Human Resources

🍳 Chef Nick Nairn will leave the Kailyard at Dunblane Hydro in March 2026, ending a 16-year partnership. Apex Hotels and Nairn mutually agreed on the decision. The hotel, renamed Apex Dunblane Hydro in November, is undergoing a significant refurbishment, including a new restaurant concept. Brian Scanlin will continue as executive head chef. A farewell event is set for 26 March. Apex calls this one of the largest investment periods in the hotel's 147-year history.

🏨 Elisa Barral appointed as the first female general manager of The Palace Hotel, Madrid since its 1912 opening. With 25 years in luxury hospitality, including senior roles at L+R Hotels and Marriott, she aims to elevate the hotel as a top luxury destination. Barral returns to the hotel, having previously worked in its finance department. Her focus is on enhancing service and experiences to strengthen guest connections.

📈 Viceroy Hotels & Resorts revamped its leadership team with four new executives following Arash Azarbarzin's recent CEO appointment. Patrick Pahlke, formerly of Sage Hospitality Group, is now chief commercial officer. David Solis steps in as VP global luxury and leisure sales, previously with Ultimate Jet Vacations. Megan Mulholland, from THE WELL, becomes SVP brand marketing and wellness. Shel Buhler, with two decades of experience, is the new VP food and beverage.

🏖 Chris Long will lead the upcoming OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort, debuting in February 2026. Long, appointed in April 2025, brings nearly ten years of leadership at OUTRIGGER, with experience in the Maldives and Southeast Asia. The resort expands OUTRIGGER’s presence in Thailand, adding to locations in Koh Samui, Khao Lak, and Phuket. Long aims to introduce a hospitality style that is relaxed, local, and authentically connected to the island.

📈 Hyatt Hotels Corp. has appointed Jason Ballard as the global brand leader – Essentials in 2025. He will oversee the growth of the Essentials portfolio, which includes brands like Hyatt Studios and Hyatt Select. This year, Hyatt has signed over 20 new deals, reaching a total of 70 hotel deals for Hyatt Studios. Half of the U.S. Essentials deals for 2025 are in new markets. Ballard brings nearly 20 years of experience in scaling select-service properties.

📈 Hyatt Hotels Corporation is expanding its Essentials portfolio, with over 20 Hyatt Select deals signed and 70 Hyatt Studios deals reached by 2025. Jason Ballard, with two decades at Hyatt, is leading the brand-focused strategy. Half of the 2025 U.S. deals are in new markets. Hyatt Studios launched in 2023, and a new Hyatt Place will open in Missoula, Montana, in 2027. This growth strategy aims to enhance guest experiences and owner returns.

Bijal Shah named Chief Product Officer; Stephen Hambleton promoted to Associate Vice President – Product Management, reinforcing IDeaS’ commitment to pioneering solutions for the hospitality industry. MINNEAPOLIS — Dec. 16…

💻 MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota—IDeaS announced leadership promotions on December 2025: Bijal Shah as Chief Product Officer and Stephen Hambleton as Associate Vice President of Product Management. Shah, with IDeaS since 1999, will accelerate product development. Hambleton, at IDeaS for 12 years, has enhanced product strategy. IDeaS' COO highlighted their contributions to AI-powered revenue management solutions that deliver 250 million daily pricing recommendations, emphasizing the company's commitment to innovation and client success.

🏨 Laura Benefer is appointed director of sales at Manchester Deansgate Hotel in December 2025. She returns to the hotel to lead its sales strategy, now operating under IHG, with a focus on client relationships and new business. Previously, she worked with Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott. The hotel, a Manchester landmark in Beetham Tower, aims to enhance its presence in the local market. Benefer's role will guide the sales team and shape the hotel's commercial direction.