Human Resources

🏨 Eliot Lynch has been promoted to Hotel Manager at Hotel Vara in Truro, Cornwall, after four years with the team. The 30-bedroom boutique hotel, known for its Scandinavian-inspired design, celebrates five years under current ownership. Lynch, who will oversee operations and guest experience, has been pivotal in maintaining the hotel’s reputation as a base for exploring Cornwall. Hotel Vara combines personalized guest services with local connections, offering spaces for both business and leisure.

📈 Travelport appoints Kenneth Johansen as Chief Revenue Officer to lead its commercial unit amid growth. He joins from Oracle, where he held senior roles in Europe and Asia. Jason Toothman is named Chief Strategic Accounts Officer, effective August 1. Travelport aims to enhance its market position and technology momentum via new partnerships with Cognizant and Anthropic, despite competitive pressure in Europe and North America.

🌊 Harish Gopalakrishnan is appointed as General Manager of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll. With over 20 years of hospitality experience across India and the Middle East, Harish previously managed The Westin Goa. His leadership at The Westin Maldives will focus on strategy, operations, and guest satisfaction, promoting the resort as a leading well-being destination. Guests can enjoy the Heavenly Spa, WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, and iconic Heavenly Bed.

📈 HBX Group International, listed on the Spanish stock exchange, announced on 28 July 2026 the retirement of CEO Nicolas Huss, effective 1 October 2026. Brendan Brennan will serve as interim CEO while the Board, led by Egon Zehnder, seeks a permanent replacement by February 2027. The group, a B2B travel tech leader, employs over 3,500 people and operates in 170+ countries with brands like Hotelbeds and Bedsonline. Huss, CEO since 2021, transformed the company through its 2025 IPO.

🏖️ Thomas Mauman has been appointed as general manager of Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, California. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Mauman has previously managed Montrose at Beverly Hills and held positions at Renaissance and InterContinental Hotels. The resort features 399 suites, five dining outlets, a heated indoor pool, a fitness center, and 14,000 square feet of event space. Managed by Davidson Resorts, it is located near Heavenly Village and Lake Tahoe.

🏝️ Cayo Levantado Resort in Samaná Bay, Dominican Republic, has appointed Maria Lamarche as general manager. With nearly 40 years in luxury hospitality, Lamarche has led operations for global brands like Hilton and InterContinental. Her recent role was at Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana's pre-opening. Lamarche aims to enhance guest experiences by celebrating the beauty and culture of the Dominican Republic.

📅 Kurt Macher, general manager of Shangri-La The Shard, London, departs after seven years. He joined in 2019 from Temple House, Chengdu, China. Successor Jean Louis Fresta is promoted from resident manager to acting general manager. Shangri-La The Shard opened in 2014 and is part of a global portfolio exceeding 100 hotels. Macher reflects on rewarding years and teamwork, while Fresta aims to build on past achievements.

🏨 Beaumier, a European boutique hotel group, has appointed Anna Fedou as chief commercial officer and Diederik Visser as chief digital officer. Fedou joined in 2024, bringing experience from Moët Hennessy and Sotheby’s, while Visser, with 14 years at Hilton, joined in July 2025. Fedou will manage brand and marketing strategy, and Visser will enhance digital operations, including AI adoption. CEO Billy Skelli-Cohen highlights their roles in Beaumier's growth and leadership development.

🏨 JA Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort in Glasgow appoints three senior managers as part of a multi-million-pound refurbishment. Brian Scanlan, with 25+ years at The Ivy and Cameron House, joins as executive chef, focusing on local ingredients. Yasmine Gibb, with seven years at Hilton Glasgow, is now food and beverage manager. Conrad Cooper, formerly at Crowne Plaza Glasgow, becomes executive housekeeper. Owned by Dutco Group since 2024, the 74-room hotel plans menu changes.