Human Resources

🏨 Pivot, Davidson Hospitality Group's lifestyle division, will manage Hotel Lincoln, JdV by Hyatt, in Chicago's Old Town, featuring 182 rooms, 5,000 sq ft of event space, and four dining options, including J. Parker Rooftop Bar. Overlooking Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan, it offers access to local attractions. This collaboration with Jordache Enterprises enhances the hotel's offerings and expands Davidson’s presence in Chicago. The hotel remains part of Chicago’s vibrant cultural and recreational scene.

🏨 Dave Montrose, First Hospitality's new COO, brings 30+ years of expertise. He will oversee operations, commercial strategy, and senior leadership. Previously, Montrose held roles at Highgate Hotels, White Lodging, Brush Creek Ranch, and InnVentures, managing 85+ hotels. First Hospitality, a 40-year-old company, operates throughout the U.S. Montrose’s experience with full-service, independent, and luxury hotels in Austin, Nashville, and Indianapolis is pivotal as the company scales its portfolio.

📈 William Gibbs, appointed Senior Advisor for strategy and growth at roomangel Foundation, will lead the global expansion of hive, an AI platform for hotels. With a background in hospitality management, he aims to optimize hotel data usage for better decision-making. Previously, Gibbs was a board member at Sir Richard Sutton and held roles at The Hotel Collection and Westmont Hospitality Group. Hive, already analyzing billions of data points daily, aims to transform hotel asset management.

🏨 Claudia Rodrigues is appointed as the new general manager of Nusfjord Village & Resort in Norway, effective February 2026. Nusfjord, located in the Lofoten Islands, is a historic boutique hotel renowned for its 400-year history. Rodrigues, with nearly 20 years of global hospitality experience, previously worked in Spain, Fiji, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, and Botswana. Nusfjord offers restored 19th-century cabins and is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels’ Considerate Collection.

📈 Travis Burns was appointed as executive vice president of business development at Remington Hospitality. With over 20 years of experience, he aims to expand the company's portfolio by engaging with owners and developers. Previously, at Aimbridge Hospitality, he held senior roles, oversaw 70+ properties, and managed $175 million in annual revenue. Known for delivering results, Burns is set to enhance Remington's development strategy through his extensive industry relationships and understanding of ownership priorities.

🚌 Paul Stoneham will become CEO of Big Bus Tours in January, succeeding Pat Waterman, who becomes non-executive chairman. Vagn Soerensen steps down as chairman but remains an advisor. Stoneham, previously with Life Fitness and other companies, aims to expand Big Bus Tours' services and destinations. The company has recently acquired Touristation (Rome), West Coast Sightseeing (Vancouver), and Tour Dubai, and introduced amphibious 'Duck' tours.

🏠 Cain appoints Bob Graziano as chief strategy advisor in December 2025. Graziano brings over 40 years of experience, including roles with J.P. Morgan Chase and the Los Angeles Dodgers. His focus is on One Beverly Hills, featuring Aman Residences. One Beverly Hills will introduce two Aman-branded residential towers, a 78-suite hotel, and club. Cain's portfolio spans Miami, New York, London, and more, partnering with brands like Aman and Raffles. Graziano is involved with the 2028 Olympics and 2027 Super Bowl.

🏝️ Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau has appointed Shyam Lalu as the new general manager. Lalu, with over 15 years of experience, has worked with Hyatt, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hilton. His previous roles included director of food and beverage at Amara Resort and Spa, and general manager positions in Dallas and Los Angeles. Lalu aims to enhance guest experiences and team development at the Nassau resort.

🏖 Christian Maeder, with over 25 years in luxury hospitality, is appointed general manager at Montage Big Sky, Montana, succeeding his role as hotel manager since 2023. Previously, he held leadership roles at Montage Laguna Beach, The Maybourne Beverly Hills, and others. Montage Big Sky, located in a 3,530-acre Spanish Peaks enclave, features 100 guestrooms and suites, plus 39 residences. Jason Herthel of Montage International praises Maeder’s leadership and service dedication.