growth through acquisition and development, including the new Residence Inn Boise Downtown/University and the 75-room Gordon Hotel Corvallis opening in spring 2027. This role centralizes expansion efforts.

1 min

Imperial Hotel Blackpool appoints new general manager

🏨 Sacha Cauwels-Wigan is announced as the new general manager of The Imperial Hotel Blackpool. With over 32 years in international hospitality, she has held senior roles at Sheraton Hotels across the UK, Africa, and the Middle East. She will manage daily operations and oversee the transition to a family-oriented model. The 19th Century hotel is expanding to include themed bedrooms and all-inclusive packages, alongside its existing amenities like a cinema room and arcade.

1 min

Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Collection taps new GM

🏡 Domaine des Etangs in Charente, France, has appointed Damien Bastiat as general manager. The 13th-century château will reopen in March. Bastiat, with 30 years of luxury hospitality experience, recently managed Almae Collection and previously led hotels like Hotel Le Toiny St. Barth and Ballyfin Demesne. The property joined Auberge Collection in April 2023. Mo Elbanna of Auberge Collection praises Bastiat’s leadership as they aim to establish the château as a luxury destination.

2 min

Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo appoints new general manager

📍 Guillaume Ranvier, appointed general manager of Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, succeeds Louis Starck as of September 2025. Previously with Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, Ranvier's career includes roles at Hyatt properties in Paris, Doha, Cannes, and Nice. Established in 1928, the hotel, known for its Belle Epoque facade and Gustave Eiffel-designed dome, is undergoing renovations. New suites and Bar Gustave are set to open in June 2026, enhancing its historic elegance.

4 min

Hospitality America Marks 30 Years of Partnership-Led Growth and Operational Stewardship

🏨 Hospitality America celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, founded in 1995 by Chris Cargen, and now led by CEO Ben Campbell. It ranks #22 among South Carolina’s fastest-growing companies and was recently recognized by USA Today as a Top Workplace. New additions include hotels in Charleston, Rogers, Springdale, and Murrells Inlet. The company plans to enhance operations using enterprise technology and recognizes the importance of a supportive work environment for its associates.

2 min

Brandshatch Place Hotel and Spa appoints Matthew Selch as GM

🏨 Hand Picked Hotels appointed Matthew Selch as general manager of Brandshatch Place Hotel and Spa in Kent. With 10+ years of leadership experience, including roles at Village Hotels and De Vere Hotels, Selch will enhance the hotel’s bespoke events and private hire offerings. The hotel collaborates with local venues like Mount Vineyard and London Golf Club. Hand Picked Hotels runs 21 hotels across the UK and Channel Islands, aiming to strengthen their presence in the Kent event market.

2 min

IHG Hotels & Resorts Signs Garner Bhiwadi, Bringing the Brand to the National Capital Region

📍 In 2027, IHG® Hotels & Resorts plans to open a 45-key Garner hotel in Bhiwadi, India, developed by Modest Structures Private Limited and managed by United Hospitality Management. This marks the fourth Garner signing in India, reflecting confidence in its midscale brand. IHG currently operates 51 hotels across six brands in India, with 80 more in the pipeline over the next 3-5 years, targeting India's high-growth, tier-two cities.

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