Human Resources

Bijal Shah named Chief Product Officer; Stephen Hambleton promoted to Associate Vice President – Product Management, reinforcing IDeaS’ commitment to pioneering solutions for the hospitality industry. MINNEAPOLIS — Dec. 16…

💻 MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota—IDeaS announced leadership promotions on December 2025: Bijal Shah as Chief Product Officer and Stephen Hambleton as Associate Vice President of Product Management. Shah, with IDeaS since 1999, will accelerate product development. Hambleton, at IDeaS for 12 years, has enhanced product strategy. IDeaS' COO highlighted their contributions to AI-powered revenue management solutions that deliver 250 million daily pricing recommendations, emphasizing the company's commitment to innovation and client success.

🏨 Laura Benefer is appointed director of sales at Manchester Deansgate Hotel in December 2025. She returns to the hotel to lead its sales strategy, now operating under IHG, with a focus on client relationships and new business. Previously, she worked with Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott. The hotel, a Manchester landmark in Beetham Tower, aims to enhance its presence in the local market. Benefer's role will guide the sales team and shape the hotel's commercial direction.

📈 InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) appoints Nicholas Cadbury as a non-executive director starting 1 March 2026. He will join the audit and responsible business committees. Cadbury is the current chief financial and sustainability officer at International Consolidated Airlines Group and was group finance director at Whitbread (2012-2022). He also served as a non-executive director at Land Securities Group (2017-2023), chairing the audit committee. IHG states this enhances the board’s financial and sector expertise.

📅 The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park has appointed Borja Garcia as the new general manager. 🎉 With over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality across the Americas and Europe, Garcia previously managed The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort and Hotel Maria Cristina. His expertise with brands like Marriott International and Four Seasons shapes his goal to deliver outstanding service and memorable experiences, enhancing the hotel's prestigious reputation.

📈 Selman Marrakech appoints Adam Holger Frehde as general manager, following a 21-year career with Four Seasons Hotels. He managed marketing and commercial operations for hotels in North Africa, including Marrakech and Casablanca. Frehde aims to enhance the hotel's legacy and guest experiences. Selman Marrakech, opened in 2012, is owned by the Bennani-Smires family, designed by Jacques Garcia, and located near Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains.

🏨 Pivot will manage Hotel Lincoln, JdV by Hyatt, located in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. The hotel features 182 rooms, 5,000 sq. ft. of event space, and four dining options, including the J. Parker Rooftop Bar. Pivot aims to enhance the property with local experiences and heartfelt service. Hotel Lincoln offers views of Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan. Davidson Hospitality Group also operates several hotels in nearby Chicago areas.

🏨 Gareth Davies will become the general manager of Ellenborough Park in the Cotswolds starting 6 January 2026. With over 15 years in luxury hospitality, having led at Rhinefield House, Davies will oversee operations just in time for the hotel's 15th anniversary in 2026. Ellenborough Park, a member of PoB Hotels, recently underwent refurbishments, with significant updates in 2023. The hotel offers accommodation, dining, and spa facilities.

📚 Janel Clark joins HOSPA as head of professional development in 2025, leading its education programs. HOSPA offers 19 courses with a 95% success rate and over two-thirds achieving Distinction. Clark aims to align courses with the hospitality workforce's changing needs, particularly for younger professionals. In 2025, 576 assignments and six business projects were marked. A new revenue management program for meeting and event spaces is set to launch.

🏨 The St. Regis London will open its first London property in mid-2026, transforming the Westbury Mayfair into a 195-room hotel, including 66 suites. Led by general manager Marco Novella, with over 20 years in luxury hospitality, the hotel aims to be a UK flagship. Located at Conduit and New Bond Streets, it features an all-day restaurant, jazz bar, and private dining. Richmond International designs the new façade and additional floors to enhance the iconic brand.