Human Resources

📈 Kara Randall, with over 20 years of hospitality experience, becomes Accor Luxury Brands' Chief Development Officer for North America, reporting to Agnès Roquefort. Accor's portfolio includes brands like Raffles and Fairmont. Randall, formerly VP at Hilton, joins Accor's Global Development Committee. Accor operates around 150 North American hotels and plans 45 more, over 9,000 rooms. Randall is a member of Castell and a Cornell board member. Roquefort emphasizes North America's strategic importance.

🏨 In 2026, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe plans to add 28 new hotels, including 20 from the former Revo portfolio. By 2027, an additional 20 acquisitions are expected. Currently overseeing 30 ongoing projects and planning to expand in Germany, the Nordics, Italy, and France, the company aims to enter markets like Slovakia and Slovenia. With a development budget of €800 million to €1 billion, they will be at EXPO REAL in Munich from October 5-7.

📑 Oetker Hotels announces leadership changes: Duarte Bon de Sousa becomes COO, Virginie Saint-Laurent as chief people & culture officer, and Simon Neggers as chief commercial officer. These roles enhance leadership for future growth, per CEO Timo Gruenert. The company, founded in 2013, plans to expand its hotel portfolio, including The Vineta Hotel in Palm Beach, its first U.S. property, and Le Mas Bellevue in Saint-Tropez, debuting June 2027.

📈 Patrick Cimerola, Chief Human Resources Officer of Choice Hotels, will retire at the end of 2026 after a 25-year tenure. He joined Choice Hotels in 2001, playing a critical role in its growth and transformation. The company, a global leader with over 7,500 hotels in 46 countries, will conduct an executive search for his successor. Cimerola will remain as an advisor to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

🏨 Keith Sonderling was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Labor, per Rosanna Maietta, the president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Sonderling's understanding of the franchise model is vital, as 60% of hotels are owned by small business owners. Last month, he toured hotels in Arizona and Nevada, witnessing their economic impact. AHLA aims to work with him to modernize the H-2B visa program and establish consistent joint-employer standards.

🏖 OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group has appointed Brian Regula as CFO. With over 20 years in finance leadership, Regula previously held roles at Pyramid Global Hospitality, Turtle Bay Resort, and The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, managing finances for over 130 hotels. His expertise in optimizing financial operations and Hawaiian connections align with OUTRIGGER’s mission to lead in the beach resort industry, as stated by Jeff Wagoner, President and CEO.

🏨 In North Bethesda, Maryland, Patrick Cimerola will retire as Chief Human Resources Officer of Choice Hotels International at the end of 2026, after 25 years with the company. Joining in 2001, he's played a critical role in the company's growth and strategy, including CEO transitions and pandemic response. The company will search for a successor, while Cimerola assists as a special advisor post-retirement.

📍 Kremi McCabe, with 30+ years in luxury hospitality, joins The Stafford London as General Manager. Her experience includes leading brands like Mandarin Oriental and Dorchester Collection. The Stafford, London’s No.1 Hotel by Travel + Leisure, recently achieved a MICHELIN Star, AA Five Red Stars, and Green Key certification. Kremi aims to honor the hotel’s heritage while innovating guest experiences.

🏝️ Katie Moran joins Crossbasket Castle as hotel manager, bringing over 10 years of hospitality experience, previously at AC Hotel by Marriott. John Abercrombie becomes the resort director with over 20 years in hotel operations, last at The Westerwood Hotel. Crossbasket Castle, near Glasgow, is undergoing a multimillion-pound expansion, including a Four Angels Spa and new riverside cabins. Owner Steve Timoney expresses excitement about the new leadership and the estate’s future growth.