Human Resources

📢 Ruby Group appointed Fabian Zerllinger as Chief Growth & Innovation Officer, coinciding with its aim to expand in Europe and globally post-IHG Hotels & Resorts partnership. Zerllinger's 6-year tenure includes Executive Board experience and now encompasses Corporate Development, Systems, New Ventures, and Workspaces. Isabell Fuss’s departure after 11 years leads to this shift, supporting Ruby Group's strategy to enter the US market and streamline innovation and development under unified leadership. CEO Michael Struck endorses this transition for enhanced agility and market entry.

💱 Accor appoints Coline Pont as new Director of Sustainable Development starting July 1, 2025. Pont has over 15 years of experience and was previously Purchasing Director at AXA. The outgoing director, Brune Poirson, contributed to Accor's sustainability roadmap for four years and will now pursue environmental transition projects in New York. Accor, a France-based hotel group, showcases its commitment to sustainability with this leadership transition.

📝 Hazel, pivoting from chemistry graduate to hospitality during the 2008 recession, became a PBX agent at W Atlanta Buckhead, which sparked her career in hospitality. She quickly ascended from a "whatever, whenever agent" to Director of Style (housekeeping) within 5 years at W, thanks to strong work ethics and seizing every opportunity. Hazel's journey then led her through various cities and roles: she assisted her sister's move to New York in 2013, landed a front office manager position at W New York Times Square, and later became Director of Operations in Chicago and Dallas. After familial events in 2019, Hazel moved closer to family in Washington, D.C., eventually becoming the General Manager at Le Meridien, Washington D.C. She champions building a positive team culture, honest communication, and developing leadership potential within her team, especially amongst women and underrepresented voices.

🍴 Christine Magrann appointed as president and COO of Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar and Mexican Sugar, owned by FB Society. FB Society also controls Haywire, The Ranch, Son of a Butcher, Legacy Food Hall, and Assembly Hall. Magrann has a history with Makeready's hotels and restaurants, including The Adolphus in Dallas, The Ryder Hotel and Emeline in Charleston, S.C., and The Halcyon in Denver, Colo. FB Society aims to enhance guest experiences and expand into new markets.

🍴 Christine Magrann appointed as president and COO of FB Society's Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar (12 units) and Mexican Sugar (4 units). FB Society, based in Dallas, also owns Haywire and The Ranch restaurants. Magrann previously led Makeready's hotel and restaurant portfolio, including The Adolphus in Dallas and The Halcyon in Denver. She joins FB Society's executive team with CFO Brad Leist and others. FB Society also manages Son of a Butcher, Legacy Food Hall, and Assembly Hall.

🍴 Christine Magrann named president and COO of FB Society's 12-unit Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar and four-unit Mexican Sugar. FB Society, based in Dallas, also owns Haywire, The Ranch, Son of a Butcher, Legacy Food Hall, and Assembly Hall. Magrann was previously president and COO at Makeready, leading Dallas-based hotels and restaurants, including The Adolphus, The Ryder Hotel, Emeline, and The Halcyon. FB Society's executive team includes Brad Leist, Jon Peck, and Jeff Carcara.

🏢 Warren Dehan steps down as Maestro PMS president, Tim Major takes over; Jason Druso joins Peregrine Hospitality as SVP Operations; Mark George named SVP Commercial Strategy at Island Hospitality Management; Chris Lee appointed GM at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas; Amy Ruffner becomes GM of Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza Hotel; Lucia Aguilar returns to Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs as GM; Thomas LaHood named Director of Food & Beverage at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront; Hotel Emma hires Joshua Scott and Mark Metzger for food and beverage team; Rosewood Baha Mar appoints Gowdhaman 'GP' Perumal as Director of Food & Beverage; Six Senses Rome welcomes Fabio Sangiovanni as Executive Chef; Chef Scott Plumley joins Henderson Beach Resort; Janet Hoediono becomes Executive Chef at Harbour Village Bonaire; Leo Davila set to lead food and beverage at The St. Anthony Hotel; LHG appoints Andrew Grant as Group Director of Music; Perry Ivery elected chair of VisitPITTSBURGH board; Magnolia Hotels adds Weston Brixner, Mabry Kennedy, Wade White, and Robyn Niedringhaus to Tribute Portfolio Hotels team.

📌 First Hospitality announced promotions within its departments, focusing on talent development, commercial strategy, and operations. Christina Santarelli-Foster, with the company since 2023, has been named Senior Vice President of Marketing, aiming to evolve marketing efforts and unlock growth opportunities. Travis Bowman, part of the team since 2009, is now Senior Vice President of People Services, tasked with enhancing the "People First" culture and expanding the First Path leadership program. Nick Johnson, an 11-year veteran, leads the new Full Service & Lifestyle Hotels as Senior Vice President, focusing on guest satisfaction and portfolio growth. Anthony Leitz, with 15 years at First Hospitality, takes the role of Senior Vice President of Premium Select Hotels, optimizing operations and brand growth. COO Jason Kreul emphasized the importance of promoting internal talent, while CCO Jenna Fishel highlighted the "People First" culture manifest in these leadership advancements.