Human Resources

📈 Jamie Cole appointed as Chief Commercial Officer at Ireckonu, based in Amsterdam, to drive global expansion. With experience at IHG, Hilton, and Mandarin Oriental, Cole will enhance data and integration tech in hospitality. Ireckonu, employing over 75 people across Europe, North America, and Asia, focuses on unifying guest data to support AI-driven decisions and reduce third-party reliance. The company aims to improve operations and loyalty programs for both boutique and global hotels.

🏨 My Place Hotels of America plans to develop 10 new hotel franchises with Lloyd Companies in the Midwest over five years, focusing initially on Missouri and Ohio. Construction on the first hotel will begin this year, with openings starting in early 2027. Two hotels will open annually. Extended-stay brands now represent over a third of U.S. hotel projects under construction, highlighting the strategic importance of this agreement.

🏠 Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Rhode Island reopened before Memorial Day Weekend following a fire earlier this year. A "Gathering of Gratitude" on May 21 honored first responders, construction crews, and the community. The main level of the Agassiz Mansion, including The Lawn Terrace and Aurelia at Castle Hill, is open. The second-floor spa and one guestroom are also available. Additional accommodations will open in early 2027. Guests enjoy 40 acres of activities including yacht charters and beach yoga.

🏨 Jeremy Pardey, with 38 years in leisure and hospitality, becomes General Manager at Solent Hotel and Spa, Fareham. He oversees 171 rooms, a business center, FYR Grill, and a spa. Pardey led a £100m investment at Butlin’s. Solent Hotel recently renovated its pool hall after a six-figure investment. Thwaites plans a £1.2m bedroom upgrade at the hotel.

🏨 May 27, 2026, Airbnb appoints Andrea D’Amico as VP of Hotels, replacing Jesse Stein. D’Amico, from WeRoad and formerly at Booking.com, brings almost 20 years of hotel experience. This aligns with Airbnb's push to expand its hotel supply and compete in the hotel market, focusing on boutique and independent hotels. Jesse Stein will shift to real estate, and executive Ron Sandel will depart. Airbnb emphasizes unique design and experiences as core to its strategy.

📈 Stephane Mercier will become the General Manager of Pendry Tampa, opening in 2027. With over 35 years in hospitality across Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean, he previously managed The National Hotel Miami Beach and the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead. Pendry Tampa will offer 220 rooms, 200 residences, and 11,000 square feet of meeting space in downtown Tampa's Riverwalk.

💻 HotelREZ appoints Gary Torres as vice president of platform strategy to manage its global partner ecosystem. Torres, with 20+ years of experience, will oversee REZswitch development, a two-way API for property and reservation systems. His hire marks the fourth leadership addition since December, joining John Seaton, Hadley O’Dwyer, and Frank Fuentes. Sharon Rubin highlights Torres' expertise to strengthen the platform's global expansion, focusing on connectivity, consistency, and security.