Human Resources

📌 Omni Hotels & Resorts promoted Laura Trussel McKoy to Chief Creative Officer. Aimbridge Hospitality appointed Chris O’Donnell as President of Select Service on September 15. Accor named Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia. Lido House appointed Rory Emslie as General Manager. The Kimpton Brice appointed Adam White as General Manager. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa appointed Jason Baer as Director of Sales and Marketing. Hotel Equities announced several executive appointments across operations, finance, and marketing teams.

📈 Ranju Alex has been appointed as CEO for Accor in South Asia, which includes India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. She previously served 14 years at Marriott International, most recently as regional vice president for South Asia, overseeing 170 hotels. Accor aims to expand to 300 hotels by 2030, currently operating over 70 with 30 more in development. This move is part of their joint venture with InterGlobe to consolidate their business in the region.

🏨 Laura Trussel McKoy becomes chief creative officer of Omni Hotels & Resorts. She joined Omni in February 2007 and has been pivotal in shaping its design identity. Previously, she held roles at CNL Hotels in Orlando and BBGM Architects in Washington, D.C. McKoy's new role involves leading interior design for renovations and new developments, enhancing Omni’s creative vision, and collaborating with Marketing and Operations. Her nearly 20-year tenure includes founding the Omni Design Studio.

💻 Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has appointed Raphael Bick as chief information officer, effective immediately. Bick, with 20+ years in technology and digital transformation, will lead the group's tech, digital, and AI strategies. Reporting to CEO Laurent Kleitman, he brings experience from McKinsey Technology and McKinsey Digital Labs. Originally from Germany, Bick has global experience across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the US and will be based in Hong Kong.

🏨 Accor has appointed Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia, covering India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The group operates over 70 hotels with 30 more in the pipeline. Alex, previously with Marriott International overseeing 170 hotels, began her career in 1993 with The Oberoi Group and has received the Bharat Gaurav award. Accor and InterGlobe announced a new joint venture, pending regulatory approval, to consolidate their businesses.

📈 Ranju Alex, with over 30 years in hospitality, was appointed CEO for South Asia at Accor, joining from Marriott International. She previously oversaw 170 hotels as Regional VP for South Asia at Marriott and received the Bharat Gaurav award. This follows Accor's collaboration with InterGlobe, aiming to consolidate operations in South Asia. Accor currently has over 70 hotels, with more than 30 planned, and just appointed Rachael Nicholson as Commercial Director for New Zealand and Fiji.

🍳 Applebee’s, on September 2 and 15, announced Michelle Chin as Chief Marketing Officer and Jay Wong as Chief Operations Officer. The appointments aim to enhance marketing, menu innovation, and guest experience following increased Q2 traffic and sales. Chin's 20-year experience includes roles at Starbucks and Unilever, while Wong has led at Four Seasons and Marriott. Their roles will focus on strengthening brand connections and consistent restaurant performance across the Applebee’s system.

🍴 Michelle Chin and Jerrold Wong join Applebee’s C-suite as Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operations Officer on September 2 and 15, respectively. Applebee’s aims to boost marketing, expand menu innovation, and improve guest experience. Recent Q2 data showed increased traffic and sales. Chin, with over 20 years of experience at Starbucks and Unilever, will lead marketing. Wong, from Four Seasons and Marriott, will enhance operations. Their appointments support Applebee's strategy for growth and efficiency.

📣 Mad Concepts Group, based in Addison, Texas, named Kendra Shier as president of Jakes Burgers and Beer and Tacos & Avocados on Tuesday. Jakes, founded in Dallas in 1985, has 12 locations in North Texas. Tacos & Avocados, which opened in November 2024, has one location in Carrollton, Texas. Shier joined Jakes in 2017 and was previously VP of operations at Bread Winners Café & Bakery, enhancing her strategic and creative credentials.