Human Resources

📈 Phil Andreopoulos is the new CEO of Yotel, announced after Al-Bahar Group increased its stake in Yotel to over 95%. Andreopoulos, with a career at Marriott across Europe, Middle East, and Africa, aims to expand Yotel's global presence. Earlier, Yvonne Thomsen was appointed CFO. The Al-Bahar Group, led by chairman Talal Al Bahar, plans to enhance Yotel’s distribution and growth in both managed and franchise sectors.

📈 Washington-based PM Hotel Group has appointed Evan Morick as Senior Vice President of Development. Morick, with over 20 years of experience in hospitality, will drive growth via third-party management contracts. Previously, he advised Douglas Development Corporation and spent over a decade at Procaccianti Companies. PM Hotel Group currently operates approximately 92 hotels and resorts across the U.S. Paul Sacco, Chief Growth Officer, praised Morick's expertise and industry network.

💰 Jason Druso rejoined White Lodging in Merrillville, Indiana, as regional vice president in 2025. From 2015 to 2025, he helped develop over 50 independent restaurant concepts. Previously vice president of food and beverage, Druso will now oversee hotels and restaurants nationwide. Chris Anderson, COO, highlighted his impact on transforming food and beverage operations over the past decade. Druso previously worked at Winegardner & Hammons and in various steakhouse management roles.

🏨 Capella Hotel Group has appointed four new general managers in Asia to enhance leadership amid evolving luxury travel demand. Paul Jackson will oversee Capella Singapore, a 113-room resort on Sentosa Island. Christian Jaquier takes charge of Capella Ubud in Bali. Andy Lio is appointed to Capella at Galaxy Macau, celebrated for achieving a Forbes five-star rating in 2024. Roman Angulo will lead the 145-room Patina Tianjin, opening in the first half of 2026.

🏨 PM Hotel Group appointed Evan Morick as senior vice president of development. With over 20 years in hotel development, acquisitions, and asset management, Morick recently advised Douglas Development Corporation. Previously, he spent more than a decade as senior VP at Procaccianti Companies and worked with Kokua Hospitality, Rim Hospitality, Hilton, and MeriStar. He will expand PM Hotel Group's portfolio through HMAs and strategic partnerships. Paul Sacco praised Morick's expertise and network.

💼 Jakub Joubert is now the executive housekeeper at Grantley Hall, a five-star hotel in North Yorkshire. With three years as executive head housekeeper at The Londoner, Jakub's career includes roles managing an ultra-high-net-worth private residence in Saudi Arabia and preparing Palm Heights Hotels in the Cayman Islands post-Covid. Lewis Hunter, Grantley Hall's operations director, praised his international luxury hospitality experience and leadership.

🏨 The Great Northern Hotel in King’s Cross, London, acquired by Kaya Tourism Group in June 2024, will rebrand as Kaya Great Northern Hotel under Kaya Hotels and Resorts starting 5 September. This Grade II-listed, 88-bedroom property, integrated into Kaya's portfolio, marks the group's first international investment. Kaya aims to enhance Turkish hospitality exposure and boost tourism between Turkey and the UK. The hotel, renovated in 2013, features RAILS brasserie, GNH Bar, and private dining spaces.

🏨 Swire Hotels, based in Hong Kong, has appointed Mark Passmore as head of operations, Simon McHendry as general manager for The Upper House, and Kristina Snaith-Lense for a new House Collective property. The House Collective spans several locations including Hong Kong, Chengdu, and Shanghai, with new openings planned for Shenzhen, Xi’an, and Tokyo in the next four years. Snaith-Lense will lead the new Shenzhen House, Swire's first opening in nine years, launching in 2027.

📈 Starwood Hotels has named Gonzalo Bustamante as Senior Vice President of Design. Bustamante, with experience at MGM Resorts International and Rockwell Group, will lead design strategies globally, including projects in Crete, Riyadh, and the Maldives. His past work includes overseeing the $10 billion MGM Japan project in Osaka. Starwood CEO Raul Leal highlights Bustamante's expertise in blending luxury with innovative design as essential to their expansion and refinement goals.