Human Resources

🦆 La French Expérience, a new purple rooster initiative by Bpifrance, launched with 40 ambassadors to engage companies in accommodation, catering, travel, leisure, and Tourism Tech. Serge Papin and Bruno Maltor attended the launch aiming to unify 1,000 leaders by 2030. Bpifrance will host events across France. La French Fab, since 2017, has 7,500+ members. Antoine Arvis of Madeho discussed retention challenges, highlighting a four-day work week and AI impacts on hospitality recruitment.

🏠 In this episode, Filipe D’Avillez, General Manager of TRIBE London Canary Wharf, shares his journey in hospitality. With over four years at TRIBE, he has been instrumental in the brand's UK establishment, focusing on hotel launches, team development, and award-winning service culture.

📈 Nancy Johns was appointed senior vice president of commercial strategy at Spire Hospitality in Irving, Texas, in October 2026. She will lead commercial strategy and integrate AI for decision-making. With over 20 years of experience, Johns previously worked with JC Resorts and Crescent Hotels & Resorts. Richard Sandoval, Spire's CEO, emphasized her role in enhancing hotel performance. Johns chairs the HSMAI Americas Marketing Advisory Board and was named one of HSMAI’s Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in 2025.

🍴 October 2026, London: Hotel Café Royal on Regent Street appoints Alex Cooper as Hotel Manager and Jude Rozario as Executive Chef. Cooper, previously Director of Food & Beverage at The Berkeley, joins the Executive Committee, overseeing operations including rooms, engineering, and events. Rozario, with a rich background in top culinary institutions like NOMA and Eleven Madison Park, leads the culinary direction. Both appointments aim to enhance the hotel's prestigious standing in the hospitality industry.

📍 Filipe D’Avillez, General Manager of TRIBE London Canary Wharf, has been involved in the hospitality industry for several years. Four years ago, he joined TRIBE prior to the launch of its first UK property. Filipe has been instrumental in establishing the brand in the UK, leveraging his experience in hotel launches, team development, and creating award-winning service cultures.

📍 Richard Sorensen appointed general manager of The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort. With over 30 years of luxury hospitality experience, Sorensen previously managed a luxury beach resort in Encinitas, CA, and held senior roles in Los Cabos. The 22-acre resort in Punta de Mita, Mexico, completed a transformation in 2024, adding beachfront villas, redesigned suites, new dining options, and a Marietas Pool. Sorensen aims to enhance guest experiences and foster return visits.

💻 Jeff Moore, former VP of software engineering at Uber, will join Hilton as executive VP and CTO, starting October 26, reporting to CEO Chris Nassetta. Moore's experience includes leading 2,500 engineers at Uber and holding leadership roles at Amazon, notably in Fulfillment by Amazon and device portfolio development. He will focus on advancing Hilton's AI and technological innovations to enhance guest experiences. Moore also holds three U.S. patents and is a board member of Edmund Optics.

🏨 Oliver Hotels & Resorts, headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, manages 30+ properties in 14 states, totaling nearly 5,000 keys. The company, led by CEO Danny Givertz, rebranded from OCI Hospitality to emphasize owner-first management. Notable achievements include Hilton Checkers Los Angeles' record $1 million monthly room revenue and Radisson Cedar Rapids' 318% room revenue increase. The leadership team includes Seth Oliver as President & COO and Colleen Anderson as CFO. Oliver prioritizes strategy-focused operations and curated expansion.

🏨 Dreamscape Hospitality has taken over management of The Doyle, a boutique hotel in Charlottesville, Virginia, and plans to convert it into a Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Located between the University of Virginia and Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall, The Doyle offers multiple dining options, including The Lobby Bar + Restaurant and a rooftop venue. Dreamscape aims to enhance operational performance and guest satisfaction. The hotel is set to capitalize on its prime location and unique offerings.

💻 Jeff Moore joins Hilton as executive vice president and chief technology officer on October 26, 2026, in McLean, Virginia. Previously, Moore was VP of software engineering at Uber, leading a global team of 2,500 engineers. He will report to CEO Chris Nassetta, focusing on utilizing AI and next-gen technology. Moore, with over 20 years of experience, also held roles at Amazon and Anheuser-Busch and holds three U.S. patents.