Human Resources

🏨 Millennium Hotels & Resorts New Zealand appoints Hani Daher as vice president of operations, effective November 3, 2025. Daher brings over 20 years of international experience, previously managing a 14-property portfolio at Travel + Leisure Co. International. Millennium Hotels owns 19 hotels in New Zealand under various brands. Stuart Harrison, managing director, expressed enthusiasm about Daher's expertise enhancing their operations.

📍 Julien Bardet, appointed general manager of Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris, in 2025, marks a milestone during the hotel's 115th anniversary. His career includes roles at Hôtel Martinez, Le Méridien Nice, The Laguna, and The St. Regis in Bali, New York, and Miami. In 2020, he was general manager at Shangri-La Paris. Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, built in 1910, boasts 184 rooms, including 49 suites. Bardet aims to preserve its legacy and elevate its global presence.

🍴 Luke Selby will become chef partner at Palé Hall Hotel in North Wales starting January 2026, coinciding with the 18-month refurbishment of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire. He brings experience from Evelyn’s Table and Le Manoir. Selby will collaborate with owners Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney to revamp dining options, including The Bryntirion Inn, which underwent a £1m refurbishment. Future plans at Palé Hall include new wine cellars, a whisky lounge, and a wellness retreat.

🏨 Melissa Gibson, with Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa in Glasgow since July 2018, has been promoted to head of spa and leisure. Laura Doherty, part of the team for eight years, steps into Gibson's former role as spa treatments manager. Gibson aims to drive spa success, benefiting from staff training, including oncology. Doherty will manage the therapist team and budgets. The hotel, part of IHG International, has 113 rooms.

📰 Alissa Ponchione was promoted to editor in chief of *Hospitality Design* magazine in September 2025. Caitlin St John, Stephanie Chen, and Jonathan Marsland joined her as managing editor, senior editor, and creative director. The magazine plans to launch a comprehensive *State of the Industry Report* in 2026. The HD Expo + Conference will grow its Hosted Buyers program by 150% in Q1 2026. Paul Bienkowski, having served HD for 40 years, is retiring.

🎰 In Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International appointed Ayesha Molino as Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2026, succeeding Corey Sanders, retiring December 31, 2025. Gary Fritz was named Chief Commercial Officer and President of MGM Digital, starting immediately. Molino, currently ARIA and Vdara's COO, joined MGM in 2017, after serving in the U.S. Senate. Fritz, leading digital gaming initiatives, expands the BetMGM brand internationally. Both aim to drive growth through digital and iGaming strategies.

📍 Azul Hospitality Group has taken over management of Hotel Theodore and the Mayflower Park Hotel in downtown Seattle. The 153-room Hotel Theodore will join the Tapestry Collection by Hilton this fall. Established in 1927, the Mayflower Park Hotel has 160 rooms and is a Historic Hotels of America member. Both hotels are owned by Provenance Hotels and NBP Capital. Azul aims to enhance operational performance and guest satisfaction while maintaining each hotel's unique identity.

📌 Mariano Silvestri, a seasoned professional with over 20 years in the industry, is the new general manager of Park Hyatt St. Kitts, located in Christophe Harbor, Banana Bay, St. Kitts and Nevis. This resort features 124 accommodations, including 77 guest rooms, 44 suites, and 3 villas. Silvestri’s past roles include positions at Hyatt properties in China and Argentina. His appointment coincides with the resort's updates in villa options, dining, and spa facilities.

🚉 Siebe Gerbranda becomes Rail Europe's Vice President of Product on October 1, 2025. Gerbranda brings over 15 years of global experience, having previously worked at Taxfix, AliExpress, and Google. At Rail Europe, he will simplify the travel experience, enhance delivery speed, and develop team talent. Rail Europe has transformed into a global booking platform, focusing on non-domestic travelers. CEO Björn Bender highlights Gerbranda’s role in advancing product scaling and customer satisfaction.

🚀 In 2025, Jason Reader was appointed COO of Davidson Hospitality Group. His journey began in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with a career switch from aviation to hospitality. Reader's strategic proposal at Perkins increased sales by 80% in one year. He rose through the industry ranks, influenced by mentors like Tico Bevier and Jim Dina. Challenges at Davidson include maintaining company culture amid growth. Reader emphasizes seizing opportunities and learning from others, encapsulated by "fake it till you make it.