Human Resources

🎉 Driftwood Hospitality Management celebrated its 27th anniversary in North Palm Beach, Florida. The company marked nearly three decades in hospitality with coast-to-coast events. Each property hosted celebrations, including breakfasts, lunches, games, prizes, and special activities for team members. Employees received matching commemorative shirts. Chief Operating Officer Bryan Postema emphasized the importance of recognizing the hard work and dedication of DHM’s staff. These events aimed to celebrate the company's culture and community spirit across all locations.

💻 Steve Marino appointed VP of IT + Hotel Systems at PM Hotel Group in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with over 25 years of experience at Marriott International. His recent role was VP, U.S. & Canada IT, managing technology for 700+ managed and 6,000 franchised hotels. Marino to oversee IT infrastructure, systems, and innovation, aiming to align technology with operational performance and guest experience. His leadership will enhance PM Hotel Group's tech strategy and operational consistency.

🏨 Nicolas Dubort has been appointed as managing director of Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris. With 25+ years in luxury hospitality, Dubort's experience spans Four Seasons, The Peninsula, Dorchester Collection, Waldorf Astoria, and Mandarin Oriental. Previously, he was GM at Mandarin Oriental Muscat, Oman. Le Royal Monceau, near Champs-Elysées, built in 1928 and reopened in 2010, embodies Parisian glamour and creativity, promising artful elegance and unique experiences.

🏖 Monica Hubert, with 30+ years in hospitality, is the new GM at Everline Resort & Spa, Lake Tahoe. She last managed Outbound Sedona, launching it for Spring 2026. Previously, she was GM at Hyatt Regency Sonoma and led sales at Hyatt Centric Silicon Valley in 2022. Her career includes roles at Resort at Squaw Creek and Delaware North. Everline Resort, managed by CoralTree, offers ski-in/ski-out access and a full-service spa.

📈 Yvette Estrada, with over a decade of legislative experience, joins the AHLA to lead state and local government affairs in the Western U.S., including Alaska, California, Hawai'i, Nevada, and Washington state. Estrada will address the Hotel Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance adopted last summer by the Los Angeles City Council, risking hotel closures and job losses. Brett Horton, AHLA chief advocacy officer, emphasizes the industry's current challenges, particularly in Los Angeles.

🏨 Barbara Biffi, recently appointed as chief brand officer, is set to transform Kempinski Hotels' global brand strategy. With a rich background in luxury cruise branding, including roles at Silversea Cruises, she aims to apply her expertise in digital and brand experience to the 150-year-old hotel group. Biffi's career began in 1999 at Ogilvy, and she has held various strategic roles, leveraging her degree in statistics and economics from Milan's Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.

🏨 Obie Companies has promoted Curt Asmussen to president and COO of Obie Hospitality. Asmussen, who was vice president for five years and managing director at Obie's Inn in Boise, has worked in hospitality for two decades. Relocating to Eugene, he will lead growth through acquisition and development, including the new Residence Inn Boise Downtown/University and the 75-room Gordon Hotel Corvallis opening in spring 2027. This role centralizes expansion efforts.

🏨 Sacha Cauwels-Wigan is announced as the new general manager of The Imperial Hotel Blackpool. With over 32 years in international hospitality, she has held senior roles at Sheraton Hotels across the UK, Africa, and the Middle East. She will manage daily operations and oversee the transition to a family-oriented model. The 19th Century hotel is expanding to include themed bedrooms and all-inclusive packages, alongside its existing amenities like a cinema room and arcade.