Human Resources

📈 Stephan Schupbach has been appointed as the new president and group chief executive of Chedi Hospitality, marking a new phase of international growth for the company. With over 30 years of experience in luxury hotels across Europe, the USA, the Middle East, and Asia, Stephan will lead long-term strategy and brand development. Key initiatives include launching a boutique brand and a food and drink business vertical, focusing on authenticity, craftsmanship, and cultural storytelling. Further updates are anticipated in the coming months.

📈 Travis Burns was appointed as executive vice president of business development at Remington Hospitality. With over 20 years of experience, he aims to expand the company's portfolio by engaging with owners and developers. Previously, at Aimbridge Hospitality, he held senior roles, oversaw 70+ properties, and managed $175 million in annual revenue. Known for delivering results, Burns is set to enhance Remington's development strategy through his extensive industry relationships and understanding of ownership priorities.

📈 Travis Burns, with 20+ years in hospitality, appointed executive VP of business development at Remington Hospitality in Dallas, Texas. Burns transitions from Aimbridge Hospitality, where he managed 70+ properties. He will focus on expanding Remington's portfolio and strengthening relationships. Burns holds a B.Sc. in Economics from Oklahoma State University and a Hotel Real Estate Investments Certificate from Cornell. Keith Oltchick, Remington's chief development officer, praises Burns's capacity for delivering results.

📈 BWH Hotels GB in 2025: Room revenue topped £140m, a 7% rise, with meetings income reaching £4.5m, up 27%. The newly launched website increased conversion rates by 20%. A Black Friday offer grossed over £1m. Email marketing grew by 13%, driving £2m revenue. BW Rewards membership hit 63.4 million globally with GB revenue at £58.6m, up 16%. The group added 18 hotels to its portfolio, marking a transformative year.

🚌 Paul Stoneham will become CEO of Big Bus Tours in January, succeeding Pat Waterman, who becomes non-executive chairman. Vagn Soerensen steps down as chairman but remains an advisor. Stoneham, previously with Life Fitness and other companies, aims to expand Big Bus Tours' services and destinations. The company has recently acquired Touristation (Rome), West Coast Sightseeing (Vancouver), and Tour Dubai, and introduced amphibious 'Duck' tours.

🏠 Cain appoints Bob Graziano as chief strategy advisor in December 2025. Graziano brings over 40 years of experience, including roles with J.P. Morgan Chase and the Los Angeles Dodgers. His focus is on One Beverly Hills, featuring Aman Residences. One Beverly Hills will introduce two Aman-branded residential towers, a 78-suite hotel, and club. Cain's portfolio spans Miami, New York, London, and more, partnering with brands like Aman and Raffles. Graziano is involved with the 2028 Olympics and 2027 Super Bowl.

🏝️ Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau has appointed Shyam Lalu as the new general manager. Lalu, with over 15 years of experience, has worked with Hyatt, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hilton. His previous roles included director of food and beverage at Amara Resort and Spa, and general manager positions in Dallas and Los Angeles. Lalu aims to enhance guest experiences and team development at the Nassau resort.

🏖 Christian Maeder, with over 25 years in luxury hospitality, is appointed general manager at Montage Big Sky, Montana, succeeding his role as hotel manager since 2023. Previously, he held leadership roles at Montage Laguna Beach, The Maybourne Beverly Hills, and others. Montage Big Sky, located in a 3,530-acre Spanish Peaks enclave, features 100 guestrooms and suites, plus 39 residences. Jason Herthel of Montage International praises Maeder’s leadership and service dedication.

🏨 William Fisher, with 30+ years in hospitality, is now the general manager at Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, after managing Hilton London Metropole. Fisher's career includes leadership roles at InterContinental, The Ritz-Carlton, and Orient Express across Europe and Asia. He managed Hilton Chengdu's opening in 2015 and oversaw operations in Szechuan and Shanghai. Rome Cavalieri, a 60-year testament to Rome's culture, welcomes Fisher to guide its future.