Human Resources

🏨 HEI Hotels & Resorts is now managing a portfolio of four Marriott-branded hotels in Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, Florida, owned by L+R Hotels. The portfolio includes the Sheraton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort and the Marriott Orlando Village complex, with a total of 1,590 rooms. The Sheraton is undergoing renovations of guest rooms, public spaces, and 40,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotels are strategically positioned near Disney, Universal, and Sea World theme parks.

📈 Marriott's Liam Brown becomes AHLA Board Chair in 2026 after Mitch Patel. Thom Geshay and Jon Stanner appointed vice chair and secretary/treasurer, respectively. Brown, after retiring in June, aims to build on Patel’s momentum. The 2026 AHLA Board includes industry leaders like Jeff Horwitz and Amanda Hite. The AHLA, representing over two million employees nationwide, prepares for a "mega decade" of global events, highlighting the importance of the hospitality sector in the U.S. economy.

🏨 2026, Washington, D.C.: The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), representing over 30,000 members, announced its 2026 leadership. Marriott's Liam Brown will chair the Board, with Thom Geshay as vice chair and Jon Stanner as secretary/treasurer. Brown retires June 2026, passing the chairmanship to Geshay. The AHLA Board and Executive Committee include leaders from various sectors, with Bill Elliott and Jeff Horwitz joining the Executive Committee. The association emphasizes hosting global events and strengthening the hotel industry.

📈 Prakash Maggan will lead the IHG Owners Association as Chair of its Global Board of Directors in 2026. Based in Atlanta, Maggan, Principal & CFO of Rainmaker Hospitality, will oversee significant initiatives. He transformed his family business from 8 to 29 hotels, employing over 600 people. The Association, founded in 1955, represents over 4,000 owners of nearly 3,000 IHG properties globally, serving as a vital communication link with IHG leadership.

🏨 Hotel Equities (HE) expands its Caribbean & Latin America (CALA) platform with five open hotels and twelve projects in the works, including Amaris Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos. Juan Corvinos leads the CALA region, focusing on local talent and partnerships. The recent Donoma Las Terrenas Beach Resort in the Dominican Republic joins their portfolio. HE plans to open the 63-room Claritas Resort Jacó in Costa Rica by March 2, 2026. Key appointments include Rodrigo Cuello and Mariana Gonzalez.

📈 Ryan Davis, Valerie Shell, and Vanessa Tilley were promoted within LEFT LANE Development to lead revenue, sales, and marketing, respectively. The firm, based in New York City, focuses on developing historic properties in emerging U.S. markets. New projects are planned in Pittsburgh, Providence, Phoenix, Bozeman, and Savannah, set to open between 2026 and 2028, featuring repurposed historic buildings and new F&B concepts. Hotel Bardo Savannah launched in February 2024.

🏨 Apple Hospitality REIT has selected Crestline Hotels & Resorts to manage two properties in Orlando: SpringHill Suites by Marriott and Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites, each offering 200 guestrooms. Both hotels are strategically located on International Drive near attractions like SeaWorld, Disney World, and Universal Resorts. Crestline's CEO, James Carroll, emphasized their strong partnership and commitment to service excellence. This appointment enhances Crestline's portfolio in key U.S. markets, especially in Orlando.

🛫 AI-driven travel tech company, IBS Software, appoints Christophe Roux as Senior VP and Head of Passenger Solutions. He will spearhead the Aviation Passenger Solutions globally from Dubai, aligning with AWS on an AI-first airline retail platform. Roux, formerly with Amadeus and the Emirates Group, will oversee strategy, growth, and delivery, reporting to CEO Somit Goyal. His leadership is key to accelerating AI innovation and redefining airline retailing and passenger engagement.

📈 Aditya Jain has been promoted to Chief Development Officer at Chedi Hospitality, spearheading its global strategy for hotels, resorts, and residences, with a strategic focus on returning to the US market. His tenure has been instrumental in securing significant partnerships across Asia, EMEA, and the GCC. Jain established The Chedi Private Residences as an independent vertical, expanding the brand's presence in various sectors, while maintaining a commitment to long-term brand stewardship and culturally grounded projects.

📈 In 2026, the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) elected new leadership in New Orleans, LA. The Board includes Steve Hennis as Chair and Ivar Yuste as President. ISHC inducted 30 new members, expanding its network to over 250 professionals globally. Membership is by invitation, ensuring leaders with integrity. Members contribute thousands of hours annually to the organization, which promotes global hospitality expertise across 50+ functional areas. Explore more at ISHC’s website.