Human Resources

🏨 Melissa Gibson, with Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa in Glasgow since July 2018, has been promoted to head of spa and leisure. Laura Doherty, part of the team for eight years, steps into Gibson's former role as spa treatments manager. Gibson aims to drive spa success, benefiting from staff training, including oncology. Doherty will manage the therapist team and budgets. The hotel, part of IHG International, has 113 rooms.

📰 Alissa Ponchione was promoted to editor in chief of *Hospitality Design* magazine in September 2025. Caitlin St John, Stephanie Chen, and Jonathan Marsland joined her as managing editor, senior editor, and creative director. The magazine plans to launch a comprehensive *State of the Industry Report* in 2026. The HD Expo + Conference will grow its Hosted Buyers program by 150% in Q1 2026. Paul Bienkowski, having served HD for 40 years, is retiring.

🎰 In Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International appointed Ayesha Molino as Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2026, succeeding Corey Sanders, retiring December 31, 2025. Gary Fritz was named Chief Commercial Officer and President of MGM Digital, starting immediately. Molino, currently ARIA and Vdara's COO, joined MGM in 2017, after serving in the U.S. Senate. Fritz, leading digital gaming initiatives, expands the BetMGM brand internationally. Both aim to drive growth through digital and iGaming strategies.

📍 Azul Hospitality Group has taken over management of Hotel Theodore and the Mayflower Park Hotel in downtown Seattle. The 153-room Hotel Theodore will join the Tapestry Collection by Hilton this fall. Established in 1927, the Mayflower Park Hotel has 160 rooms and is a Historic Hotels of America member. Both hotels are owned by Provenance Hotels and NBP Capital. Azul aims to enhance operational performance and guest satisfaction while maintaining each hotel's unique identity.

📌 Mariano Silvestri, a seasoned professional with over 20 years in the industry, is the new general manager of Park Hyatt St. Kitts, located in Christophe Harbor, Banana Bay, St. Kitts and Nevis. This resort features 124 accommodations, including 77 guest rooms, 44 suites, and 3 villas. Silvestri’s past roles include positions at Hyatt properties in China and Argentina. His appointment coincides with the resort's updates in villa options, dining, and spa facilities.

🚉 Siebe Gerbranda becomes Rail Europe's Vice President of Product on October 1, 2025. Gerbranda brings over 15 years of global experience, having previously worked at Taxfix, AliExpress, and Google. At Rail Europe, he will simplify the travel experience, enhance delivery speed, and develop team talent. Rail Europe has transformed into a global booking platform, focusing on non-domestic travelers. CEO Björn Bender highlights Gerbranda’s role in advancing product scaling and customer satisfaction.

🚀 In 2025, Jason Reader was appointed COO of Davidson Hospitality Group. His journey began in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with a career switch from aviation to hospitality. Reader's strategic proposal at Perkins increased sales by 80% in one year. He rose through the industry ranks, influenced by mentors like Tico Bevier and Jim Dina. Challenges at Davidson include maintaining company culture amid growth. Reader emphasizes seizing opportunities and learning from others, encapsulated by "fake it till you make it.

👩‍🍳 Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort in Orange County has appointed Michelin-starred chef Steve Benjamin as director of culinary and promoted Nicole Encarnacion to executive chef at Bourbon Steak. Benjamin, a Paris native with nearly 25 years of experience, will oversee all food and beverage outlets. Encarnacion, from the Philippines and with the resort since 2018, will lead day-to-day operations. These moves aim to expand culinary offerings and promote women into senior roles.

📈 Michelle Hacker has been appointed as the general manager of Oceana Santa Monica, a Hilton LXR Hotels & Resorts property. Coming from The h.wood Group in Los Angeles, Hacker brings nearly a decade of hospitality experience. Her past roles include general manager and floor manager at Tap 42 Sports Bar. Her appointment comes as the hotel plans to launch La Monique, a new dining spot. Oceana Santa Monica is a beachfront, suites-only luxury hotel.

📑 Karla Aabo appointed managing director of The Fifth Avenue Hotel and COO of Flâneur Hospitality. Aabo has 25+ years of luxury hotel experience. Her career began at Mandarin Oriental, Asia, and included roles at Crosby Street Hotel, Gramercy Park Hotel, and Austin Proper Hotel. Most recently, she was managing director at Montauk Yacht Club. Alex Ohebshalom, CEO, praised Aabo's visionary leadership for evolving the hotel with new experiences.