Human Resources

💼 Pete Sams becomes President of Highgate, bringing over 30 years of hospitality leadership experience, previously serving as COO at Peregrine Hospitality. Highgate, aiming to expand in Europe, launched HG Portugal and relaunched Dorsett City London Hotel. The company also acquired Viceroy Hotels & Resorts and, with partners, purchased 18 hotels in Portugal. Mahmood Khimji, Co-Chairman, praises Sams for his operational expertise to accelerate growth and value delivery globally.

🍴 José Andrés Group appointed Sam Bakhshandehpour as CEO over a year ago. The group operates 45 restaurants and plans to expand in the Western U.S. and the Middle East, particularly in Arizona, Southern California, Nevada, Colorado, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Focus areas include the Bazaar meat concept, Zaytinya, and a new concept. Expansion will emphasize hotel partnerships and licensing the José Andrés name, targeting secondary markets near Las Vegas.

🏠 Highgate appoints Pete Sams as president in New York, overseeing 500 properties to optimize financial results and guest experiences. Sams previously served 30 years in leadership, most recently as COO at Peregrine Hospitality. He aims to enhance Highgate’s strategic focus and growth with CEO Arash Azarbarzin. Sams' extensive experience includes roles at Davidson Hospitality Group and Omni Hotels. Mahmood Khimji, Highgate’s co-chairman, praised Sams' leadership and expertise.

📈 Davidson Hospitality Group appointed Jason Reader as COO in Atlanta, Georgia, tasked with enhancing operational performance and profitability. Reader will oversee Davidson Hotels, Davidson Restaurant Group, Pivot, and Davidson Resorts. Bringing 25+ years of hospitality experience, he previously held COO roles at Remington Hospitality and Magna Hospitality. Reader is involved with Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt advisory councils. His strategic leadership aims to improve efficiencies and guest experiences across 20+ lodging brands in North America.

📅 Lucy takes the helm at ExecSpace with over 30 years in hospitality, aiming to create a 5-year growth plan. Collaborating with Emma Little, Lucy focuses on evolving the boutique venue sourcing service while integrating low-touch tech solutions. ExecSpace plans to expand into Life Sciences, Construction, and Energy sectors while navigating cost reductions in the Public Sector. The firm emphasizes sustainability and neurodiversity in events, aiming to enhance the client experience through strategic partnerships and innovation.

📈 Chetan Arjun has been appointed as CFO of RMS, a hospitality platform, to drive global growth. With 20+ years of financial expertise from roles at PwC, Coles Group, and Lux Group, he will focus on RMS’s financial strategy and support its vision as a top technology partner. RMS operates in 70 countries, serving over 7,000 properties. CEO Adam Seskis, appointed December 2024, highlights Chetan’s role in aligning financial and strategic goals. RMS expands with backing from Advent Partners.