Human Resources

🏨 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.

🛫 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.

💻 Ahmad Al-Dahle, former Meta Generative AI lead, becomes Airbnb's CTO, bringing experience from Meta and 16 years at Apple. Airbnb CEO, Brian Chesky, emphasizes the intersection of technology and the physical world. Jesse Stein steps up as global head of hotels, focusing on partnerships and hotel visibility. Lou Zameryka joins as global head of hotel enterprise and connectivity partnerships, aiming to enhance Airbnb's hotel distribution.

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🏖️ Awaze, Europe's largest holiday rental provider, has appointed five new directors to boost growth and digital capabilities. Michelle Baillie joins as director for Hoseasons, while Belinda Vasquez takes on Cottages.com, both bringing over 25 years of industry experience. Ben Lyall from Gousto is appointed for pricing strategy, and Mike Francis from Ocado focuses on owner lifecycle. Alex Loftus moves to support Novasol and James Villas. CEO Matthew Price emphasizes strategic growth across Europe.