Human Resources

🏨 UK: Mark Clinton will manage Mollie’s Manchester, opening on 8th December. Located in the Old Granada TV Studios, it offers 128 rooms, with 23 exclusive for Soho House members. Amenities include a gym, a 110-seat diner, coworking spaces, and Mollie’s Studio IV featuring live music and a VIP bar. It’s the brand's first city-centre hotel, expanding from previous locations in Oxfordshire and Bristol. Clinton brings 20 years of hospitality experience.

📄 Audley Travel announces a leadership change for 2026. Camille Beaufils will become the new Chief Customer Officer on January 19, 2026, replacing outgoing Chief Marketing Officer Daniel Robb, who will leave on January 30 after six years. Beaufils is joining from Fever-Tree, where she was global marketing director, bringing over 20 years of experience in brand strategy. CEO Nick Longman emphasizes Beaufils's role in enhancing Audley Travel's global marketing and growth.

🏨 Barry Sternlicht, co-founder of Starwood Capital Group, created Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 1995, known for W Hotels and the Heavenly Bed. He later sold the company to Marriott and is now with Starwood Hotels 2.0. Luca Virgilio, GM of The Dorchester in London, led a major renovation while keeping the hotel operational. Both are recognized by HOTELS Magazine's 2025 "Hoteliers of the World" for their leadership and innovation in hospitality.

📈 Peregrine Hospitality has appointed David Morneau as area general manager and Luis Mendoza as general manager of Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, California. Morneau, with over 20 years of luxury hotel experience, will oversee Paso Robles Inn, The Piccolo, Avila Lighthouse Suites, and Vespera Resort. In 2026, Paso Robles Inn and The Piccolo will debut three new culinary concepts, while Avila Lighthouse Suites will undergo a complete refresh and rebrand. Mendoza brings over a decade of experience to his new role.

🍹 Ardbeg House, a boutique hotel near Ardbeg Distillery on Islay, has appointed Richard Needham as general manager to enhance its whisky-focused offerings. Located near Port Ellen, the venue, designed by Russell Sage Studio, features work from over 20 Scottish artisans. Needham, with experience at Fife Arms and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, will manage operations and guest services. The hotel aims to blend Islay's culinary delights with local narratives for a unique visitor experience.

🍲 Benjamin Ferra y Castell has been promoted to Executive Chef at Yannick Alléno London in 2023. He now oversees culinary operations at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, including Michelin-starred Pavyllon London and Bar Antoine. Benjamin joined Yannick Alléno Group in 2018 and played a key role in Pavyllon London earning a Michelin star six months after opening. His leadership has enhanced the restaurant's reputation with events like the Battuta summer pop-up and the Counter Culture chef series.

🚀 Travelier appoints Mario Gavira as chief marketing officer to drive global growth. Gavira, with 20+ years in travel-tech, joins from Kiwi.com, aiming to enhance Travelier's global marketing strategy and customer-centric innovation. Travelier, featuring seven travel-tech brands, facilitates intercity transport bookings in 124 countries. The appointment aligns with CEO Noam Toister's vision of strengthening Travelier’s market position. Gavira aims to standardize excellence in ground and sea transport and shape intercity travel's future.

🏨 Paul Bayliss MBE appointed general manager at Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort. With 30+ years in hospitality, Bayliss aims to transform the hotel into the UK's best over 5-10 years. His strategy focuses on team development, world-class service, and exceptional guest experiences. The historic estate near Leeds offers 18th-century architecture. Bayliss, a former British Army chef, emphasizes training, mentoring, and profitability to reinvest and enhance standards.