Human Resources

🏨 Kona Kai San Diego announced Adam Ponce as general manager on October 27, 2026. Located on Shelter Island, the waterfront resort appointed Ponce to oversee operations, guest experiences and strategic initiatives. His hospitality career began in 2009, with previous leadership roles at Estancia La Jolla and L’Auberge Del Mar. He helped stabilize and reopen three luxury hotels during the pandemic and earned Noble House Hotels & Resorts’ 2023 Hotel Director of Operations of the Year award.

📰 Robert Firpo-Cappiello joins HFTP as Director of Communications; Christina Van Allen promoted to Managing Editor of Hospitality Upgrade. Firpo-Cappiello previously expanded Hospitality Technology's webinar and video series, reaching over 1 million monthly visitors. Van Allen, former publications manager, increased LinkedIn engagement by 861% at Safe Routes. HFTP, founded in 1952, is located in Austin, Texas, with offices in the EU and India. It has 140,000 monthly site visitors and hosts HITEC, a major hospitality tech tradeshow.

📈 HotelKey expands its leadership team, appointing Julie Arrowsmith as EVP & CFO, Craig Chait as VP, APAC, Adnan Malik as VP, EMEA, and Laura Atallah as Head of Marketing. Julie brings 25+ years in the hospitality industry, enhancing financial strategies. HotelKey supports 25,000+ contracted hotels, with 15,000+ on its platform. The company targets financial optimization and global growth across competitive markets. Craig and Adnan aim to boost the APAC and EMEA regions.

👨‍🍳 Montage Healdsburg announced Sergio Howland as executive chef on October 26, 2026, overseeing culinary operations at the 258-acre resort in Sonoma wine country, California. With more than 20 years of experience, the Mexico City native previously led the kitchen at Sonoma County’s Vintners Resort. A Culinary Institute of America graduate and former “Top Chef México” contestant, Howland brings a seasonal, regionally inspired approach and is pursuing WSET Level 3 wine certification.

🏨 World Amenities has appointed Goode regional sales manager for the Southeast U.S. and the Caribbean. She will provide high-priority, in-person support as the company expands in these markets. The announcement does not specify an appointment date or provide sales figures.