Human Resources

🏨 Omari Head became executive director of the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership (MSCHL) at Howard University in early 2025. MSCHL, founded in 2021, is supported by the J. Willard & Alice S. Marriott Foundation. In 2025, students won the She Has a Deal competition, marking the first time an HBCU achieved this. The Center also established the first HBCU chapter of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals and launched a new internship program with Donohoe Hospitality.

🏨 Dreamscape Hospitality will manage The Monarch Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona, enhancing its independent lifestyle segment. The hotel, located in Old Town Scottsdale, features suites with private balconies, two pools, and dining at La Flora Restaurant, offering American cuisine with a Southwest twist. A full renovation is underway, with reopening set for early 2026 as a JdV by Hyatt hotel. Its strategic location offers access to Butterfly Wonderland and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.

🌴 Felix Pina has been promoted to general manager of Malliouhana, a luxury resort in Anguilla managed by Storey Hospitality. Pina has been with Malliouhana for two years as resort manager. Previously, he worked for 12 years with Ani Villas, including 6 years as general manager in the Dominican Republic. Malliouhana overlooks Meads Bay and Turtle Cove, offering 63 rooms and suites. Storey Hospitality specializes in boutique luxury properties.

🏨 Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA has revamped its sales strategy, centralizing responsibility to boost hotel demand and business. Joe Evans was appointed sales director for EMEA, with Leanne Bladen, Emma Pusey, Sue Ashton, and Michael Judd in key roles. Erin James and Fiona Antcliff join as business development managers for 2025. Led by senior VP Kym Kapadia, the team targets sectors like construction and sports for international growth, enhancing Aimbridge's market share and scalability.

🏨 RBH Hospitality Management, appointed by Ducales Group, operates House Belfast in the University Quarter with 31 boutique rooms, four bars, and a restaurant. This marks RBH’s 7th signing of 2025, celebrating their 25th year in hotel management. RBH manages over 50 hotels and has more than 80 hotel specialists. CEO David Hart highlights the property's addition as part of their diverse portfolio expansion. Ducales Group aims to revitalize it as a key nightlife venue.

🏨 Richard Pearson, with 19+ years in hospitality, is appointed as the first general manager of The Medlock, a 401-room hotel in Manchester, opening in 2026. Located in Manchester City's entertainment destination, it offers access to Etihad Stadium and Co-op Live. Operated by Valor Hospitality, it caters to corporate and MICE demand with event spaces. Recruitment for the senior team is underway, focusing on local community involvement. The Medlock contributes to Radisson Blu's portfolio of 1,580 hotels globally.

📈 In September 2025, North Bethesda, Maryland, Choice Hotels International appointed Joshua Sloser as Chief Commercial Officer. Sloser, boasting over 20 years in leadership, formerly worked at McDonald's and Hilton, will manage digital channels, revenue, and customer service. CEO Pat Pacious highlighted the company's Q2 growth and global expansion. Sloser expressed excitement to join at a pivotal growth phase, praising the company’s innovation and value delivery to franchisees.

🌳 Jumeirah appoints Xander Labuschagne as general manager of Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, managing a 16,500-hectare reserve. Xander's extensive 20+ years in hospitality includes roles in South Africa, Botswana, UAE, and Europe. The reserve features wildlife experiences and conservation efforts, with 90% local staff. Jumeirah Thanda Safari launched in December 2024 alongside Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania, marking Jumeirah's African market entry, accessible via Durban's King Shaka International Airport.

📚 Isabel Hargreaves, promoted in February 2024, becomes head of membership and commercial for the Institute of Hospitality (IoH). Sidiqa Hazara steps into the new role of commercial manager. Emma Ellis is promoted to events manager, having joined in 2023. Aymen Fetouak, appointed head of professional development in May 2025, aims to expand training. IoH, with 16,000 global members, focuses on commercial strategy for 2026, led by CEO Robert Richardson.

📍 Crescent Hotels & Resorts now manages The Westin Jackson, located in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. Opened in 2017, this modern hotel provides guests access to cultural and business spots like the Mississippi Museum of Art and Thalia Mara Hall. It features versatile event spaces, a Southern-flavored restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, and an indoor pool. Guests can also enjoy a curated electric guitar collection and local art installations.