Human Resources

🏖 JW Marriott Nashville appoints Natasha Casillo as general manager, bringing over 20 years of global hospitality leadership. Casillo's career began at Boston Marriott Cambridge, later leading a $55 million expansion at Hotel Commonwealth Boston. She also managed VIP services at British Airways and held senior roles at InterContinental Boston. In 2017, she led Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown/North Station's opening. JW Marriott Nashville, near Music City Center, welcomes her proven leadership.

🏨 Kew Green Hotels has unveiled a five-year strategy to expand its portfolio and become a UK sector leader. CEO David Taylor, in his role for five months, plans to implement a performance-based framework, with him as the first to be assessed. Energy contracts are secured at fixed rates until 2027. Taylor will visit every hotel in six months to support local management, shifting focus from head-office. The strategy aims to enhance profitability and attract investors.

🏨 Island Hospitality Management, based in West Palm Beach, Florida, took over management of the 138-suite Homewood Suites by Hilton in Palo Alto, California. The hotel is strategically located near Stanford University and major tech companies like Google and Meta, with proximity to San Jose and San Francisco airports. Amenities include fully equipped kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and an outdoor pool. This addition enhances Island Hospitality's California portfolio, leveraging its expertise in upscale, extended-stay properties.

🏨 Hotel Equities, following the retirement of founder Fred Cerrone in November, expanded into Canada with management of Moxy Vancouver Downtown and Element Vancouver Downtown, opening in 2028. After merging with Springboard Hospitality in May, CEO Ben Rafter and co-chairman Brad Rahinsky are steering the company, emphasizing intentional growth and specialized management across its three divisions. The company seeks growth with capital partners for turnaround opportunities and aims to pair sellers with visionary buyers.

📄 Kristen Millar has been promoted to Chief Brand Officer at NoMad Hotels to oversee global design as the brand expands into Asia and Detroit. With 16 years in hospitality, Millar will guide creative direction, including the opening of NoMad Hilton Singapore later this year and NoMad Detroit in 2027. NoMad, part of Hilton’s luxury portfolio, is focusing on international growth while maintaining a cohesive brand identity. The London outpost opened in 2021.

Seasoned technology executive joins from Sage to lead tech and AI strategy as the business scales its unified platform globally [London & Newton, MA, March 19, 2026] – Access Hospitality, the hospitality…

📍 Stan Iliev is appointed dual general manager of Le Méridien and AC Hotel Denver Downtown. With over 15 years at White Lodging, he started in 2011 at Hilton Garden Inn, Chicago Midway, and has held roles in Chicago, Valparaiso, Louisville, and Nashville. Previously, Iliev was the GM of Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University. The hotels are centrally located in downtown Denver, close to the Colorado Convention Center and other landmarks.

📚 In 2026, the Savoy Educational Trust marks its 65th year by appointing Katharine Le Quesne and Anastasia Bloom to its board of trustees. Le Quesne, managing director of HoCoSo London, brings expertise in hospitality strategy and sustainability. Bloom adds financial and governance skills from her investment banking career. They join existing trustees to support educational projects aimed at enhancing skills in the UK hospitality industry. The Trust focuses on advancing hospitality education and career development.