Human Resources

🏝️ May 26, 2026, in Toronto, Canada: Four Seasons Resort announces Kai Dieckmann as General Manager of the Red Sea property on Shura Island, part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The resort features 149 rooms, 31 residences, and a 1.2-km bridge to Red Sea International Airport. Guests enjoy Saudi Arabia's only championship island golf course, diving among the world's fourth-largest coral reef, and a Marine Discovery Centre. The island operates entirely on renewable energy.

🏨 Dreamscape Hospitality, based in Dallas, Texas, has taken over management of the Homewood Suites Hartford South-Glastonbury. Located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, the all-suite hotel offers access to downtown Hartford. Features include spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and a seasonal outdoor pool. Additional amenities are WiFi, EV charging stations, and pet-friendly accommodations. Under new management, the focus will be on operational excellence and guest satisfaction while maintaining brand standards.

🏨 BGAM Hotels manages three Marriott hotels in the UK, acquired by Select Group. Locations: Tudor Park (Kent), St Pierre (Chepstow), Breadsall Priory (Derbyshire). The resorts total over 370 rooms, boosting BGAM's UK portfolio to 10 hotels with 1,000+ rooms and 900 staff. Select Group has delivered 10,000+ units since 2002, also owns The Mere and Old Thorns in the UK. BGAM aims for long-term performance and enhanced guest experience.

🎒 Neal Graham, concierge at Lough Erne Resort, achieved membership in Les Clefs d’Or, a prestigious global concierge network founded in 1929 with over 4,000 members in 80+ countries. After a five-year journey, Neal received the distinguished golden crossed keys, reflecting his 16-year career and mastery of hospitality standards. His achievement highlights his role as an ambassador for Lough Erne Resort and the Fermanagh Lakelands, while enhancing guest experiences with his expertise and warmth.

📈 On May 20, 2026, Choice Hotels International, based in North Bethesda, announced CEO Patrick Pacious's departure. Interim CEO Dominic Dragisich, former Chief Growth & Strategy Officer, steps in. Pacious led significant growth, including acquiring Radisson Hotels Americas in 2022. Despite this, organic growth in the U.S. lagged, with net rooms growth only at 1.7% by March 2026. The announcement followed the company’s 70th annual convention, emphasizing AI advancements and franchisee support.

🏨 Barbara Göttling was appointed as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Munich on May 1, 2026, succeeding Marc Epper. Born in Vienna, she has over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality. Previously, she was GM at Mandarin Oriental, Prague. Göttling will focus on strategic evolution, personalized guest experiences, and service culture. She is committed to empowering women in hospitality. Mandarin Oriental, Munich is a leading luxury hotel in Europe and Germany.

🏨 UK: Strand Palace in Covent Garden, London, promotes Jill van Rest to general manager, the first woman since 1998. She succeeds Matthew Beard after six years at the hotel. During her tenure, Strand Palace underwent a £57 million refurbishment of 788 bedrooms. The hotel remained open for key workers during the pandemic. It features a restaurant, bar, cocktail bar, afternoon tea lounge, and 16 meeting spaces. Van Rest aims to re-establish the hotel as a key event location.

📈 Choice Hotels' CEO Patrick Pacious steps down, effective immediately, with Dominic Dragisich as interim CEO. Pacious, CEO since 2017, will remain an advisor until August 31, 2026. Under Pacious, Choice expanded from 11 to 22 brands, notably acquiring WoodSpring Suites and Radisson Hotels Americas. Dragisich, formerly chief growth & strategy officer, will lead during the CEO search. The board will evaluate both internal and external candidates to find a successor.

🏨 Patrick Pacious will step down as president and CEO of Choice Hotels International, effective May 20, 2026. He will remain as an advisor until August 31, 2026. Dominic Dragisich, the chief growth & strategy officer, will serve as interim CEO. Under Pacious's leadership, the company expanded from 11 to 22 brands and doubled adjusted EBITDA. The board will search for a new CEO with the help of an executive search firm, considering both internal and external candidates.