Human Resources

🏨 Dan Thompson was appointed hotel director at The Pig at Harlyn Bay, succeeding Lukas André, who led for over six years. In September 2026, Thompson transitions from Devon's Thurlstone Hotel, where he was general manager since 2024, after nearly 10 years at Mullion Cove Hotel. The Pig at Harlyn Bay, opened in 2020, is the seventh in its portfolio, featuring 30 guestrooms near Padstow, within five acres of garden, dating back to the 16th century.

🏨 Criterion Capital appointed Vaqas Farooq as CEO and Steve Silvester as CFO to advance its development pipeline in the UK, Portugal, and Abu Dhabi. Criterion manages over £6bn in assets, with a hotel portfolio of 28 properties, including a 1,000-bed capsule hotel in London’s West End. In September 2024, Criterion secured a £16m refinancing package for Zedwell Greenwich, with a goal to expand to 8,000 rooms by 2029, currently operating over 3,000 rooms.

📈 In 2026, Urban Hospitality Concepts' Mikail Goek emphasized that in luxury hospitality, leadership roles have evolved beyond traditional models. Senior leaders now must be equipped with the skills to manage diverse environments like boutique hotels, clubs, and residences. Effective hiring should focus on behavioral assessments rather than impressive CVs, highlighting leadership adaptability in varying contexts. A wrong senior hire risks brand integrity, affecting culture, retention, and financial performance, stressing the need for precise candidate assessment.

📈 Choice Hotels appoints Dominic Dragisich as president and CEO, effective immediately. Dragisich, interim CEO since May 2026 after Patrick Pacious's departure, has been with Choice for nearly 10 years. His previous roles include CFO and chief growth officer. He previously worked at XO Communications, Marriott, NII Holdings, and Deloitte Consulting. Stewart Bainum Jr., board chairman, praises Dragisich for his strategic leadership. Dragisich aims to accelerate growth and strengthen Choice's brand portfolio.

📑 Adam Rohman, with over 20 years at Hyatt, is now head of Americas following Pete Sears' retirement. Rohman, a Penn State graduate, began his career at Hyatt Centric Arlington. He will oversee operations across Hyatt’s Americas region, managing Classics, Essentials, and Luxury brand portfolios. Rohman emphasizes Hyatt's brand-focused strategy and long-term growth by creating strong brand differentiation and maintaining its purpose to care for people. Mentor influences include Pete Sears, Joan Bottarini, and Mark Hoplamazian.

💼 Dominic Dragisich has been named the permanent CEO of Choice Hotels, effective since May 20, following Patrick Pacious's departure after nearly nine years. Choice Hotels experienced a modest U.S. RevPAR increase of 1.3% in Q2, lagging behind industry averages. Dragisich, a nearly 10-year veteran of the company, aims to enhance net rooms growth, with backing from the Bainum family. Previously, he played a key role in the $675 million Radisson Americas acquisition in 2022.

📈 Dominic Dragisich was appointed president and CEO of Choice Hotels International on August 31, 2026, in North Bethesda, Maryland. He previously served as interim CEO since May 20, 2026. Dragisich has been with the company for nearly a decade, holding roles including chief financial officer and chief growth and strategy officer. His leadership has been critical in implementing strategic initiatives and acquisitions, enhancing the company's portfolio and competitive position for franchisees and shareholders.