Human Resources

📈 Mark S. Hoplamazian has been appointed as the executive chairman of the board of directors, succeeding Thomas J. Pritzker. This transition is effective immediately.

🏠 Lorenzo Maestripieri appointed resort manager at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla. With nearly 20 years at Four Seasons across Europe and the Caribbean, his career began in 2008 at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. Joined Anguilla in June 2018 as assistant director of food and beverage, became director by August 2021, and director of rooms in April 2023. Originates from Tuscany, Italy, and has held various leadership roles worldwide.

📌 IHG launches Noted Collection, a new premium brand targeting upscale hotels in the EMEAA region. Over the next decade, IHG aims to incorporate 150 Noted Collection hotels globally. Each hotel will retain its character while adopting IHG's technology and loyalty program, boasting 160 million members. Initially rolling out in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, this 21st brand seeks to capture part of the 2.3 million independent rooms worldwide.

🏨 B&B HOTELS announced the appointment of David García Blancas as Group Chief Commercial Officer at a crucial time. With over 900 hotels now in their network, the focus is shifting towards precise pricing and distribution control. This strategic change marks a transition from expansion to prioritizing governance of profitability.

🏨 Mark Hoplamazian will become executive chairman of Hyatt, succeeding Thomas Pritzker, who plans to retire immediately. This change takes place before Hyatt’s annual board meeting in May. Pritzker has been part of Hyatt’s board since 2004, with leadership roles since 1980. The transition is part of a succession strategy focusing on an asset-light model and global brand expansion. Hoplamazian has been Hyatt's CEO for nearly 20 years.

📅 Hotel AKA Brickell rebrands as Brickell Arch, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Miami, on March 4, 2026. HEI Hotels & Resorts will take over management. Acquired by Electra America in 2021, the hotel underwent a £16 million renovation led by Gabellini Sheppard Associates. The property offers 201 keys, a 25th-floor lounge, a restaurant by Michelin-starred chef David Myers, and wellness facilities. Positioned to maximize value, it aims to lead Miami's competitive hospitality market.

💻 PRAGUE, 17 February 2026: Mike Kistner joins RobosizeME as Chief of Staff, bringing extensive hospitality tech experience from roles at Pegasus Solutions and Best Western. His appointment aims to enhance strategic growth and operational excellence as demand for automation in hotel operations rises. RobosizeME, noted for AI-driven automation, is trusted by major hotel groups like Kempinski and Radisson. Their solutions ensure secure, efficient workflows, adhering to ISO 27001, GDPR, and PCI-DSS standards.

🏨 In 2024, Hilton acquired a majority controlling interest in Sydell Group, led by CEO Andrew Zobler, setting plans for Nomad's global expansion. This partnership maintains Sydell's management of design and branding while Hilton oversees development. By autumn 2026, Nomad will debut in the Asia-Pacific region with a Singapore location on Orchard Road, integrating local culture with Nomad's unique blend of art and design. Hilton aims for 100 Nomad properties globally, preserving the boutique charm.

📈 Cathryn Andrews, Joe Trumfio, and Alex Langston received promotions at Concord Hospitality in Raleigh, North Carolina. Cathryn is now Senior VP of Hotel Accounting, focusing on strategic accounting practices. Joe assumes a newly created role as Senior VP of Investment Operations, enhancing reporting capabilities and compliance. Alex becomes Senior Director of Risk Management, improving risk strategies. Concord's President, Mark Laport, emphasizes these promotions will bolster the company's operational and financial strengths.