Human Resources

📈 Jim Plohg was appointed as executive vice president at Ashford Inc. and Braemar Hotels, effective immediately. Amy Epperson was promoted to EVP of Human Resources at Remington Hospitality. Claudia Martinez became senior catering sales manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. By January 1, 2026, Deidre Schwartz will serve as international president of NEWH, Inc. Dillon Weaver and Gustavo Machado were promoted to operations managers at Sprague Pest Solutions. Randy Rockbrand now manages Rio Perdido.

📍 December 31, 2025, London, UK: Olivier Thomas is appointed Managing Director of Raffles London at The OWO. With over 30 years of luxury hotel experience across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and North Africa, Thomas previously managed notable properties like Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Under his leadership, Raffles London, located in the historic Old War Office building, aims to enhance its reputation for elegance and sophistication.

🏨 December 31, 2025, in Fairfax, Virginia: Crestline Hotels & Resorts LLC takes over management of the Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsdale at Talking Stick, Arizona. The hotel features 101 guest rooms, 676 sq. ft. meeting space, and can host up to 60 guests. Located off Loop 101, it offers easy access to attractions like Salt River Fields and Butterfly Wonderland. Amenities include Hampton Beds®, complimentary Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. The hotel is pet-friendly with onsite parking available for a fee.

📅 London, December 30, 2025: Rocco Forte Hotels appoints four General Managers, enhancing its leadership team. Anna Gricini leads Hotel de la Ville, Rome, from November 1, 2025, after 16 years with the brand. Maximilian Von Reden takes charge of Hotel Amigo, Brussels, on November 3, with 20+ years in luxury hospitality. Matteo Gentile joins Hotel Savoy, Florence, on November 3, bringing decades of experience. Ulrich Schwer becomes General Manager at The Charles Hotel, Munich. Francesco Roccato oversees the new Carlton Milan, launching November 6.

🏨 December 29, 2025, Providence, Rhode Island: Patrick Short returns to TPG Hotels & Resorts as President & COO, overseeing its nationwide property portfolio. With over 30 years in hospitality, Short has led firms like Peachtree Hospitality, growing it from 27 to 100 hotels. His background includes roles at CSM Corporation and Kinseth. Educated in Hospitality Management and Finance, he will relocate from Minnesota to McKinney, TX. He's a Certified Hotel Administrator.

📑 December 26, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel announces Frank Cook as the new General Manager. He brings over 30 years of hospitality leadership. Under his guidance, a $5 million renovation is underway, finishing by 2026, enhancing the hotel’s 367 rooms, lobby, and amenities. Dimension Hospitality, based in Louisiana, manages the transformation. Cook previously managed operations for 19 Hilton and Marriott properties, aiming to elevate guest experiences at DoubleTree New Orleans.