Human Resources

💼 Whitbread has appointed Jonathan Howell as an independent non-executive director and chair of its audit committee, starting 1 January 2026. Howell, stepping down as CFO of Sage, has been with them since 2018. He previously served as CFO at Close Brothers Group and the London Stock Exchange Group. Horst Baier will remain as a committee member. Christine Hodgson highlighted Howell's international experience, which aligns with Whitbread's strategic priorities.

🏨 St Ermin’s Hotel in Westminster appointed Tom Walsh as sales and marketing director, succeeding Stuart Leckie. The four-star deluxe property, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, topped the 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards in the UK, ranked second in Europe, and sixth worldwide. Near St James’s Park station, it's noted for historic ties to British intelligence and its two AA Rosette Caxton Restaurant. In 2022-2024, it earned four AA Red Stars and two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.

📁 Ray Goertz has been appointed as the new regional general manager for TFE Hotels in the UK. With past roles at The Prince Akatoki London and other major hotels, he will oversee operations and strategy for TFE’s UK portfolio, including the new The Hobson Cambridge by Adina, opening late autumn 2025, and The Wellington Glasgow by Adina. This expansion aligns with TFE’s strategy to strengthen its presence in Europe by integrating heritage with modern concepts.

📈 Jason Pirock has been appointed as vice president of global brand marketing at OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group. He will develop brand strategies and oversee media and marketing initiatives. With over 18 years in senior marketing roles, he previously led marketing at Springboard Hospitality. His expertise includes brand strategy and team leadership. Sean Dee, executive vice president, highlighted Pirock’s role in expanding OUTRIGGER's global presence as a leading beach resort brand.

📅 Stephanie Peacock MP appointed as tourism minister, September 2025. The UK tourism sector contributes £74bn annually, 4% of gross value added. The government targets 50 million international visitors by 2030, aided by the Visitor Economy Advisory Council. Joss Croft OBE of UKinbound welcomes Peacock’s appointment, following Sir Chris Bryant MP. UKinbound actively participates in shaping the National Visitor Economy Strategy through the advisory council.

💵 Puma Property Finance appointed Louise Gillon as director, head of hotels. Who? Louise Gillon. When? Recent. Where? UK. What? Expansion of hospitality lending platform. How? Partnered with Madison International Realty; aims to raise £350 million with a £150 million seed loan portfolio. Increased maximum development loan size from £50 million to £100 million. Gillon previously led hotel finance at Leumi UK for 16 years.

📅 Orient Express appointed Simone Giorgi as general manager of Orient Express La Minerva in Rome, effective October 1, 2025. With over 20 years in luxury hospitality, Giorgi's career began in 2000. His previous roles include general manager at Park Hyatt Milano, Il Salviatino, JK Place Capri, and Villa Cora. Orient Express La Minerva, set in a 17th-century palazzo near the Pantheon, opened in April 2025. CEO Gilda Perez-Alvarado emphasized Giorgi's role in reinforcing Orient Express's commitment to Italy.

🏝️ George Vlachopoulos has been appointed as general manager of Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada, the first North American Six Senses location. With a track record in hospitality across the Caribbean, Europe, and Southeast Asia, Vlachopoulos previously managed Park Hyatt St. Kitts. Six Senses La Sagesse is located on Grenada’s southeastern coast, spanning 38 acres, and boasts 56 pool suites and 15 private villas emphasizing sustainability and wellness.

💰 Nikita Miller joins TravelPerk as Chief Product Officer to drive product innovation and support North American expansion, leveraging her 10+ years of product leadership experience. TravelPerk, the fastest-growing travel platform with a 72% gross margin and 50% year-to-date revenue growth, also promoted Robin Smith to Chief Technology Officer. The company enhances its AI-driven travel and spend platform, aiming to set a new industry standard.

🗺 The UK's largest travel agent, Hays Travel, will welcome Dr. Mohsen Ghasempour, chief AI officer at Kingfisher Group, to its board as a non-executive director in October. His expertise in AI will guide the agency's future use of data and technology. Dr. Ghasempour's role follows his success in leading AI and ML at Kingfisher. Hays Travel's Dame Irene Hays emphasized the importance of his contribution as the third non-executive director.