Human Resources

📈 Hospitality America, based in Greenville, S.C., undertakes leadership realignment to boost growth and market performance. New roles: Patrick Yoe as VP of Revenue Strategy, and Will Crosby as Director of Enterprise Enablement. Daniel Lock becomes VP of Marketing, and Wes Cargen is VP of Technology. This strategic shift focuses on revenue, marketing, technology, and enterprise enablement with an eye on AI and automation. Recognized as a Top Place to Work in 2024 and 2025 by USA Today.

🏨 Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Md., appointed Kurt Berman as general manager. With nearly 30 years of experience, Berman previously worked in leadership roles across Iceland, Thailand, China, and more. He joins from Eleven Deplar Farm, Iceland, and has held positions including VP at Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah, and CEO at Ropeswing Hospitality Group, Arkansas. The 78-room resort spans 26 acres, offering sailing, dining, wellness, and golf at the Pete Dye-designed Links at Perry Cabin.

📊 Liam Brown joins Chatham Lodging Trust's board of trustees as an independent director immediately. Brown, who retired from Marriott in June 2026, was group president for the US and Canada from January 2021, overseeing 6,000 hotels and 160,000 employees. He previously held leadership roles from 2012, including president of franchising and COO for the Americas. Jeffrey H. Fisher, Chatham's CEO, highlights Brown's 30-year expertise as a significant asset for enhancing shareholder value. Brown also serves on EPR Properties' board.

🏨 Zoe Jenkins was appointed as chair of Master Innholders on 10 September 2026, succeeding James B Clarke MI. She has more than 40 years of experience, beginning at The Dorchester in 1981. Jenkins has managed Coworth Park since 2010. Francisco Macedo FIH IS MI became vice chair, bringing over 25 years of experience. Under Jenkins, Master Innholders will focus on initiatives like the Innholder Graduates Programme and scholarships.

🍳 Hakkasan Group appoints Chef Fai Choi as Research and Development Chef in the UK, aiming to enhance culinary innovation in 2026. Chef Fai, with over a decade of Michelin-starred experience in London and Hong Kong, joins from Mora in Hong Kong, where he earned Michelin accolades. In 2024, he received the Michelin Young Chef Award. Collaborating with CEO Yavuz Pehlivanlar, appointed in October 2025, Chef Fai will emphasize sustainability, seasonality, and ingredient-driven Cantonese cuisine as Hakkasan marks its 25th anniversary.

📈 Driftwood Capital has appointed David Resnick and David Steiner as co-CIOs, with Andrew Dykeman joining as SVP of equity investments. Resnick previously managed over $850 million in projects at 13th Floor Investments. Steiner, with Driftwood since 2020, co-led $2.3 billion in credit transactions. The firm aims to expand into large-scale, complex hospitality and development projects. Dykeman, from The Witkoff Group, managed $7 billion in developments and $3 billion in financings, including projects in Miami and New York.

📍 Remington Hospitality now manages the 358-room Hyatt Regency Long Island. The hotel offers a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and 18,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Located near business parks and attractions, it overlooks the Wind Watch Golf & Country Club. CEO Ben Perelmuter highlights potential performance enhancements. The hotel enhances Remington's portfolio in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America, focusing on strategic hospitality markets.

📈 First Hospitality promoted Nadia Panasyuk to Senior Vice President of Revenue Management in Chicago. Having joined the company two years ago, she enhanced budgeting and forecasting, drove RevPAR growth, and strengthened owner relations. Previously, she led revenue management for 25 hotels. Panasyuk's leadership focuses on data-driven profitability. Her involvement extends to industry events like AHLA Forward and HSMAI. In early August, she spoke at the Hotel Data Conference.

🏨 Stuart Houston became Chief Operational Finance Officer at RBH after 11 years. Claire Barrowclough, with RBH since 2018, is now Operations Director. Kim Pedlar and Lesley Divers received promotions in sales and revenue roles. RBH manages Cameron House and expanded with new properties in Liverpool, Newcastle, and London. RBH's workforce averages eight years of service, with executive committee members at nearly 17 years, solidifying its position in the UK hotel management sector.

✈️ Naomi Hahn has been appointed as Chief Marketing and Commercial Operations Officer at Travelport. She will manage Go-to-Market, Marketing and Communications, and Commercial Operations. Her role includes aligning strategy and customer experience. Hahn brings 25+ years of digital industry experience, including six years at Skyscanner and eleven at Auto Trader. John Mangelaars, CEO of Travelport, praised her leadership skills. Hahn is excited to drive Travelport's growth in the evolving travel industry.