Human Resources

📄 Philippe Kronberg, appointed General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London & AVP Operations, will also support locations in Mayfair, Paris, Amsterdam, and the newly added Lutetia. The announcement from Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, effective Wednesday, highlights Kronberg's 30-year hospitality experience, including roles in Oman, Sydney, Turkey, China, Thailand, and Brisbane, underlining commitment to luxury service excellence. Kronberg previously managed a multi-property destination with over 640 rooms in Muscat for Shangri-La.

📰 Steve Mitchell was appointed managing director of global lodges at Belmond, reporting to Iain Langridge. He oversees the expansion of Belmond's global lodge portfolio and existing safari lodges in Botswana, including Eagle Island Lodge and Savute Elephant Lodge. Previously, Mitchell co-founded Angama, leading its growth in locations like Kenya's Maasai Mara. He also founded the Angama Foundation, supporting local communities. His appointment aims to enhance guest experiences and reinforce Belmond's position in Slow Luxury travel.

💻 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.

📈 Mark Sergot becomes IHG Hotels & Resorts' new chief development officer for the Americas, leading growth across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean. With 25+ years in hospitality sales, Sergot joined IHG in 2020 and has led global sales since 2022. He'll focus on IHG's Luxury & Lifestyle and Suites portfolios. Previously at Fairmont Hotels for 16 years, Sergot also serves on the U.S. Travel Association board.

Vancouver, Canada, 15 January 2026 – Operto has appointed Tim Major as Chief Executive Officer, marking a pivotal moment for the automated hospitality operations and guest experience platform as it enters a…