Human Resources

📈 Ranju Alex has been appointed as CEO for Accor in South Asia, which includes India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. She previously served 14 years at Marriott International, most recently as regional vice president for South Asia, overseeing 170 hotels. Accor aims to expand to 300 hotels by 2030, currently operating over 70 with 30 more in development. This move is part of their joint venture with InterGlobe to consolidate their business in the region.

🏨 Laura Trussel McKoy becomes chief creative officer of Omni Hotels & Resorts. She joined Omni in February 2007 and has been pivotal in shaping its design identity. Previously, she held roles at CNL Hotels in Orlando and BBGM Architects in Washington, D.C. McKoy's new role involves leading interior design for renovations and new developments, enhancing Omni’s creative vision, and collaborating with Marketing and Operations. Her nearly 20-year tenure includes founding the Omni Design Studio.

💻 Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has appointed Raphael Bick as chief information officer, effective immediately. Bick, with 20+ years in technology and digital transformation, will lead the group's tech, digital, and AI strategies. Reporting to CEO Laurent Kleitman, he brings experience from McKinsey Technology and McKinsey Digital Labs. Originally from Germany, Bick has global experience across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the US and will be based in Hong Kong.

🏨 Accor has appointed Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia, covering India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The group operates over 70 hotels with 30 more in the pipeline. Alex, previously with Marriott International overseeing 170 hotels, began her career in 1993 with The Oberoi Group and has received the Bharat Gaurav award. Accor and InterGlobe announced a new joint venture, pending regulatory approval, to consolidate their businesses.

📈 Ranju Alex, with over 30 years in hospitality, was appointed CEO for South Asia at Accor, joining from Marriott International. She previously oversaw 170 hotels as Regional VP for South Asia at Marriott and received the Bharat Gaurav award. This follows Accor's collaboration with InterGlobe, aiming to consolidate operations in South Asia. Accor currently has over 70 hotels, with more than 30 planned, and just appointed Rachael Nicholson as Commercial Director for New Zealand and Fiji.

🍳 Applebee’s, on September 2 and 15, announced Michelle Chin as Chief Marketing Officer and Jay Wong as Chief Operations Officer. The appointments aim to enhance marketing, menu innovation, and guest experience following increased Q2 traffic and sales. Chin's 20-year experience includes roles at Starbucks and Unilever, while Wong has led at Four Seasons and Marriott. Their roles will focus on strengthening brand connections and consistent restaurant performance across the Applebee’s system.

🍴 Michelle Chin and Jerrold Wong join Applebee’s C-suite as Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operations Officer on September 2 and 15, respectively. Applebee’s aims to boost marketing, expand menu innovation, and improve guest experience. Recent Q2 data showed increased traffic and sales. Chin, with over 20 years of experience at Starbucks and Unilever, will lead marketing. Wong, from Four Seasons and Marriott, will enhance operations. Their appointments support Applebee's strategy for growth and efficiency.

📣 Mad Concepts Group, based in Addison, Texas, named Kendra Shier as president of Jakes Burgers and Beer and Tacos & Avocados on Tuesday. Jakes, founded in Dallas in 1985, has 12 locations in North Texas. Tacos & Avocados, which opened in November 2024, has one location in Carrollton, Texas. Shier joined Jakes in 2017 and was previously VP of operations at Bread Winners Café & Bakery, enhancing her strategic and creative credentials.

📈 Mary Beth Cutshall became Chief Growth Officer of Vision Hospitality Group in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in March 2025. 🚀 Her role involves expanding the company's hotel portfolio across the U.S. She aims to double the company's revenue by 2030, focusing on high-growth markets and strategic partnerships. A UNLV hospitality alum, Cutshall emphasizes innovation, relationships, and diversifying industry leadership. She founded Amara Capital Group and serves on the Castell Project board, advocating for women in hospitality.

🏨 Christina Fry has been appointed as the general manager of the Thompson Austin and tommie Austin hotels. With 13 years in hospitality, Fry has a history with Hyatt, most recently as general manager of Andaz West Hollywood. Opened in 2022, Thompson Austin has 212 rooms and suites, while tommie Austin offers 193 king bed rooms. Both hotels share amenities like a 6,000-square-foot gym, sports simulator, rooftop pool, and dining options.