Human Resources

🏨 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.

🌳 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.

📍 Jonathan Tisch, Executive Chairman of Loews Hotels, emphasizes his leadership approach of hiring the right person for each job, which has facilitated women advancing into senior roles. Influenced by family and colleagues, Tisch acknowledges the significant contributions of talented women in the growth of Loews Hotels. This discussion is hosted by Emily Goldfischer, founder of hertelier. Music for the episode is by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound.

📑 The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA) appointed Radhika Arapally as senior strategic representative for the UAE. This expands WSHA's Middle East presence, promoting 'Net Positive Hospitality.' Arapally, founder of Sustainability Kiosk since 2022, has over 20 years of experience in hospitality and sustainability. She curated 70+ solutions for hotels, founded the Responsible Hoteliers Summit in the UAE, and worked with groups like Minor Hotels and Millennium Hotels. WSHA represents over 66,000 hotels and 8 million rooms globally.

🏖️ Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort & Spa appoints Mark Weatherill as general manager. With 40+ years in hospitality, Weatherill aims to enhance guest experiences. He started with Marriott in 1984 and recently managed The Westin in Houston through a 36-month renovation. The resort, featuring 1,307 rooms, is located in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, near Waikiki Beach.