Human Resources

📈 Aly El-Bassuni, with over 30 years in hospitality, joins Choice Hotels as Senior VP of Managed Hotels Division. His extensive experience includes roles at Aimbridge Hospitality, Wyndham, and Radisson. Aly emphasizes operational excellence and innovative brand solutions. Choice Hotels aims to enhance global operations, evidenced by Tobias Reinecke's promotion within the EMEA region. Aly’s leadership is expected to fortify operational management and strategic growth.

📈 Nizar Weshah, with 26 years in hospitality, oversees Hyatt's operations in Saudi Arabia, focusing on strategy, performance, and expansion. He has worked in Jordan, Azerbaijan, Serbia, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, particularly in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. His role supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming for sustainable growth and talent development. Saudi Arabia is becoming a key business and leisure destination due to significant developments and investments in tourism infrastructure.

📈 Kristian Toivanen, Aurelia van Lynden, and Dan Clayton will report to Kempinski's Chief Product & Experience Officer, Rasha Lababidi. Kristian, ex-Executive Director at The Aspen Tree, Thailand, now serves as VP Wellness & Spa. Aurelia, with 13 years in luxury travel, is VP Experiences. Dan, founder of FoodSheikh, is VP of Food & Beverage & Hospitality. These strategic roles enhance Kempinski's focus on wellness and cultural experiences, following Hoda Tahoun's appointment as Chief Talent Officer.

🏠 Jenni Benzaquen will report to Anthony Ingham at Rosewood, overseeing residential growth and operations. With over 20 years in luxury real estate, her role involves integrating Rosewood properties globally. Rosewood operates 11 residential properties, aiming to expand further. CEO Sonia Cheng emphasizes strategic focus and the success of Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills. Benzaquen’s appointment strengthens their expansion strategy, targeting urban and resort destinations while maintaining high standards and community connections.

📚 Sloan Dean, former CEO of Remington Hospitality, shares his decision to resign after 8 transformative years to pursue entrepreneurship. He is now enhancing his skills through MIT AI courses. Dean highlights his belief in calculated risks and clarifies that becoming CEO was not his ultimate goal. Resources and further insights from Sloan Dean are available on platforms like LinkedIn and various podcasts. Subscribe to Hospitality Daily for more updates and insights.

👨‍💻 Michael Chorey joined Presto in 2025 to develop Presto IQ, a pioneering AI-native data offering for the QSR industry. Based in the U.S., Chorey aims to enhance Presto's drive-thru Voice AI platform, leveraging his experience from Wendy's FreshAi. Presto IQ will enable real-time personalization for customers, crew, and operators. Krishna Gupta, Presto's co-founder, highlighted Chorey's significant contribution to their leadership team, which collectively has over 100 years of restaurant experience.

🤖 Michael Chorey, founder of Wendy's FreshAi, joins Presto to head Presto IQ, a pioneering AI-native data initiative for the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. Chorey aims to expand Presto's drive-thru Voice AI platform and enhance personalization for customers, crew, and operators. With over ten years in Voice AI, Chorey contributes to Presto's 100+ years of combined restaurant expertise, aiming to revolutionize industry personalization and operational efficiency.

  Promoted into extended roles to join the PPDS Senior Leadership team, Ron Cottaar is now overseeing the organisation’s marketing around the world as Head of Global Marketing, with Jae O…

🍴 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.