Human Resources

💻 Oct 14, 2025, YOTEL’s new CEO, Phil Andreopoulos, formerly from Marriott, aims to double YOTEL’s portfolio to 15,000 rooms by 2030. Supported by Al-Bahar Group, YOTEL focuses on strategic markets, balancing expansion with innovation. Key strategies include enhancing loyalty systems, investing in staff, and maintaining a challenger identity. Andreopoulos leverages two decades of Marriott experience to tackle industry challenges like rising costs and labor shortages through automation and efficient design.

🍴 Rhubarb Hospitality Collection (RHC) appointed by Conygar as the catering and events partner for Nottingham's 36-acre Island Quarter mixed-use development. RHC to oversee Cleaver & Wake restaurant, event space, and Binks Yard's outdoor terrace events. Christopher Ware of Conygar highlights RHC's role in growth plans, while CEO P.B Jacobse commits to enhancing Nottingham's dining and entertainment scene. RHC's UK experience spans Royal Albert Hall to Sky Garden.

🛣 YOTEL, founded by Simon Woodroffe in 2007, opened its first hotel at Gatwick Airport. As of today, YOTEL operates 23 hotels globally, aiming for 15,000 rooms by 2030. Phil Andreopoulos, formerly of Marriott, is the new CEO. Supported by majority owner Al-Bahar Group, YOTEL focuses on innovation, tech, and strategic growth. Challenges include rising costs and labor shortages, while YOTEL leverages smart design and automation to adapt and thrive.

📈 Lake District Hotels announced a leadership reshuffle, opening the GM position at Lodore Falls Hotel and Spa. Marcell Cilliers, previously GM since autumn 2020, is now group operations manager. Over 100 staff work at Lodore Falls. Applications for the GM role close on 29 October 2025. Mizu Pan Asian Restaurant, within Lodore Falls, recently won Best Restaurant in England at the Golden Chopsticks Awards. The group owns six properties in the Lake District National Park.

🏨 Norton Park Hotel, Spa, and Manor House, part of The QHotels Collection, has appointed Nathan Chart as the new general manager. Chart's career spans over 20 years in hospitality, including roles at Hilton and Marriott. His plans include enhancing commercial offerings in weddings and events and strengthening local partnerships. He previously managed The Solent Hotel and chaired the Southampton Hoteliers Association, launching regional hospitality awards now in their fifth year. Chart aims to position Norton Park as a premier leisure and event destination.

🐞 Damola Adamolekun, a 31-year-old executive with Ivy League credentials, recently became Red Lobster's CEO after transforming P.F. Chang's. Known for strategic innovation and operational discipline, Adamolekun has committed to improving Red Lobster's fortunes with $60+ million in upgrades and plans to eliminate underperforming promotions. Red Lobster aims for a 43% EBITDA boost by 2027 and positive net income by 2026. Adamolekun's leadership, focusing on quality and accessibility, could redefine the brand's future.

🏨 Patrick Short has been appointed as president & COO of TPG Hotels & Resorts. He will lead operations at the national headquarters in McKinney, TX. With 30+ years in hospitality, Short previously expanded Peachtree Hospitality from 27 to 100 hotels. He has experience with over 25 brands and held roles at Kinseth and CSM Corporation. Robert Leven of Procaccianti Companies praised Short's leadership as TPG plans further expansion.

📍 Olivier Thomas will join Raffles London at The OWO as managing director on November 3rd. Thomas, with over 30 years of luxury hotel experience across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and North Africa, previously led Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo and Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi. Located in Whitehall's historic Old War Office, Raffles London features 120 rooms, five restaurants, two bars, a 678 sqm ballroom, a 2,510 sqm spa, and 85 OWO Residences.

🏨 Rocco Forte Hotels has appointed five new leaders for its properties. Anna Gricini becomes General Manager of Hotel de la Ville, Rome, while Maximilian Von Reden takes over as General Manager of Hotel Amigo, Brussels. Matteo Gentile will lead Hotel Savoy, Florence starting November 3. Ulrich Schwer is now at The Charles Hotel, Munich. Francesco Roccato, Managing Director of Northern Italy, will also oversee The Carlton Milan, opening on November 6, 2025.