Human Resources

🏨 Clermont Hotel Group has appointed Natasha Ludlow, Michael Hedges, Parik Zala, Dries Gadeyne, and Akhilesh Gupta as general managers across its 14-hotel portfolio. Last year, the group's training hours increased by 140% to 48,000 at The Academy. Ludlow will manage The Royal Horseguards, while Hedges and Zala will manage The Clermont Victoria and Charing Cross respectively. Gadeyne and Gupta are now overseeing Thistle Holborn, Bloomsbury Park, Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5, and Thistle Express Luton.

🏨 Elite Hotels appoints Dominic Osborne as general manager of The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne. Osborne, with nearly 30 years of hospitality experience, previously worked at Ashdown Park Hotel from 2002 to 2008 and recently at Farnborough Airport. The Grand Hotel, a five-star property with 152 bedrooms, is key to Elite Hotels' luxury focus. Recruitment of experienced leaders is crucial for managing seasonal demand and heritage properties. Graeme Bateman, Executive Chairman, praises Osborne's leadership credentials.

🏨 In Wiltshire, Bowood Estate appoints Kathrin Cockhill as head of business development to expand its hotel, spa, and golf resort. With over 20 years of experience, including roles at Hilton and Center Parcs, Cockhill aims to drive revenue growth and enhance guest experiences. The estate, home to the Lansdowne family for 250+ years, includes accommodations and function spaces. Cockhill will focus on business partnerships and international appeal. Lord Kerry supports her vision to maintain Bowood’s legacy.

📈 John Weston-Stanley becomes Mollie's head of marketing during its national expansion. His appointment precedes the launch of Mollie's first city-centre site in Manchester. Weston-Stanley previously spent 10 years at London’s Third Space health club, leading brand and marketing efforts. His strategy focuses on positioning, creative execution, and impact measurement to enhance brand awareness and loyalty. As Mollie’s grows, Weston-Stanley aims to capitalize on the brand's unique value-luxe proposition in the UK hospitality market.

📈 Kevin Matheson has been appointed as general manager of the 220-room Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown/North Station. Bringing 25 years of experience, Matheson previously held leadership roles with Magna Hospitality, Hyatt, Pyramid Hotel Group, and Four Seasons. The hotel, opened in 2018, is conveniently located near major Boston attractions. Owned by Fontainebleau Development and Related Beal, the Courtyard is positioned for both business and leisure travelers.

📍 Hilton appointed Dan Briks as general manager of the 478-room Hilton New York Times Square. Briks has over 20 years of leadership experience in NYC hotels, previously serving at Martinique New York on Broadway since 2021. He led major renovations and opened new outlets there. His career started at Waldorf Astoria New York. Briks is also on the Board of Directors of the Hotel Association of NYC and the General Manager Committee for AHLA.

📈 Mark S. Hoplamazian has been appointed as the executive chairman of the board of directors, succeeding Thomas J. Pritzker. This transition is effective immediately.

🏠 Lorenzo Maestripieri appointed resort manager at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla. With nearly 20 years at Four Seasons across Europe and the Caribbean, his career began in 2008 at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. Joined Anguilla in June 2018 as assistant director of food and beverage, became director by August 2021, and director of rooms in April 2023. Originates from Tuscany, Italy, and has held various leadership roles worldwide.

📅 Hotel AKA Brickell rebrands as Brickell Arch, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Miami, on March 4, 2026. HEI Hotels & Resorts will take over management. Acquired by Electra America in 2021, the hotel underwent a £16 million renovation led by Gabellini Sheppard Associates. The property offers 201 keys, a 25th-floor lounge, a restaurant by Michelin-starred chef David Myers, and wellness facilities. Positioned to maximize value, it aims to lead Miami's competitive hospitality market.