Human Resources

🍳 Callum O’Doherty and Tom Ridler have been appointed as head chefs by the Brend Collection for their hotels in Devon and Cornwall. O’Doherty leads the Royal Duchy Hotel in Falmouth, focusing on local seafood and seasonal dishes, while Ridler manages the Royal and Fortescue Hotel and 62 The Bank in Barnstaple, which holds one AA Rosette. This move is part of the Brend Collection's investment in its culinary team and training initiatives.

📶 PPDS, headquartered in Amsterdam, appointed Jeroen Feldman as dvLED Solutions Manager on July 31, 2025. With 19 years of experience, Jeroen will enhance Philips dvLED solutions across Europe, focusing on sectors like hospitality and food. PPDS recently showcased its new 135” Philips Unite LED 6000 Series at InfoComm 2025 in Orlando. The company aims to expand its LED portfolio, leveraging Jeroen's expertise to boost sales and installations in Northern Europe.

🏨 Chris Wayne-Willis, CEO of Crerar Hotels, steps down after five years in 2025. He joined in March 2020 and expanded the portfolio to 10 hotels, including Fonab Castle. In 2024, Crerar's gross profit rose from £7.8m to £8.8m, with a 9% turnover increase and a 10% rise in room revenue. Wayne-Willis, with over 30 years in hospitality, plans to seek new opportunities.

📈 Aimbridge Hospitality has promoted Allison Handy to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) in 2025. She will report directly to CEO Craig S. Smith.

📄 John Lynch has been promoted to deputy general manager at InterContinental Dublin, part of IHG Hotels and Resorts. He joined the hotel three years ago and has held roles as director of rooms and operations. Lynch, a graduate of Shannon College of Hotel Management, previously worked in the US with Marriott, and at The Shelbourne and Conrad Hotels. InterContinental Dublin, located in Ballsbridge, opened in 2001 and features 215 rooms, multiple restaurants, and wellness facilities.

📈 Scottish hospitality group Buzzworks appoints Robert Cook, former chief executive of Hotel du Vin and Malmaison, as non-executive chairman. With over 35 years of experience, Cook will support Buzzworks' expansion into accommodation. This move comes after a management buyout and aims to grow their presence across Scotland. Cook and managing director Kenny Blair are focused on strengthening Buzzworks' community, quality, and ambition through this strategic expansion.

🚀 2027, Mediterranean: Aman Resorts is launching Aman at Sea with the flagship vessel, Amangati. Designed by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, the 183-meter yacht accommodates 94 guests in 47 suites, each with a private terrace and dedicated butler. The ship features a Japanese restaurant, Mediterranean dining, a grill, a jazz club, and a spa. Inspired by Japanese ryokans, the interiors offer tranquility and luxury. Available for private hire, the first voyage explores unique Mediterranean ports.

📰 Aimbridge Hospitality promoted Allison Handy to Chief Commercial Officer, reporting to CEO Craig S. Smith. Handy joined Aimbridge in 2022, previously holding senior roles at PRISM and Interstate Hotels & Resorts. As CCO, she leads commercial functions like sales, marketing, and revenue management, driving profitability. Handy’s new role is part of Aimbridge’s strategy to maintain a trusted, results-driven operation. Her leadership aims to enhance performance and strengthen connections with owners and partners.

📈 Allison Handy promoted on July 2025 to chief commercial officer at Aimbridge Hospitality in Plano, Texas, reporting to CEO Craig S. Smith. She leads commercial functions—sales, national sales, revenue management, marketing, ecommerce—to enhance profitability and performance. Aimbridge’s integrated commercial model, launched last year, boosted strategy across sales and marketing, strengthening relationships and top-line performance. Handy previously held senior roles at PRISM and Interstate Hotels & Resorts and serves on the HSMAI Americas Board.