Human Resources

🏨 Ramune Aleks becomes general manager of Swinton Estate, effective February 2026. Aleks transitions from The Grand, York, where she spent nearly three years as director of Food and Beverage. Her 18-year UK hospitality career includes roles at Leeds, Harrogate, and Oulton Hall. Aleks will manage Swinton Park Hotel, Swinton Country Club, and holiday cottages. She expressed gratitude to The Grand Hotel and anticipation for her new role at Swinton Estate on LinkedIn.

🏨 Iconic Luxury Hotels and L&R Hotels have merged to form Iconic Hotels and Resorts. The merger, crucial for L+R's transformation, integrates its real estate portfolio valued at over £10 billion. Shan Kanagasingham, with 30 years in hospitality, is appointed COO. The company opened a 7,000 sq ft headquarters in London, employing 100 specialists. Atlas Hotels, Europe's largest Holiday Inn Express franchisee, remains separate in Leicester. This strategic move aims to streamline operations and enhance global presence.

📚 Pride of Britain Hotels announced Bridgerton actress Kathryn Drysdale as their seasonal ambassador for the 2026 'Now and Then' campaign, focusing on heritage properties. Meet the Makers events at member hotels will feature British brands like Gusbourne winery. Featured properties include The Royal Crescent Hotel (Bath), The Painswick (Gloucestershire), Grantley Hall (Yorkshire), The Athenaeum (London), and Middlethorpe Hall (York). The campaign coincides with the release of The Handle, a 2026 coffee table book. PoB Hotels, established in 1982, represents Grade I and II-listed landmarks across the UK.

🏨 Dreamscape Hospitality has taken over management of The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica, a historic Art Deco property originally opened in 1933. Located by the Pacific Ocean, the hotel is transitioning to a Hyatt soft brand, maintaining its unique character while expanding its reach. This management shift highlights Dreamscape's expertise in lifestyle hotels. Adam Patenaude, president of Dreamscape, emphasized the strategic fit, while Jon Blanchard of JB Hotel Group praised Dreamscape’s respect for the hotel's character.

📍 Robert Boyd appointed general manager of Kimpton Everly Hollywood, bringing over 20 years of luxury and lifestyle experience. Boyd previously led Hotel Greystone in Miami Beach to earn two MICHELIN Keys. Kimpton Everly Hollywood, located at the foot of the Hollywood Hills, features 216 guestrooms, 12 suites, and proximity to Hollywood landmarks. The hotel is 13 miles from Los Angeles International Airport and seven miles from Bob Hope Airport.

🏨 Dreamscape Hospitality is managing The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica, CA, aiming to join a Hyatt soft brand while retaining its unique character. Opened in 1933, this Art Deco landmark blends vintage and modern design. Dreamscape's strategy focuses on expanding its appeal, aligning with their lifestyle and independent approach. The move enhances Dreamscape’s portfolio of branded and independent properties across the U.S., ensuring the preservation and growth of the hotel’s iconic status.

📁 Juan Losada returns as General Manager to Regent Phu Quoc in Vietnam, where he previously served from early 2019 to late 2022. With 15+ years in luxury hospitality, Losada's career includes roles at Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol and El Palace Barcelona. Regent Phu Quoc, situated on Phu Quoc island next to a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, offers luxury suites, villas, six dining outlets, and a wellness facility.

📈 Olly Lynch appointed as CMO of Duetto in San Francisco, California, in February 2026. Lynch, former SVP of global marketing, aims to enhance Duetto's brand and strategies. With over a decade of experience, Lynch previously worked at Travelpor, Lickd, and Paytently. His appointment follows strategic hires like CPO Kartik Yellepeddi and CTO Robert Matsuoka. CEO Alex Zoghlin emphasizes Lynch's role in optimizing hospitality performance beyond RevPAR.

📑 Craig Patterson is appointed as the managing director of Castlebridge Hospitality, headquartered in Leamington Spa, to lead strategic development and operations. Previously, Patterson was the Chief Development Officer at Cycas Hospitality. Castlebridge manages several branded properties, including four Hotel Indigo sites in Coventry, Bath, Chester, and Stratford-upon-Avon. The senior team at Castlebridge has over 100 years of combined industry experience. The company is owned by Somerston Group.

📈 Accor appointed Leire Leoz as chief franchise officer for its Premium, Midscale, and Economy division, effective February 2, 2026. 🎉 She will report to deputy CEO Jean-Jacques Morin and join the executive committee to boost franchise operations. Leoz, with over 20 years in franchise management, previously worked at Marriott. Accor operates over 5,700 hotels globally and plans to expand through franchising, with a development pipeline exceeding 250,000 rooms.