Human Resources

🏨 Capstone Hotel Management and Marsden Group merged to form New Zealand's largest locally owned hotel management platform, overseeing 40+ properties nationwide. The merger combines Capstone’s management services with Marsden’s capital strength, managing five brands including Ramada and Wyndham. The new entity has 45 properties and 2,500+ rooms. Sajad Bassam was appointed CEO, while Clare Davies remains COO and board member. The focus is on strategic growth through acquisitions and partnerships.

📍 Avion Hospitality is managing the Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center in Grapevine, Texas, as of recently. The hotel, owned by Highline Hospitality, features 397 rooms and over 60,000 square feet of meeting space, strategically close to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. This addition brings Avion's portfolio to 40 hotels nationwide. The partnership aims to enhance the hotel’s strong reputation for business travelers in the Dallas–Fort Worth market.

📈 Ammisha Bhardwaj, with over 25 years of experience in the boutique hotel industry, has been appointed as the director of revenue and distribution for Watergate Bay Hotel, Another Place, and SeaSpace. She takes over from Judi Blakeburn, who transitioned to an advisory role. Bhardwaj will focus on revenue strategy and maintaining a "people-first" culture. Ben Harper, the group CEO, highlighted her sharp commercial instinct and human approach to leadership.

📈 On April 1, 2026, Capstone Hotel Management and Marsden Group merged, creating New Zealand's largest locally owned hotel management platform with over 40 properties. The merger aims to strengthen competitive edge against international operators. Sajad Bassam is CEO and Clare Davies COO, focusing on strategic growth through acquisitions and partnerships. The combined entity manages a network of approximately 45 properties and over 2,500 rooms, enhancing national sales and procurement capabilities.

📈 Noida, March 23, 2026: RateGain appointed Sylvia Weiler as President and GM of Sojern's Global Destinations business. Sojern, acquired by RateGain in 2025, focuses on AI-powered destination marketing. RateGain serves 13,000+ customers across 160+ countries, working with top hotel chains and airlines. Founded in 2004, RateGain is headquartered in India, while Sojern, founded in 2007 and headquartered in San Francisco, supports 10,000+ travel marketers annually.

🏖 JW Marriott Nashville appoints Natasha Casillo as general manager, bringing over 20 years of global hospitality leadership. Casillo's career began at Boston Marriott Cambridge, later leading a $55 million expansion at Hotel Commonwealth Boston. She also managed VIP services at British Airways and held senior roles at InterContinental Boston. In 2017, she led Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown/North Station's opening. JW Marriott Nashville, near Music City Center, welcomes her proven leadership.

🏨 Kew Green Hotels has unveiled a five-year strategy to expand its portfolio and become a UK sector leader. CEO David Taylor, in his role for five months, plans to implement a performance-based framework, with him as the first to be assessed. Energy contracts are secured at fixed rates until 2027. Taylor will visit every hotel in six months to support local management, shifting focus from head-office. The strategy aims to enhance profitability and attract investors.

📈 David Taylor, CEO of Kew Green Hotels for five months, aims for growth, targeting top sector position. A recent leadership meeting set a five-year growth strategy. The firm secured energy contracts till 2027, enhancing cost management. Taylor plans to visit all hotels in six months, emphasizing leadership presence and a performance-based framework. The company seeks to be a preferred UK management brand, focusing on performance and profitability.