Human Resources

📚 Isabel Hargreaves, promoted in February 2024, becomes head of membership and commercial for the Institute of Hospitality (IoH). Sidiqa Hazara steps into the new role of commercial manager. Emma Ellis is promoted to events manager, having joined in 2023. Aymen Fetouak, appointed head of professional development in May 2025, aims to expand training. IoH, with 16,000 global members, focuses on commercial strategy for 2026, led by CEO Robert Richardson.

📍 Crescent Hotels & Resorts now manages The Westin Jackson, located in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. Opened in 2017, this modern hotel provides guests access to cultural and business spots like the Mississippi Museum of Art and Thalia Mara Hall. It features versatile event spaces, a Southern-flavored restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, and an indoor pool. Guests can also enjoy a curated electric guitar collection and local art installations.

📍 Jonathan Tisch, Executive Chairman of Loews Hotels, emphasizes his leadership approach of hiring the right person for each job, which has facilitated women advancing into senior roles. Influenced by family and colleagues, Tisch acknowledges the significant contributions of talented women in the growth of Loews Hotels. This discussion is hosted by Emily Goldfischer, founder of hertelier. Music for the episode is by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound.

📑 The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA) appointed Radhika Arapally as senior strategic representative for the UAE. This expands WSHA's Middle East presence, promoting 'Net Positive Hospitality.' Arapally, founder of Sustainability Kiosk since 2022, has over 20 years of experience in hospitality and sustainability. She curated 70+ solutions for hotels, founded the Responsible Hoteliers Summit in the UAE, and worked with groups like Minor Hotels and Millennium Hotels. WSHA represents over 66,000 hotels and 8 million rooms globally.

🏖️ Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort & Spa appoints Mark Weatherill as general manager. With 40+ years in hospitality, Weatherill aims to enhance guest experiences. He started with Marriott in 1984 and recently managed The Westin in Houston through a 36-month renovation. The resort, featuring 1,307 rooms, is located in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, near Waikiki Beach.

📌 Edinburgh appoints Fiona Hendry as sales manager for The Edinburgh Grand and Old Town Chambers. Part of Marriott’s Luxury and Autograph Collection, she aims to enhance sales strategies for these Edinburgh properties. Hendry, previously with Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh and Conrad Dublin, is recognized for her expertise in luxury service. This move supports the growth of these properties, blending Edinburgh’s historic charm with modern luxury.

📚 Accor has appointed Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia, overseeing operations in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Alex transitions from her role as Regional VP at Marriott International and will manage over 70 hotels with 30 more planned. Earlier this year, Accor announced a joint venture with InterGlobe to consolidate assets and expand Accor's brands in India, including those under Ennismore.

🏨 Laura Trussell McKoy has been named Chief Creative Officer of Omni Hotels & Resorts. Since joining in February 2007, she has significantly influenced Omni’s design direction, initially as Director of Interior Design. McKoy established the Omni Design Studio and has held key roles, elevating the brand's design standards. Before Omni, she worked with CNL Hotels in Orlando and BBGM in Washington, D.C., and has a Bachelor of Science from The University of Alabama. Omni also appointed Adam Hayashi as Chief Revenue Officer, highlighting a focus on creativity and revenue optimization.