Human Resources

📈 Spencer Coles becomes CEO of Sommet Education on 16 February 2026. With over 25 years in international education, he previously led MPW's four-fold growth over five years. Sommet Education, serving 20,000 students across 10+ countries, offers 400+ programs. The group has strengthened industry ties, focusing on hospitality talent and leadership. Coles' appointment aims to enhance governance, boosting employability and skills relevance in hospitality education.

🌍 Amir Golbarg's career includes leadership roles since 2012 at Minor Hotels in Bangkok, Doha, and Dubai. In March 2019, he was appointed Vice President Operations for the Middle East, later becoming Senior Vice President in September 2021, managing 38 hotels with 7,000 keys and a 30-hotel pipeline. His leadership drives growth across Middle East & Africa, contributing to Minor Hotels' goal of 300 new hotels by 2027, enhancing brand equity and performance in luxury segments.

🏠 Ali Shahid appointed CEO of The Bench, succeeding a nine-year tenure, to lead global strategy and product direction. Jonathan Worsley becomes Chairman, focusing on strategic initiatives. Leadership changes include Matthew Weihs as Growth Director and Daria Smith as Middle East and Africa Managing Director. FHS Saudi Arabia scheduled for April 20-22, 2026, at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, with numerous sponsors and partners supporting the event.

✅ January 13th, 2026, Munich – TrustYou, a leading Hospitality AI platform, appointed Jenna Xue and Jasmine Leong to accelerate AI adoption in APAC. TrustYou launched its AI-powered platform, including a Customer Data Platform (CDP), Customer Experience Platform (CXP), and AI Agent, designed for seamless hotel communications. Jenna Xue brings 15 years of marketing expertise, while Jasmine Leong offers 15 years in hospitality tech. This move supports TrustYou’s commitment to enhance guest engagement and innovate in the APAC region.

📄 Marriott International is set for leadership changes. On March 28, 2026, Satya Anand becomes Group President of U.S., Canada, and CALA, Neal Jones is appointed President of EMEA, and Federico Greppi assumes leadership of CALA. Liam Brown and Brian King will retire in June 2026 after decades of service. Anand will relocate to Bethesda, Maryland, overseeing over 1,300 properties. Marriott spans 142 countries with nearly 9,100 properties, boosting growth through new leadership.