Human Resources

🏨 On October 12, 2026, Wilfried Morandini was appointed Director of Operations at LVMH Hotel Management, alongside managing Cheval Blanc Paris. With 30 years in hospitality, he joined Cheval Blanc in 2018. Vincent Billiard, appointed Chief Operating Officer, will manage operational strategies. They report to Olivier Lefebvre, CEO of Cheval Blanc. LVMH now oversees six properties, including Cheval Blanc Seychelles, opened in late 2024. New projects are planned in locations like Sardinia.

🏨 Kohler Co. appointed Nina Kohler as CEO of its hospitality division to oversee strategy and growth in destinations like Kohler, Wisconsin, and St. Andrews, Scotland. Investments include Wisconsin's Kohler Waters Spa renovation, the Carriage House's transformation into a 55-room wellness retreat, and Inn on Woodlake's 66-room expansion. New ventures, like Purebred Farm's 14-hole golf course, are planned. Nina aims to preserve Kohler's charm while enhancing its appeal. She also chairs PGA REACH and serves on multiple boards.

📈 Adam Patenaude was promoted to President and CEO of Dreamscape Hospitality in Dallas, Texas, after 2.5 years as President. By the end of its second full operating year, the company will manage over 40 hotels across 13 brands, including Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt. Under Patenaude's leadership, Dreamscape has consistently exceeded performance goals and is expanding into new markets. Patenaude attributes their success to a strong team and an owner-first philosophy.

🏨 UK, 2026: Iconic Hotels & Resorts appoints Michelle Walder as group director of operations, enhancing its senior leadership amid expansion. Walder, with 28+ years in luxury hospitality, has held roles at Hyatt, Standard Hotels, and more. She will oversee Iconic's hotels including The Mayfair Townhouse and Nobu Hotel London Portman Square. This follows recent leadership hires, as COO Shan Kanagasingham praises her operational and team-building expertise.

🏨 John Adams is appointed chair of The Sirius Hotel Group, succeeding Jane Bentall, who remains a strategic advisor. Adams, with 45 years of financial experience, joined as a non-executive director in 2016. He will aid growth through The Resident and Four Points Flex by Sheraton brands. An economics graduate from the University of Exeter, Adams is also a non-executive director at Millard Estates Limited and Grove End Housing Limited. CEO David Orr commends his decade of trusted advice.

🏨 Concord Hospitality has taken over management of Poteat Hotels' seven-property portfolio in North Carolina during October. The portfolio encompasses 711 rooms across New Bern, Greenville, Wilmington, Boone, and High Point. Key properties include the 98-room Courtyard New Bern and 125-room Aloft Wilmington. The partnership emphasizes shared values in hospitality excellence. Concord's North Carolina-based operations already manage various hotel brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt.

🏨 Géraud Tournier will become the general manager of Le Mas Bellevue in Saint-Tropez, opening in June 2027. Simon Bannelier is promoted to general manager of Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa. Both are part of Oetker Hotels, which includes Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc and Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa in Southern France. Tournier has been with Oetker for over ten years, serving as general manager of Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa since 2022.

📈 Kohler Co. appointed Nina Kohler as CEO of its hospitality division, effective immediately. She will oversee strategy and growth in locations including Kohler, Wisconsin; St. Andrews, Scotland; Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Chicago, Illinois. With over four years as a strategic advisor for Kohler Hospitality, Nina aims to enhance guest experiences. Beyond Kohler, she serves as a board member of Old Course Ltd. and chairs PGA REACH. Kohler Hospitality is known for its commitment to design and craftsmanship.