Human Resources

📈 Sonesta began layoffs last Friday, impacting various departments. The cuts follow TKO's $2 billion cash offer for Service Properties Trust's hotel portfolio, which includes 68 Sonesta hotels with 17,013 rooms, or 17% of Sonesta's 100,000-room system. The trust valued these hotels at $3.98 billion in Q2 filings. The chief brand officer and marketing staff have recently departed. Sonesta did not disclose the number of affected employees.

📈 Hilton will transfer its stock listing from the New York Stock Exchange to Nasdaq on November 5, 2026, keeping the ticker symbol HLT. Trading on the NYSE will continue until November 4, 2026. Hilton has expanded from 10 to 28 brands, with 9,400 properties in 144 countries since 2013. The Hilton Honors program boasts over 260 million members. Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman welcomes Hilton, aligning with its growth ambitions. Hilton recently appointed a new chief technology officer.

🗽 Dorchester Collection appointed Richard Cooke as general manager of Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles, effective 1 January 2027. Richard Cooke, previously managing director at Rocco Forte Hotels for the UK and Northern Europe, brings over 30 years of luxury hospitality experience. Hotel Bel-Air, opened in 1946, sits on 12 hectares in Bel-Air canyons, featuring 103 rooms and a Michelin-rated restaurant. The hotel was recently awarded three Michelin Keys, alongside The Beverly Hills Hotel.

📈 Kempinski Hotels witnesses major leadership changes as CEO Barbara Muckermann and several senior executives exit, reported on October 19. Since 2014, the group has seen frequent CEO turnovers. Kempinski operates 74 hotels in 33 countries, with recent shifts towards hotel ownership, such as acquiring Prague's Augustine Hotel in April 2026. Leadership transitions align with potential investor discussions, though no sale is confirmed. Berlin's Hotel Adlon's sale faces hurdles, potentially impacting Kempinski’s future. New appointments include Noel Attard and Andrea Vanni.

📈 In 2022, Barbara Muckermann, the first female president of the Hospitality Awards, aimed to restore a 127-year-old hotel group's prestige. Upon her arrival, Kempinski had 82 hotels in 36 countries. The portfolio shrank to 75 hotels in 33 countries, with 2024 revenue dropping to €164.6 million from €174.9 million. Net profit increased to €17.6 million. Muckermann introduced direct property acquisition, securing a flagship in Prague to enhance European presence.

📈 Barbara Muckermann, who became CEO of Kempinski in May 2024, is stepping down, along with some senior executives she appointed. Her strategy faced criticism for reducing revenue while improving profitability. Since the charismatic Reto Wittwer's departure, Kempinski has seen leadership instability with multiple CEOs, including Alejandro Bernabé, Markus Semer, Martin Smura, and Bernold Schroeder. Her efforts aimed at streamlining the portfolio and enhancing service standards in Europe's luxury hotel market.

🏨 In Minneapolis, The Lofton Hotel, managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, completed a major renovation. The 248-room hotel now features a redesigned lobby with an Italian dining venue, Mezzo Mezzo, and enhanced guestrooms. The fitness center doubled in size, and the fourth-floor restaurant, Cosmos, was updated. Aaron Slattery, with Marcus Hotels since 2007, is the new general manager, succeeding Jim Waldvogel after a 29-year tenure.

📈 Adam Patenaude is promoted to president and CEO of Dreamscape Hospitality, recognizing his leadership over the past 2.5 years. By the end of year two, Dreamscape will manage over 40 hotels under 13 brands, including Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG. Dreamscape's new corporate support center in McKinney, Texas, supports its growth. The company emphasizes an owner-first philosophy and aims to expand into new markets with a robust pipeline. Patenaude credits the team's strength for their success.

🏨 Marriott International has appointed Alok Dixit general manager of W Manchester and W Residences, opening in 2027 in Manchester city centre. Located in the 43-storey tower at Relentless Developments’ St Michael’s scheme, it will combine a luxury hotel with branded residences. Dixit brings over 25 years of hospitality leadership experience, joining from London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. W Manchester will be the brand’s third UK property, following London and Edinburgh.

📑 Catherine Woods is appointed as Chief Marketing Officer at The Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG) in Charleston, South Carolina. She will report to founder Steve Palmer and lead marketing for IRHG's diverse hospitality sectors. With over 16 years of experience, Woods previously held roles at Belmond and Beemok Hospitality Collection. Her focus will include brand development, strategy, and storytelling to advance IRHG's growth objectives and highlight the individuality of each brand.