Human Resources

💼 Out of Eden, established in 1993 in Cumbria, is expanding its UK sales team to 25 members, appointing 5 new regional representatives. This expansion, driven by customer demand, includes Wilson Digby’s February appointment for London and South East, covering Central London, Kent, Essex, Buckinghamshire, and Hampshire. The company serves over 20,000 customers, offering 2,000+ products. Upcoming events include The Short Stay Summit on 22 April and The Independent Hotel Show on 5-6 October.

🏨 Alexandro Della Croce becomes Chief Commercial Officer of a 34-hotel portfolio, following a Rome-based hotel group acquisition and UK sales office opening. With over 20 years of experience, he aims to integrate Sales, Revenue, and Events for strategic consistency. The shift reflects industry trends toward unifying pricing, distribution, and events, crucial for controlling rising costs and the growing TRevPAR importance. Starhotels seeks to solidify its position as Italy’s top private hotel group.

🏨 Columbia Hospitality expanded its management portfolio by adding Hotel Grand Stark in Portland, Oregon, on April 1. The boutique hotel, featuring 57 rooms, is housed in a century-old building and reopened in 2021 after renovation. The property, located near downtown Portland, now includes the on-site Little Bitter Bar. This expands Columbia Hospitality's presence in the Pacific Northwest, complementing its wide array of hospitality properties across the U.S.

📍 Nicolas Schell will become The Savoy's director of food and beverage, overseeing restaurants and bars as of 2024. Schell's prior roles include head of London Trade Sales at Moët Hennessy and collaboration with Gordon Ramsay Restaurants. Previously, he worked at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. The Gallery and Scoff were launched in 2024. Schell's appointment reflects The Savoy's strategy to innovate its culinary offerings, continuing its prestigious legacy in London's vibrant dining scene.

🏨 Hilton names Scott Berger general manager of Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. Berger, with over 20 years of luxury hospitality experience, recently managed the new Peninsula London. Previously, he oversaw EOS Hospitality's West Coast portfolio. Berger began his career at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, advancing to hotel manager over 15 years. In civic roles, he chaired the Beverly Hills CVB (2023-24) and was a board member of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce (2020-24).

🏨 Kenji Bourquin-Quéva has been appointed as the general manager of Sanderson London as of September 2025. With over 10 years in hospitality, he previously managed the hotel's operations, overseeing 150 rooms and 130 staff. His career includes roles at St Martins Lane London, Butterfly Hospitality Group, Kempinski, and InterContinental. He aims to enhance commercial performance and guest experience during a refurbishment phase.

🏨 The Grand Hotel in York appoints Shekhar Grover as the new manager, bringing 17 years of luxury hospitality experience. The hotel features 207 rooms, two restaurants, and a £2.8m spa. Grover, previously with Royal Caribbean and Fairmont St Andrews, aims to enhance guest experiences and support sustainable practices. The hotel is part of the Splendid Hospitality Group.

🏨 Frits Potgieter was appointed as CEO of The Chesway Collection in 2022, after serving as general manager of The Montenotte in Cork. The collection seeks to align its properties, including The Montenotte, The Woodland Suite Experience, and The Wilder Townhouse in Dublin, under a shared vision. Potgieter, with over 20 years of luxury sector experience, leads the launch of The Montenotte's Signature Collection this April, adding 36 rooms to the estate.

📈 Charlestowne Hotels appoints Tauseen Malik as Senior VP of Operations. With over 20 years of global experience, Malik will optimize operations and evolve food and beverage strategies. Previously at HHM Hotels, he managed East Coast properties. CEO Kyle Hughey emphasizes Malik's role in supporting growth in complex markets. As Charlestowne expands into new markets, Malik aims to enhance guest experiences and performance through strategic leadership and market-specific strategies.

🏨 Coury Hospitality, appointed by Skyline Investments, is managing Hotel Cleveland, Autograph Collection in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Originally opened in 1918, the hotel is the second-largest in the Autograph Collection with nearly 500 rooms and 65,000 square feet of event space. A $90 million renovation was completed, and the hotel reopened in 2024. Coury Hospitality is expanding its portfolio with four more hotels, including Hotel Vin in Grapevine, Texas, and Hotel Vin Rogers in Arkansas.