Human Resources

📅 The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park has appointed Borja Garcia as the new general manager. 🎉 With over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality across the Americas and Europe, Garcia previously managed The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort and Hotel Maria Cristina. His expertise with brands like Marriott International and Four Seasons shapes his goal to deliver outstanding service and memorable experiences, enhancing the hotel's prestigious reputation.

📈 Selman Marrakech appoints Adam Holger Frehde as general manager, following a 21-year career with Four Seasons Hotels. He managed marketing and commercial operations for hotels in North Africa, including Marrakech and Casablanca. Frehde aims to enhance the hotel's legacy and guest experiences. Selman Marrakech, opened in 2012, is owned by the Bennani-Smires family, designed by Jacques Garcia, and located near Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains.

🏨 Pivot will manage Hotel Lincoln, JdV by Hyatt, located in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. The hotel features 182 rooms, 5,000 sq. ft. of event space, and four dining options, including the J. Parker Rooftop Bar. Pivot aims to enhance the property with local experiences and heartfelt service. Hotel Lincoln offers views of Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan. Davidson Hospitality Group also operates several hotels in nearby Chicago areas.

🏨 Gareth Davies will become the general manager of Ellenborough Park in the Cotswolds starting 6 January 2026. With over 15 years in luxury hospitality, having led at Rhinefield House, Davies will oversee operations just in time for the hotel's 15th anniversary in 2026. Ellenborough Park, a member of PoB Hotels, recently underwent refurbishments, with significant updates in 2023. The hotel offers accommodation, dining, and spa facilities.

📚 Janel Clark joins HOSPA as head of professional development in 2025, leading its education programs. HOSPA offers 19 courses with a 95% success rate and over two-thirds achieving Distinction. Clark aims to align courses with the hospitality workforce's changing needs, particularly for younger professionals. In 2025, 576 assignments and six business projects were marked. A new revenue management program for meeting and event spaces is set to launch.

🏨 The St. Regis London will open its first London property in mid-2026, transforming the Westbury Mayfair into a 195-room hotel, including 66 suites. Led by general manager Marco Novella, with over 20 years in luxury hospitality, the hotel aims to be a UK flagship. Located at Conduit and New Bond Streets, it features an all-day restaurant, jazz bar, and private dining. Richmond International designs the new façade and additional floors to enhance the iconic brand.

🏨 Kelly Shrives-Wrist will lead Hilton London Metropole as its new general manager, overseeing 1,100 guestrooms after a multimillion-pound refurbishment. She has 27 years in hospitality, including 20 at Hilton, and will manage over 300 staff. The hotel is undergoing further investment in its West Wing, refurbishing 363 bedrooms. Owned by Henderson Park, it aligns with Hilton’s Travel with Purpose strategy, emphasizing sustainability and operational excellence.

💰 L'oscar London, a five-star boutique hotel in Holborn, London, secured a senior debt facility to refinance its operations. The financing, arranged by RCP Finance and provided by Alpha Property Lending, was completed in 10 weeks. Owned by Aevis Victoria since 2022, the hotel features 39 rooms and suites designed by Jacques Garcia. It attracts guests from leisure, cultural, legal, and financial sectors. The facility's amount remains undisclosed.

💼 Global Asset Solutions has appointed Duncan Kinnear as hotel asset manager, enhancing their team in December 2025. Duncan, with over eight years of hospitality experience, has worked with Hamilton Pyramid Europe, Savills Spain, and the Iberostar Group. He holds a Master's in Engineering from the University of Leeds and a Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management certificate from Cornell. This appointment follows the recent additions of Adnan Shamim in the Middle East and Leanne Reddie in Singapore.

🏖️ Awaze, one of Europe's largest holiday rental providers, appoints Carlie Wittred as Brand Growth Director to enhance brand presence. Wittred, formerly at Gousto, aims to unify PR, partnerships, and marketing for brands like Hoseasons and Cottages.com. Awaze reports record guest numbers in August and a 14% rise in Black Friday bookings year-on-year. Occupancy grew 4% in Q3, supported by investments in technology and marketing. Richard Banks believes Carlie will sharpen market positioning.