Human Resources

📈 September 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a rise in unemployment to 4.4% despite 119,000 new jobs added. Restaurants gained 68,000 jobs in Q3, marking the strongest six-month gain, though job growth remains sluggish. Employment in eating and drinking places is up 144,000 jobs (1.2%) from pre-pandemic levels. Limited-service roles increased 23% since February 2020. However, consumer spending in the industry is slowing, with expectations of continued decline into early 2026.

📍 Kimpton Ashbel New York–Park Avenue is set to open in January 2026 at 70 Park Avenue, Midtown Manhattan. Brenda Correa has been appointed as general manager, with over 20 years of hotel leadership experience. Lucy Shulman, with nearly 20 years in hospitality, takes on the role of director of sales & marketing. Tyrone Fu is the director of revenue management, bringing 15 years of expertise. The hotel, a reimagined 1928 Beaux-Arts property, aims to elevate guest experiences.

🏨 Firmdale Hotels has appointed Charlotte Crampton Smith as general manager of Number Sixteen Hotel, South Kensington, London. Crampton Smith joined the group in 2011, initially as an intern at Crosby Street Hotel, New York, and held several roles, including deputy general manager at Haymarket Hotel. Number Sixteen features 41 unique bedrooms with Wi-Fi, TVs, and mini-bars. The hotel offers The Orangery restaurant, a Drawing Room, Library, and private garden.

📈 Louis Barruel joins JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group as senior vice president in the Montreal office, reporting to executive VP Katie Krieger. With 14 years of experience, Barruel has managed portfolios including InnVest Hotel’s 4,127-room Comfort Inn and 3,218-room Western Luxury. JLL oversees 200 hotels with nearly 50,000 rooms valued at $21 billion globally, reflecting their commitment to expanding hospitality advisory services across Canada, particularly in Quebec.

🏨 Pan Pacific Hotels Group appointed Celine Du as chief commercial and marketing officer amidst its expansion strategy. With over 30 years in luxury hospitality, Du will enhance commercial performance for Pan Pacific, Parkroyal Collection, and Parkroyal brands. She previously held senior roles at Mandarin Oriental and Shangri-La. CEO Choe Peng Sum praised her leadership and data-driven strategies. Du aims to boost performance and loyalty, following the group’s recent rebranding and focus on global presence.

🍴 Crerar Hotels appointed Sayan Bandyopadhyay as head chef at Thainstone House in Inverurie, Scotland. The 18th-century hotel introduced a new menu under his leadership. With over 20 years' experience, Bandyopadhyay previously worked at Hilton Aberdeen TECA. Thainstone House features the AA Rosette Green Lady restaurant and recently reopened Stockman’s Bar. The hotel also plans festive events, including Christmas parties and a Hogmanay gala in December.

📍 William Hunter has been appointed as general manager of The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton. Opening in February 2026, this hotel marks the next evolution of Curio Collection’s lifestyle offering in London. Hunter’s 15-year career with Hilton included senior roles at The Westminster and The Trafalgar St. James London. He has appointed Edward Field as cluster director of sales and marketing and is recruiting an operations manager and head chef.

💻 David Angotti is the new Chief Digital Officer at Casago, a major vacation rental management company. Angotti, known for his work with SmokyMountains.com and StaySense, will lead Vacasa.com’s transformation into a top booking platform and oversee Casago's digital strategy. This appointment follows Casago's acquisition of Vacasa and its management of over 40,000 properties across North America, the Caribbean, Belize, and Costa Rica. Steve Schwab, CEO, highlights Angotti's expertise in technology and operations as crucial for future growth.

🍴 Bret Thorn, who hails from Denver and resides in Brooklyn, has been a food and beverage editor for Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999. He holds a history degree from Tufts University and studied French cuisine at Le Cordon Bleu. Thorn wrote for The New York Sun from 2005-2008 and contributed to the Oxford Encyclopedia in 2012 and 2015. He received the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and led IFEC in 2005.

📖 JP Roberts has been appointed general manager of The Statler, a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel, located in downtown Dallas. Roberts brings extensive experience in managing U.S. hotels and resorts, including 21c Museum Hotels in St. Louis, Dream Hotels in Nashville, and Hotel Vandivort in Missouri. Built in 1956, The Statler is part of the Historic Hotels of America and famous for iconic performances by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and The Jackson 5. Managed by Stonebridge, it remains a significant landmark.