Human Resources

📌 Edinburgh appoints Fiona Hendry as sales manager for The Edinburgh Grand and Old Town Chambers. Part of Marriott’s Luxury and Autograph Collection, she aims to enhance sales strategies for these Edinburgh properties. Hendry, previously with Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh and Conrad Dublin, is recognized for her expertise in luxury service. This move supports the growth of these properties, blending Edinburgh’s historic charm with modern luxury.

📚 Accor has appointed Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia, overseeing operations in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Alex transitions from her role as Regional VP at Marriott International and will manage over 70 hotels with 30 more planned. Earlier this year, Accor announced a joint venture with InterGlobe to consolidate assets and expand Accor's brands in India, including those under Ennismore.

🏨 Laura Trussell McKoy has been named Chief Creative Officer of Omni Hotels & Resorts. Since joining in February 2007, she has significantly influenced Omni’s design direction, initially as Director of Interior Design. McKoy established the Omni Design Studio and has held key roles, elevating the brand's design standards. Before Omni, she worked with CNL Hotels in Orlando and BBGM in Washington, D.C., and has a Bachelor of Science from The University of Alabama. Omni also appointed Adam Hayashi as Chief Revenue Officer, highlighting a focus on creativity and revenue optimization.

📈 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.