Human Resources

🏖️ Nate Hardesty has been appointed as the new general manager and area vice president for Grand Hyatt Deer Valley. With 23 years at Hyatt, Hardesty’s experience includes managing Thompson Austin and tommie Austin, and Andaz West Hollywood. He previously served as regional VP of sales, overseeing 60 directors across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. This appointment marks Grand Hyatt’s Utah debut, with 3,700 skiable acres at Deer Valley.

🏨 Ryan Bukstein's career at Ace Hotel started in 1999, when the first Ace Hotel opened in Seattle. Ace, founded by Alex Calderwood, became a cultural icon by blending hospitality with community engagement. By 2000, Ryan, originally from Wisconsin, joined Ace after moving to Seattle for college and studying abroad in Japan. He took on various roles, including PR and marketing, eventually becoming VP of brand. Ace Hotel expanded to Portland and other cities, maintaining its unique cultural integration.

🏨 HHM Hotels has revamped its leadership team to boost performance and growth. Cathy O’Brien, Hiram Negron, and Doug Wilkins were promoted to executive vice president of operations. Marsha Ray is now EVP, head of Canadian operations. Ray Perez continues as EVP of operations. Raul Moronta joined as chief revenue officer in late 2024. This restructuring aims to enhance owner relations and operational excellence while preparing for future expansion.

🏨 Jens Gmiat rejoins Ruby Group to support its global expansion and manage operations, commercial strategy, and culture. With over 30 years in hospitality, including leadership at HotelCo51 and Criterion Hospitality, he now assumes oversight during Daniella Boeken's maternity leave. Ruby Group, guided by CEO Michael Struck, is strengthening its leadership with Fabian Zellinger and Martin Zilkens joining as managing directors, aligning with their Lean Luxury philosophy and international growth objectives.

💼 Pete Sams becomes President of Highgate, bringing over 30 years of hospitality leadership experience, previously serving as COO at Peregrine Hospitality. Highgate, aiming to expand in Europe, launched HG Portugal and relaunched Dorsett City London Hotel. The company also acquired Viceroy Hotels & Resorts and, with partners, purchased 18 hotels in Portugal. Mahmood Khimji, Co-Chairman, praises Sams for his operational expertise to accelerate growth and value delivery globally.

🍴 José Andrés Group appointed Sam Bakhshandehpour as CEO over a year ago. The group operates 45 restaurants and plans to expand in the Western U.S. and the Middle East, particularly in Arizona, Southern California, Nevada, Colorado, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Focus areas include the Bazaar meat concept, Zaytinya, and a new concept. Expansion will emphasize hotel partnerships and licensing the José Andrés name, targeting secondary markets near Las Vegas.