Human Resources

🏨 Bill Stadler has joined Dreamscape Hospitality as chief investment officer, where he'll lead investment strategies. Stadler, with over 40 years in the lodging industry, previously helped grow Aimbridge Hospitality from 150 hotels to 1,500, increasing its value from $100 million to $1.8 billion. Dreamscape, based in Dallas, manages over 35 hotels and has 60 more in development, aiming to leverage Stadler’s expertise for accelerated growth.

🍳 Martin Lovell, having trained in Limerick and Dublin and worked for eight years in New York, has been appointed executive chef at The Montenotte. He previously led top venues like Castlemartyr Resort, Kilshane House, and Prime 74, which won "Best Restaurant in Tipperary" in 2023. Lovell now oversees culinary operations at Panorama and other dining locations within The Montenotte, introducing a new menu with premium Irish beef and a cauliflower steak.

🏨 Lewis Lewis becomes Hotel Manager at Hotel Indigo Coventry on 1 September, succeeding Michael Lyons. Hotel Indigo, located in Friargate, Coventry, opened in January 2024 after a multi-million-pound renovation. The hotel features 101 rooms and 'Cogs Bar and Kitchen.' Lewis, with over 20 years of experience, previously managed a major hotel conversion in Valencia. His appointment is praised by Scott Rankin of Castlebridge Hospitality.

🏨 Millennium Hotels & Resorts New Zealand appoints Hani Daher as vice president of operations, effective November 3, 2025. Daher brings over 20 years of international experience, previously managing a 14-property portfolio at Travel + Leisure Co. International. Millennium Hotels owns 19 hotels in New Zealand under various brands. Stuart Harrison, managing director, expressed enthusiasm about Daher's expertise enhancing their operations.

📍 Julien Bardet, appointed general manager of Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris, in 2025, marks a milestone during the hotel's 115th anniversary. His career includes roles at Hôtel Martinez, Le Méridien Nice, The Laguna, and The St. Regis in Bali, New York, and Miami. In 2020, he was general manager at Shangri-La Paris. Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, built in 1910, boasts 184 rooms, including 49 suites. Bardet aims to preserve its legacy and elevate its global presence.

🍴 Luke Selby will become chef partner at Palé Hall Hotel in North Wales starting January 2026, coinciding with the 18-month refurbishment of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire. He brings experience from Evelyn’s Table and Le Manoir. Selby will collaborate with owners Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney to revamp dining options, including The Bryntirion Inn, which underwent a £1m refurbishment. Future plans at Palé Hall include new wine cellars, a whisky lounge, and a wellness retreat.

🏨 Melissa Gibson, with Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa in Glasgow since July 2018, has been promoted to head of spa and leisure. Laura Doherty, part of the team for eight years, steps into Gibson's former role as spa treatments manager. Gibson aims to drive spa success, benefiting from staff training, including oncology. Doherty will manage the therapist team and budgets. The hotel, part of IHG International, has 113 rooms.

📰 Alissa Ponchione was promoted to editor in chief of *Hospitality Design* magazine in September 2025. Caitlin St John, Stephanie Chen, and Jonathan Marsland joined her as managing editor, senior editor, and creative director. The magazine plans to launch a comprehensive *State of the Industry Report* in 2026. The HD Expo + Conference will grow its Hosted Buyers program by 150% in Q1 2026. Paul Bienkowski, having served HD for 40 years, is retiring.

📌 Mariano Silvestri, a seasoned professional with over 20 years in the industry, is the new general manager of Park Hyatt St. Kitts, located in Christophe Harbor, Banana Bay, St. Kitts and Nevis. This resort features 124 accommodations, including 77 guest rooms, 44 suites, and 3 villas. Silvestri’s past roles include positions at Hyatt properties in China and Argentina. His appointment coincides with the resort's updates in villa options, dining, and spa facilities.

🚉 Siebe Gerbranda becomes Rail Europe's Vice President of Product on October 1, 2025. Gerbranda brings over 15 years of global experience, having previously worked at Taxfix, AliExpress, and Google. At Rail Europe, he will simplify the travel experience, enhance delivery speed, and develop team talent. Rail Europe has transformed into a global booking platform, focusing on non-domestic travelers. CEO Björn Bender highlights Gerbranda’s role in advancing product scaling and customer satisfaction.