Human Resources

📷 Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group appoints Emlyn Brown as the group director of spa, leisure, and wellness in August 2025, following Jeremy McCarthy's 11-year tenure. Brown, previously with Accor as global senior vice president for wellbeing, aims to enhance guest experience and operational performance. His career includes senior roles at Resense Spa, GOCO Hospitality, Six Senses, and Jumeirah Group. Brown emphasizes wellness as central to hospitality, building on Mandarin Oriental’s wellness heritage.

📅 Lisa Fitzell will join Audley Travel as chief product and operations officer on October 6, 2025, in Witney, Oxfordshire. She succeeds James Herbert, who transitioned to chief commercial transformation officer on July 1. Fitzell, with experience leading luxury travel brands like Elegant Resorts and If Only, aims to drive strategic growth and operational excellence. CEO Nick Longman highlights her expertise in travel, tourism, and hospitality to enhance Audley’s global presence.

🍽 Applebee’s announced two key appointments: Michelle Chin as Chief Marketing Officer starting September 2 and Jerrold (Jay) Wong as Chief Operations Officer beginning September 15. Recently, Applebee’s reported increased traffic and sales in Q2. These appointments aim to strengthen marketing, menu innovation, and guest experience. Chin, with over 20 years of experience, will drive marketing strategies, while Wong will focus on operational consistency and growth, leveraging his hospitality industry knowledge.

💸 Four years after its IPO at $14 per share, Soho House is going private again. MCR Hotels, with Ron Burkle and Yucaipa Companies maintaining control, will acquire remaining shares at $9 each, valuing the company at $2.7 billion. Since its IPO, Soho House has expanded from 28 to 46 properties. The deal, closing by year-end, aims to focus on long-term stability, with MCR’s Tyler Morse becoming vice chairman to guide global growth.

🍽 Michelle Chin and Jerrold Wong join Applebee’s C-suite as Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operations Officer on September 2 and September 15, respectively. The brand, reporting increased Q2 traffic and sales, aims to enhance guest experience, expand menu innovation, and boost marketing. Chin, with over 20 years in marketing at Starbucks, Godiva, and Unilever, will lead Applebee's marketing strategy. Wong, with hospitality leadership experience, will focus on restaurant performance and growth.

📈 Chris O'Donnell will become president of Aimbridge Hospitality's select service division on September 15 in Plano, Texas. With over 20 years in hospitality, including roles at Marriott, Magna Hospitality, and Atrium Hospitality, O'Donnell will focus on operational performance to enhance the division's market share, profitability, and guest satisfaction. Craig S. Smith, CEO, emphasizes O'Donnell's leadership and expertise as key assets to the company.

📈 Chris O'Donnell will become president of Aimbridge Hospitality's select service division on September 15. He'll focus on operational performance and aligning with Aimbridge's scorecard tracking market share, profitability, and guest satisfaction. O'Donnell's experience includes roles at Marriott, Magna Hospitality, and Atrium Hospitality. Craig S. Smith, CEO of Aimbridge, praises O'Donnell's leadership and expertise. O'Donnell expresses enthusiasm for enhancing the division's value and guest experiences.

🛌 Cameron House has completed a £300,000 redesign of its spa, introducing upgraded wellness facilities. The renovation includes a revamped indoor pool, hydro and hot tub areas, and enhanced changing facilities. Gillian McGraffin, with over 25 years of luxury spa experience, is appointed as the new spa director. Set within 400 acres on Loch Lomond, Cameron House features 208 rooms, 115 lodges, a golf course, cinema, and marina. Café Spa now offers extended hours and a new menu.