Human Resources

🏨 Markus Lück becomes the new Managing Director of Penta Hotels, starting April 1, 2025, replacing Andrew Munt who leaves at the end of April. Munt's 15-year leadership established Penta as a recognized European lifestyle hotel brand. With over 25 years in the industry, Lück previously worked with 12.18. Hospitality Management GmbH and 7Pines Hotels & Resorts. His main focus is to enhance the Penta brand and guest experience, continuing the brand's growth and adapting to new market demands.

🏦 In Rockville, Maryland, on April 29, 2025, Arch Amenities Group announced new executive appointments: Jessica Heger Michalak as Senior VP of Operations, Stefanie Chenok as Senior VP of Human Resources, and John Toman as VP of Information Technology. Michalak previously worked at OneSpaWorld and as an executive consultant; Chenok led HR at 24 Hour Fitness and held roles at Banana Republic and Target Corp., earning a B.S. from Oklahoma City University. Toman, with a B.S. from the University of Maryland and an M.S. from The George Washington University, previously led tech at Edlio. The CEO of Arch, Caitlin McKenna, highlighted the trio's roles in the company's goal to become the leading provider in its service categories.

📈 Expedia Group, on April 29, 2025, announced layoffs affecting 3% of its workforce, targeting primarily product and technology mid-level employees. This restructuring move, with no leadership changes, aims to streamline operations and maintain strategic growth. Despite the layoffs, selective hiring will continue to support long-term objectives. In 2024, Expedia experienced a 7% revenue increase and will provide more details on May 8. Core brands like Hotels.com and Vrbo are showing resilience with recent bookings growth.

🏢 Cendyn promoted Yakesh Arora to CTO. Lark Hotels appointed Kai Gilsey as SVP of operations. Auberge Resorts Collection named Mohamed Elbanna as EVP of global operations. Zucchetti North America appointed Estella Hale as VP of commercial strategy. McNeill Hotel Company named Katelyn Wiersma as regional director of sales. Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront named Rocco LaFronza as director of operations. The St. Regis Washington, D.C. appointed Alaina Sweeney as GM. Vintners Resort announced Michael Collins as GM for an upcoming $15+ million transformation. Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection, appointed Jerry Diamantatos as GM. The Statler named Shyam Lalu as GM. Hilton appointed Randy Morton as GM of Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas. Gardiner House named Stephanie Nelson as director of sales. InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel appointed Savannah Seaman as director of marketing. Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa named Lizzie Long as marketing manager. The Sea Pines Resort appointed Katie Cacciola as associate director of marketing. Dreamscape Hospitality named Jill Burgess as director of hotel accounting. Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk appointed Denis Ehmig as executive chef. SuiteOp announced Jordan Cohen as head of growth. LionGrove made four key executive appointments. JLL PDS named Ben Jackson as global head of development services

🍴 Mark Donald, Executive Chef of the two Michelin-starred The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, was appointed Honorary Vice President by the Master Chefs of Great Britain (MCGB). Recognized for his innovative Scottish cuisine and dedication to local, sustainable produce, Donald is celebrated for his culinary excellence and mentorship of young chefs. George McIvor OBE, Chairman of MCGB, acknowledges Donald's visionary talents and looks forward to collaborating on culinary initiatives. Donald's seasonal menus and Scottish culinary vision are noted as influential in his recent MCGB Magazine interview.

🖤 Mohamed Elbanna appointed as EVP of Global Operations at Auberge Resorts Collection, based in Bethesda, Maryland. With over two decades of experience, Elbanna previously served as COO for Fort Partners US and Global Head of Operations at Citadel. Auberge recently opened locations in Florence and Geneva, with anticipated launches in London (late 2025), Miami, Dallas, and Houston. Elbanna will oversee operations across Auberge’s portfolio, enhancing the brand's luxury hospitality vision.

🏨 - Alex Slors spoke on the insider podcast about his fascination with travel and tourism from childhood, ignited while living in Indonesia in the early seventies where Bali had only three hotels. - His professional start in hospitality was at a small 80-bedroom hotel in Amsterdam, where he learned every aspect of the business, including working with the first PC and an old-school reservation system. - Slors' first significant career opportunity came when he became the third in charge in the accounts department of the Trust House Forte hotel, the Apollo in Amsterdam. - With a passion for hospitality, his rise was rapid, later becoming the front of house manager despite being considerably younger than his team. - A crucial aspect of his work philosophy is understanding hotel operations from the ground up, combined with financial expertise. - Slors took a leap into asset management around 2006, just before the financial crisis, which led to him working with the lenders of the Meridien Hotel Group. - His career also includes a stint as a deputy vice president of finance, overseeing Northern Europe for Meridien. - Slors emphasizes the importance of financial understanding in relation to hotel operations and the need for transparency and communication among all parties in an asset-light business model. - The hotel industry is attractive to investors due to its perceived security, the constant demand for hotels, and the ability to manage risks effectively. In summary, Alex Slors, having been fascinated with hospitality from a young age in Indonesia, climbed the

💼 Paul Spencer is appointed as the managing director of Focus Travel Partnership, the UK's top business travel consortium for SME TMCs. Spencer transitions to the role immediately after serving as managing director at Internet Travel Solutions (ITS) since 2019 and managing TSI's UK IATA operations. With extensive experience in the travel industry, including software solutions for airlines, Spencer is set to leverage his background for the benefit of Focus Travel Partnership's continued success.