Human Resources

🏨 Montage Healdsburg has appointed Steve Janicek as general manager, bringing nearly 30 years of hospitality experience. Janicek formerly managed Omni Mount Washington Resort, New Hampshire, and worked over a decade with The Ritz-Carlton in various roles. Montage Healdsburg, located on 258 acres in Sonoma, California, features 130 guest rooms and 40 private residences. His leadership is expected to enhance the guest experience with innovative programs and distinctive hospitality.

🍴 Bret Thorn is a food & beverage editor at Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999, residing in Brooklyn, NY. He previously wrote for The New York Sun (2005-2008), Asia Times (1995-1997), and Manager magazine (1992-1997). Thorn studied at Tufts University, earning a BA in history in 1990, and at Le Cordon Bleu in 1986. He served as IFEC President in 2005 and was inducted into the Disciples d’Escoffier in 2014.

✈️ Ashley Raiteri appointed interim Chief Technology Officer at Retailaer, an airline retailing and distribution platform. Raiteri, with experience developing flight search engines and launching over eight startups, will lead Retailaer's technology vision and growth. He has collaborated with airlines like United, Swiss, and Virgin. The role involves building a scalable platform, enhancing user experience, optimizing data-driven decisions, and ensuring system security, in line with Retailaer's mission to revolutionize customer-airline engagement.

🏨 Lighthouse has appointed Mercedes Blanco as vice president of enterprise growth following its acquisition of The Hotels Network (THN). With nearly 20 years in Travel & Hospitality, Blanco aims to integrate Lighthouse's commercial intelligence with THN's AI marketing technology. Previously THN's chief partnerships officer, she played a key role in forming strategic industry relationships. Dave Collier, Lighthouse's CRO, highlights her strategic vision and partnership-building skills as pivotal for the platform's industry impact.

🗺️ Israeli-based Travelier appoints Kinneret Khamchi, ex-BlaBlaCar and Wix, as VP of Data to enhance data operations across their global platforms. Travelier, operating in 124 countries with over 19,000 transportation providers, aims to leverage AI tools for greater value. Khamchi, former head of data at BlaBlaCar, led a 30-analyst team. Her experience in travel-tech analytics is expected to bolster Travelier's data-driven strategies.

💼 Anke Maas, with Leonardo Hotels since 2012, continues as CHRO to enhance HR strategies in Central Europe, focusing on staff loyalty and digital integration. Significant initiatives under her leadership include the 2014 “LeoDo” social program and the 2015 launch of the Beekeeper app for internal communication. Her public law, HR, and organizational development background supports her strategic role in aligning HR practices with the company's long-term goals.