Human Resources

📈 Viceroy Hotels & Resorts revamped its leadership team with four new executives following Arash Azarbarzin's recent CEO appointment. Patrick Pahlke, formerly of Sage Hospitality Group, is now chief commercial officer. David Solis steps in as VP global luxury and leisure sales, previously with Ultimate Jet Vacations. Megan Mulholland, from THE WELL, becomes SVP brand marketing and wellness. Shel Buhler, with two decades of experience, is the new VP food and beverage.

🏖 Chris Long will lead the upcoming OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort, debuting in February 2026. Long, appointed in April 2025, brings nearly ten years of leadership at OUTRIGGER, with experience in the Maldives and Southeast Asia. The resort expands OUTRIGGER’s presence in Thailand, adding to locations in Koh Samui, Khao Lak, and Phuket. Long aims to introduce a hospitality style that is relaxed, local, and authentically connected to the island.

📈 Hyatt Hotels Corp. has appointed Jason Ballard as the global brand leader – Essentials in 2025. He will oversee the growth of the Essentials portfolio, which includes brands like Hyatt Studios and Hyatt Select. This year, Hyatt has signed over 20 new deals, reaching a total of 70 hotel deals for Hyatt Studios. Half of the U.S. Essentials deals for 2025 are in new markets. Ballard brings nearly 20 years of experience in scaling select-service properties.

Bijal Shah named Chief Product Officer; Stephen Hambleton promoted to Associate Vice President – Product Management, reinforcing IDeaS’ commitment to pioneering solutions for the hospitality industry. MINNEAPOLIS — Dec. 16…

📅 The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park has appointed Borja Garcia as the new general manager. 🎉 With over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality across the Americas and Europe, Garcia previously managed The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort and Hotel Maria Cristina. His expertise with brands like Marriott International and Four Seasons shapes his goal to deliver outstanding service and memorable experiences, enhancing the hotel's prestigious reputation.

💼 Global Asset Solutions has appointed Duncan Kinnear as hotel asset manager, enhancing their team in December 2025. Duncan, with over eight years of hospitality experience, has worked with Hamilton Pyramid Europe, Savills Spain, and the Iberostar Group. He holds a Master's in Engineering from the University of Leeds and a Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management certificate from Cornell. This appointment follows the recent additions of Adnan Shamim in the Middle East and Leanne Reddie in Singapore.

🏖️ Awaze, one of Europe's largest holiday rental providers, appoints Carlie Wittred as Brand Growth Director to enhance brand presence. Wittred, formerly at Gousto, aims to unify PR, partnerships, and marketing for brands like Hoseasons and Cottages.com. Awaze reports record guest numbers in August and a 14% rise in Black Friday bookings year-on-year. Occupancy grew 4% in Q3, supported by investments in technology and marketing. Richard Banks believes Carlie will sharpen market positioning.

📈 William Gibbs, appointed Senior Advisor for strategy and growth at roomangel Foundation, will lead the global expansion of hive, an AI platform for hotels. With a background in hospitality management, he aims to optimize hotel data usage for better decision-making. Previously, Gibbs was a board member at Sir Richard Sutton and held roles at The Hotel Collection and Westmont Hospitality Group. Hive, already analyzing billions of data points daily, aims to transform hotel asset management.

🚌 Paul Stoneham will become CEO of Big Bus Tours in January, succeeding Pat Waterman, who becomes non-executive chairman. Vagn Soerensen steps down as chairman but remains an advisor. Stoneham, previously with Life Fitness and other companies, aims to expand Big Bus Tours' services and destinations. The company has recently acquired Touristation (Rome), West Coast Sightseeing (Vancouver), and Tour Dubai, and introduced amphibious 'Duck' tours.