Human Resources

📅 Paul Spencer joins Focus Travel Partnership as Managing Director, effective immediately from his previous role at ITS (Internet Travel Solutions) where he served as MD since 2019. Spencer has substantial experience in the travel industry, including managing TSI's UK IATA operations and implementing technological solutions for airlines. His appointment comes after a thorough selection process by the Focus Board of Directors, and he is expected to leverage his leadership skills to drive the consortium's success.

🏢 Remington Hospitality takes over management of the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile in Dallas, Texas starting May 2025. The 415-room property transitions from brand management to a franchise model under an existing agreement with Braemar Hotels & Resorts. Located in the Gold Coast Historic District, the hotel features French-inspired design, a lobby-level lounge called Le Bar, and a fitness center. Remington will maintain all current employees, emphasizing its commitment to service continuity and luxury market growth.

👤 The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) President & CEO Rosanna Maietta congratulated KP Patel on his appointment as chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). They aim to collaborate to advance the hotel industry. Patel is recognized for his ambassadorial role in the industry and AHLA anticipates achieving shared goals during his term.

📌 Malaika Myers to retire as Hyatt's Chief Human Resources Officer by end of May 2025. Kristin Oliver appointed as successor, taking the role on May 12, 2025. Oliver brings 15 years of HR leadership from HanesBrands, Walgreens, Chico’s, and Walmart. She will be responsible for global HR strategy to support future growth and will relocate to Hyatt's Chicago headquarters. Hyatt's RiseHY program, led by Myers, aims for 10,000 hires.

📌 In New Orleans, Louisiana, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) announced its 2025-26 Board of Directors during the AAHOA Convention & Trade Show. Newly elected Secretary Vimal (Ricky) Patel joins the leadership to represent over 20,000 members. Vimal Patel, a U.S. immigrant at 21, has held multiple roles within AAHOA and raised $1.8 million in revenue for the association. The board also includes 10 elected directors and 3 industry partners for the 2025-26 term.

📅 Extreme Hospitality appoints Peter W. Hoffman as SVP of operations. Waramaug Hospitality names Nele Breitbart EVP & head of asset management. Gencom hires Margaux Mielcarek as SVP of development for Bermuda and the Caribbean. Ana Guzman becomes regional director, finance & business support for Mid-Atlantic, USA & Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown, having joined in July 2023. Trinity Investments promotes Rob Tanenbaum to managing director of strategic operations. Archer Hotel Napa appoints Chris Costas as general manager. The Eliza Jane names Nicole Maxwell as director of sales and marketing. Wayfinder Waikiki hires Scott Kawasaki as director of sales and marketing. Azul Hospitality Group brings on Giorgio Saturnino as VP of food and beverage with 20+ years of experience. Atlantic Hospitality appoints Joe Schafer as culinary director with 20 years of industry experience. The Stafford Collection hires Michael Caines, a Michelin-starred chef, as culinary strategist for The Stafford London. Vakkaru Maldives appoints Janne A. Ollikainen as executive chef. Marriott Marquis Houston names Edgar Maldonado as executive chef. Resolute Road Hospitality adds Doug Ableman as regional VP of operations and Kent Duncan as VP of revenue management. Schulte Hospitality Group appoints Anne Fischer as CMO. Pure Wellness promotes Haley Payne to chief commercial officer. Ensemble Investments’ Hospitality Division names Daisy Pinedo as

🏨 Michael Rohr appointed as Dorint Hotel Group's Area General Manager, starting April 1, 2025, overseeing seven resort hotels and managing the under-construction Dorint Seehotel & Resort Klink/Müritz. With 25+ years in hospitality, Rohr's resume includes Aldiana and AIDA Cruises, with a focus on strategic development in the DACH region. Dorint CEO Jörg T. Böckeler cites growth in leisure travel as a reason for expanding the management team.

🏦 Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) in Atlanta appointed Gary Kunesh as senior vice president and chief financial officer, overseeing accounting, financial reporting, tax, risk management, and technology. Kunesh brings over 30 years of hospitality experience, having served as vice president of financial planning and analysis at White Lodging Services for a $1 billion-plus hotel portfolio and as director of finance at the $150M Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort. He has also worked with BRE Hotels & Resorts, Apple Hospitality REIT, RLJ Lodging Trust, and Host Hotels & Resorts. Additionally, Kunesh is a volunteer for Uplift 313 in Detroit.