Human Resources

🏨 John Sutherland returns as general manager to NoMad London in Covent Garden, after serving at Park Hyatt London River Thames. Previously, he was part of NoMad's original team in 2020 and helped launch the brand in the UK. With 17 years in luxury hospitality, Sutherland aims to enhance NoMad's presence. A £73m refinancing was secured in October 2023. Hilton acquired control of Sydell in April 2024, integrating NoMad into its platforms and planning up to 100 NoMads globally.

🏨 Brook Group, North Yorkshire, announces two senior appointments at Aysgarth Falls Hotel: Peter Banks as strategy and development consultant and Glen Taylor as general manager. Located in Yorkshire Dales National Park, the hotel aims to become a leading hospitality destination. The four-star hotel plans to open 14 new lodges later this year, marking the next growth phase. Banks and Taylor will focus on enhancing leisure offerings and operational excellence.

💸 $8.2 billion in hotelier funds are held by Booking.com under its merchant model, impacting hotels' cash flow and financial planning. Kempinski CEO Bernold Schroeder advocates for less excess in luxury hospitality. RevPAR in the U.S. increased by 7.3% as of August 1. The Middle East's tourism GDP is projected to grow annually by 6.3% until 2036. Travel and tourism investment exceeded $1 trillion in 2025. New hotel openings include Kimpton Quinta da Marinha in Portugal and Zamara Private in Kenya.

🍴 Matthew Hurry and Stefano Tortelli have joined The Cumberland Hotel in Marble Arch as head chefs, enhancing the culinary team. Hurry, with previous roles at The Angel Inn and The Grove Hotel, oversees the food operations, including Lírica. Tortelli leads Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen after a tenure at Bulldozer Group. The hotel, which rebranded in September 2023, continues investing in dining, appointing new directors and managers to strengthen its offerings, including a leadership change in March 2026 at Hell's Kitchen.

📍 Independent Manchester hotel, The Alan, has expanded its leadership team as of August 2026. Claire McGinnis, with over 10 years in hotel management, is now general manager, while Elizabeth Morris, experienced in travel and hospitality, is the new sales manager. McGinnis will manage operations and team growth, and Morris will drive business by strengthening city relationships. The appointments follow a major renovation aimed at boosting growth and visibility.

📍 Brian Johnson is the new area managing director for Loews Hotels' Arlington collection. With 24+ years at Loews, he will manage Live! by Loews – Arlington, Loews Arlington Hotel, and Convention Center, and oversee pre-opening for Americana by Loews. The Arlington properties include 1,188 rooms and 300,000 sq. ft of event space. Americana will increase this to 1,695 rooms and 385,000 sq. ft. The hotels are near AT&T Stadium and other attractions.

💸 Global net rooms for Choice Hotels grew 2.6% in Q2 2026, driven by a 3.6% rise in extended stay, midscale, and upscale brands. U.S. room openings increased 27%, adding 6,400 rooms. RevPAR growth hit 1.3% in the U.S., 2.1% internationally. The U.S. conversion rooms pipeline expanded 24% to 24,100 rooms. Net income fell by 21% to $64 million, with total revenue rising 3.5% to $441 million. Franchise fees grew 6% to $188 million.

🍳 Duncan McKay becomes the permanent executive chef at Dunkeld House Hotel, Perthshire, part of Crerar Hotels. With 20 years' experience, McKay previously worked with Manorview Hotels, Trump Turnberry, Buzzworks Holdings, and Bannatyne Hotel Group. In August 2023, Dunkeld House Hotel unveiled an £800k refurbishment. Acquired by Crerar Hotels in December 2023, the hotel aims to elevate its culinary status, catering to upscale dining and events under McKay’s leadership.

🏖 Barnsley Resort in North Georgia has appointed Mark Spadoni as managing director, leveraging his 30+ years of hospitality experience. Significant renovations were completed by the end of 2025 under South Street Partners, including redesigned cottage suites, a new restaurant, six pickleball courts, a Biergarten, a family pool with a lazy river, and an 18-hole putting course. Spadoni previously managed The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa in Virginia and several Westin hotels across the U.S.