Human Resources - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 69

Jason Reader Joins Davidson Hospitality Group as Chief Operating Officer

🏨 August 20, 2025, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Davidson Hospitality Group appoints Jason Reader as Chief Operating Officer to optimize operations and profitability across its portfolio. Reader's 25-year career includes leadership roles at Remington Hospitality and Pyramid Hotel Group, overseeing 20+ lodging brands. He holds a CHA from the American Hotel & Lodging Association and a B.A. in History from Trinity University. He also serves on advisory councils for Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt.

Interview with Gilles Cretallaz, COO of Dusit International

📈 Dusit International's CEO, appointed over three years ago, focuses on global expansion. Plans include projects in Greece and a French venture with Sydel Group. Dusit aims for 100 properties worldwide, leveraging management contracts. The USD 1.5 billion Dusit Central Park in Bangkok opened last September. The company achieved 20-30% revenue growth and attracts 50,000 new Dusit Gold members monthly. Sustainability is prioritized through the "Tree of Life" program, with 31 initiatives across properties.

Interview with Gilles Cretallaz, CEO of Dusit International

🏠 Over three years ago, Dusit International appointed a new CEO, surprising many. The CEO oversees expansion, focusing on Europe with projects in Greece and France and regions like India, China, and the Middle East. The goal is 100 properties globally. Dusit Thani hotel opened in Bangkok's Dusit Central Park, a $1.5 billion project. Dusit targets a 15-20% annual RevPAR growth. The "Tree of Life" program promotes sustainability, and their entry into France is set for 2026.

2 min

7 Hospitality Management to oversee Islay Cottages

🏨 7 Hospitality Management (7H) to manage Islay Cottages, Isle of Islay. Kilchoman House part of the venture. 7H enhances operations, guest experiences, and marketing. Conner Hutchison emphasizes quality guest experiences. 7H's second Islay appointment, after the Islay Hotel's October sale to the Payne-Clark family. Hotel refurbishments include a Victorian kitchen, whisky bar, dining, and garden. Reopening as luxury hotel in spring 2026. 7H manages 22 UK hotels, celebrating seven years since its 2017 founding.

2 min

Aly El-Bassuni appointed Senior VP of Choice Hotels’ Managed Division

📈 Aly El-Bassuni, with over 30 years in hospitality, joins Choice Hotels as Senior VP of Managed Hotels Division. His extensive experience includes roles at Aimbridge Hospitality, Wyndham, and Radisson. Aly emphasizes operational excellence and innovative brand solutions. Choice Hotels aims to enhance global operations, evidenced by Tobias Reinecke's promotion within the EMEA region. Aly’s leadership is expected to fortify operational management and strategic growth.

1 min

Hyatt appoints Nizar Weshah as Area Vice President for Saudi Arabia

📈 Nizar Weshah, with 26 years in hospitality, oversees Hyatt's operations in Saudi Arabia, focusing on strategy, performance, and expansion. He has worked in Jordan, Azerbaijan, Serbia, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, particularly in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. His role supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming for sustainable growth and talent development. Saudi Arabia is becoming a key business and leisure destination due to significant developments and investments in tourism infrastructure.

2 min

Kempinski Hotels strengthens product and experience team

📈 Kristian Toivanen, Aurelia van Lynden, and Dan Clayton will report to Kempinski's Chief Product & Experience Officer, Rasha Lababidi. Kristian, ex-Executive Director at The Aspen Tree, Thailand, now serves as VP Wellness & Spa. Aurelia, with 13 years in luxury travel, is VP Experiences. Dan, founder of FoodSheikh, is VP of Food & Beverage & Hospitality. These strategic roles enhance Kempinski's focus on wellness and cultural experiences, following Hoda Tahoun's appointment as Chief Talent Officer.

1 min

Jenni Benzaquen to lead Rosewood’s global residential expansion

🏠 Jenni Benzaquen will report to Anthony Ingham at Rosewood, overseeing residential growth and operations. With over 20 years in luxury real estate, her role involves integrating Rosewood properties globally. Rosewood operates 11 residential properties, aiming to expand further. CEO Sonia Cheng emphasizes strategic focus and the success of Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills. Benzaquen’s appointment strengthens their expansion strategy, targeting urban and resort destinations while maintaining high standards and community connections.

Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown adds new GM

🏨 Hotel development company Universal Hospitality Solutions appoints Joseph Jennings as GM of Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown by IHG. Located at 1015 Elm Street, this 291-room hotel is near major Dallas attractions. Jennings, with over 30 years in hospitality, was VP at Q Companies. He is vice chairman of the Hotel Association of Tarrant County and co-founder of the Arlington Tourism and Public Improvement District. Jennings aims to enhance guest experiences at the property.

1 min

Pennyhill Park appoints Joanne Taylor-Stagg as general manager

🏨 Joanne Taylor-Stagg, an award-winning hotelier, has been appointed as the new general manager at Pennyhill Park hotel, part of the Exclusive Collection. 🏨 Previously, she held senior roles at top London hotels and spent over a decade with Marriott International. Taylor-Stagg will manage a team of 240, reporting to David Connell. She was recognized as Manager of the Year at the 2021 Catey Awards and serves as a non-executive director with PoB Hotels and the Victory Services Club.

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