Human Resources

🍴 Ben Miller, a Canadian, has been promoted to head chef at Hotel Café Royal in London following the 2026 Michelin Guide Awards on February 9. The restaurant retained its two-star status. Previously at The Clove Club, Miller joined the Café Royal as sous chef over two years ago. He trained at SAIT Polytechnic and has won the 2024 S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy UK National Final. This move is part of evolving the restaurant's modern gastronomy.

📍 Kronen Collection completed a multi-million-pound refurbishment of its boutique hotel portfolio, including 66 renovated bedrooms at The Kilbirnie Hotel in Newquay and upgrades at The Crown Hotel in Wetheral, Jesmond Dene House in Newcastle, and Borrowsdale Gates in Keswick. Chris McLaughlin was appointed CEO, Christina Stephenson became group sales and marketing manager, Javier Labbe was promoted to group accountant, and Marlon Kagoro took over as hotel manager at The Crown Hotel. The focus is on asset quality and individuality.

President Joe Riley to assume CEO role following founder-led transition in October 2026 Phoenix, Arizona (February 13, 2026) — Casago today announced that CEO Steve Schwab has made the decision to step…

🏨 Rebel Hotel Company has expanded its executive team by appointing four senior leaders, including Gary J. Thomas as COO, amid significant growth. As of February 2026, the company launched Renegade Hotels, scaling to 10 hotels in the U.S. within four months. Tanya Sims, Kelly Makino, and Patrick Horstmann join as VP of operations, head of HR, and director of luxury & lifestyle, respectively, supporting Rebel’s ambitious expansion plans for 2026.

🏨 Gérald Van Reck has been appointed General Manager at InterContinental Chantilly Château Mont Royal. This move is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' strategy to consolidate its luxury segment in France. The focus is on heritage assets near major cities, blending leisure and corporate demand. Van Reck's 15 years in luxury hospitality, especially in Food & Beverage, will enhance differentiation and profitability. This reflects IHG's aim to strengthen its market position and ensure operational excellence.

🎉 Driftwood Hospitality Management celebrated its 27th anniversary in North Palm Beach, Florida. The company marked nearly three decades in hospitality with coast-to-coast events. Each property hosted celebrations, including breakfasts, lunches, games, prizes, and special activities for team members. Employees received matching commemorative shirts. Chief Operating Officer Bryan Postema emphasized the importance of recognizing the hard work and dedication of DHM’s staff. These events aimed to celebrate the company's culture and community spirit across all locations.

💻 Steve Marino appointed VP of IT + Hotel Systems at PM Hotel Group in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with over 25 years of experience at Marriott International. His recent role was VP, U.S. & Canada IT, managing technology for 700+ managed and 6,000 franchised hotels. Marino to oversee IT infrastructure, systems, and innovation, aiming to align technology with operational performance and guest experience. His leadership will enhance PM Hotel Group's tech strategy and operational consistency.

🏨 Nicolas Dubort has been appointed as managing director of Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris. With 25+ years in luxury hospitality, Dubort's experience spans Four Seasons, The Peninsula, Dorchester Collection, Waldorf Astoria, and Mandarin Oriental. Previously, he was GM at Mandarin Oriental Muscat, Oman. Le Royal Monceau, near Champs-Elysées, built in 1928 and reopened in 2010, embodies Parisian glamour and creativity, promising artful elegance and unique experiences.

🏖 Monica Hubert, with 30+ years in hospitality, is the new GM at Everline Resort & Spa, Lake Tahoe. She last managed Outbound Sedona, launching it for Spring 2026. Previously, she was GM at Hyatt Regency Sonoma and led sales at Hyatt Centric Silicon Valley in 2022. Her career includes roles at Resort at Squaw Creek and Delaware North. Everline Resort, managed by CoralTree, offers ski-in/ski-out access and a full-service spa.

📈 Yvette Estrada, with over a decade of legislative experience, joins the AHLA to lead state and local government affairs in the Western U.S., including Alaska, California, Hawai'i, Nevada, and Washington state. Estrada will address the Hotel Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance adopted last summer by the Los Angeles City Council, risking hotel closures and job losses. Brett Horton, AHLA chief advocacy officer, emphasizes the industry's current challenges, particularly in Los Angeles.