Human Resources

📈 Ranju Alex, with over 30 years in hospitality, was appointed CEO for South Asia at Accor, joining from Marriott International. She previously oversaw 170 hotels as Regional VP for South Asia at Marriott and received the Bharat Gaurav award. This follows Accor's collaboration with InterGlobe, aiming to consolidate operations in South Asia. Accor currently has over 70 hotels, with more than 30 planned, and just appointed Rachael Nicholson as Commercial Director for New Zealand and Fiji.

🍳 Applebee’s, on September 2 and 15, announced Michelle Chin as Chief Marketing Officer and Jay Wong as Chief Operations Officer. The appointments aim to enhance marketing, menu innovation, and guest experience following increased Q2 traffic and sales. Chin's 20-year experience includes roles at Starbucks and Unilever, while Wong has led at Four Seasons and Marriott. Their roles will focus on strengthening brand connections and consistent restaurant performance across the Applebee’s system.

🍴 Michelle Chin and Jerrold Wong join Applebee’s C-suite as Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operations Officer on September 2 and 15, respectively. Applebee’s aims to boost marketing, expand menu innovation, and improve guest experience. Recent Q2 data showed increased traffic and sales. Chin, with over 20 years of experience at Starbucks and Unilever, will lead marketing. Wong, from Four Seasons and Marriott, will enhance operations. Their appointments support Applebee's strategy for growth and efficiency.

📣 Mad Concepts Group, based in Addison, Texas, named Kendra Shier as president of Jakes Burgers and Beer and Tacos & Avocados on Tuesday. Jakes, founded in Dallas in 1985, has 12 locations in North Texas. Tacos & Avocados, which opened in November 2024, has one location in Carrollton, Texas. Shier joined Jakes in 2017 and was previously VP of operations at Bread Winners Café & Bakery, enhancing her strategic and creative credentials.

📈 Mary Beth Cutshall became Chief Growth Officer of Vision Hospitality Group in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in March 2025. 🚀 Her role involves expanding the company's hotel portfolio across the U.S. She aims to double the company's revenue by 2030, focusing on high-growth markets and strategic partnerships. A UNLV hospitality alum, Cutshall emphasizes innovation, relationships, and diversifying industry leadership. She founded Amara Capital Group and serves on the Castell Project board, advocating for women in hospitality.

🏨 Christina Fry has been appointed as the general manager of the Thompson Austin and tommie Austin hotels. With 13 years in hospitality, Fry has a history with Hyatt, most recently as general manager of Andaz West Hollywood. Opened in 2022, Thompson Austin has 212 rooms and suites, while tommie Austin offers 193 king bed rooms. Both hotels share amenities like a 6,000-square-foot gym, sports simulator, rooftop pool, and dining options.

📷 Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group appoints Emlyn Brown as the group director of spa, leisure, and wellness in August 2025, following Jeremy McCarthy's 11-year tenure. Brown, previously with Accor as global senior vice president for wellbeing, aims to enhance guest experience and operational performance. His career includes senior roles at Resense Spa, GOCO Hospitality, Six Senses, and Jumeirah Group. Brown emphasizes wellness as central to hospitality, building on Mandarin Oriental’s wellness heritage.

📅 Lisa Fitzell will join Audley Travel as chief product and operations officer on October 6, 2025, in Witney, Oxfordshire. She succeeds James Herbert, who transitioned to chief commercial transformation officer on July 1. Fitzell, with experience leading luxury travel brands like Elegant Resorts and If Only, aims to drive strategic growth and operational excellence. CEO Nick Longman highlights her expertise in travel, tourism, and hospitality to enhance Audley’s global presence.

🍽 Applebee’s announced two key appointments: Michelle Chin as Chief Marketing Officer starting September 2 and Jerrold (Jay) Wong as Chief Operations Officer beginning September 15. Recently, Applebee’s reported increased traffic and sales in Q2. These appointments aim to strengthen marketing, menu innovation, and guest experience. Chin, with over 20 years of experience, will drive marketing strategies, while Wong will focus on operational consistency and growth, leveraging his hospitality industry knowledge.

💸 Four years after its IPO at $14 per share, Soho House is going private again. MCR Hotels, with Ron Burkle and Yucaipa Companies maintaining control, will acquire remaining shares at $9 each, valuing the company at $2.7 billion. Since its IPO, Soho House has expanded from 28 to 46 properties. The deal, closing by year-end, aims to focus on long-term stability, with MCR’s Tyler Morse becoming vice chairman to guide global growth.