Human Resources

🍳 Mark Greenaway, a renowned Scottish chef, becomes Langley Castle's first culinary director in September 2026. He will oversee food services at the Northumberland hotel, including its 2 AA Rosette Josephine’s restaurant. Greenaway has operated restaurants in Edinburgh and London and has appeared on The Great British Menu. This marks Langley Castle's 40th anniversary year, and Greenaway plans to emphasize seasonal and local produce in his menus.

🚄 Rail Europe undergoes leadership changes following Omio Group's acquisition in July 2026. Björn Bender steps down as CEO after a four-year tenure. Jean-Francois Bessiron assumes the role of president, while Dau-Khoi Nguyen returns as COO. They will oversee Rail Europe's integration into Omio, leveraging Omio's technology and multimodal inventory. Rail Europe will maintain its brand while serving B2B partners and travelers. This transition marks a new growth phase for the company.

📈 Kempinski Group appointed Noel Attard as chief development officer in 2026, following his role as chief transformation officer from 2025. With 20 years of experience, Attard has managed Kempinski Hotel openings in Lithuania, Malta, and Croatia. Previously CEO of Kempinski Trading DMCC in Dubai for over a decade, he will lead Kempinski's growth, overseeing 73 hotels in 33 countries and 21 projects in development, focusing on luxury expansion and brand continuity.

🏨 Banyan Group is expanding into Africa by acquiring a 70% stake in Newmark Hotels & Reserves, based in Cape Town, with intentions for full ownership. The deal is valued at 756 million South African rand ($47 million). This acquisition increases Banyan's portfolio by one-third, totaling nearly 130 properties across 14 brands in 28 countries. Banyan employs an "asset-right" strategy, combining property ownership with third-party management.

🏨 Sally Beck has been promoted to deputy managing director of the Landmark Collection and managing director of The Landmark London. After 13 years as general manager at Royal Lancaster London, where she oversaw an £85m refurbishment, turnover rose from £30m in 2013 to over £60m. Beck previously worked at the Landmark London as director of sales and marketing (2001-2012). The Landmark Collection, now rebranded, includes seven luxury boutique hotels in the UK and Thailand.

📈 Daish’s Holidays, headquartered in Bournemouth, appointed Imran Muhammad as group financial controller and Craig Hodgkinson as operations director. Muhammad brings 14 years of finance experience, previously establishing Oceana Hotels' finance function in 2015. Hodgkinson, with over 25 years in hospitality, will oversee operational performance across Daish's 11 UK hotels. Both emphasize the company's strong family values and aim to enhance the hotel chain's financial and operational processes.

🏨 The Crown Hotel in Bawtry, South Yorkshire, is for sale at over £7 million. The 76-bedroom hotel features a bar, restaurant, outdoor seating, and function facilities. Craig Dowie, the general manager, is retiring after 25 years. The sale is managed by Christie and Co, with potential for seven-figure value growth, boosted by Doncaster's impending economic expansion, including a new airport. Interested parties can request the detailed report.

💰 HomeExchange announced Verlinvest as a new shareholder on September 15, 2026. In the past year, HomeExchange facilitated 2.3 million swaps (up 34%) and booked 11.8 million nights (up 25%), with a 90% renewal rate. Verlinvest, managing over €2.5 billion, joins the platform while ISAI exits. Co-CEOs Charles-Édouard Girard and Emmanuel Arnaud remain, and Ternel fund reinvests. HomeExchange eyes growth in the US and Western Europe, with a focus on enhancing its user experience.

🏨 Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA has appointed Tim Reynolds, Mark Theobald, and Frederick Deman as general managers. Tim Reynolds is at Hyatt Leeds, while Mark Theobald takes the helm at Holiday Inn Bournemouth, and Frederick Deman becomes cluster GM for Courtyard by Marriott and Holiday Inn Express in Ghent. David Anderson, Aimbridge EMEA president, emphasizes the importance of effective general managers in hotel success, highlighting these strategic appointments’ potential to enhance guest experiences and operational performance.

📅 On October 1st, Tristan Delaittre becomes the general manager of Hotel Eden in Rome. With over seven years at Dorchester Collection, Delaittre transitions from his role as corporate director of food and beverage, where he shaped dining strategies for ten hotels and projects in Dubai (2028) and Tokyo (2029). Hotel Eden, located near Rome’s Spanish Steps, offers 98 rooms and suites, dining options, and spa facilities, continuing its legacy of luxury hospitality.