Human Resources

📍 Samantha Dunion, with 35 years of experience, is the new vice chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Hotel and Venue Network. Formed by the Convention Bureau in 2025, it promotes regional business collaboration. Faris Thowfeek of Ibis Hotel chairs the group. Hotel Indigo Coventry opened in January 2024. The network's inaugural meeting had over 30 representatives. Paul McMahon emphasizes collective growth amid challenges. Dunion aims to foster regional collaboration and support the hospitality sector.

📈 In 2006, Wayne Williams joined Minor Hotels, then a 10-hotel company with $150 million revenue. Over 20 years, it expanded to over 560 hotels across 12 brands worldwide. Key growth moments include acquiring NH Hotel Group in 2018. Williams, now CFO, highlights leadership, transparency, and adaptability, crucial during the pandemic. His advice: “Don't specialize too quickly; resilience matters.” His proudest achievement is building his team, underscoring a career committed to growth and integrity.

📈 Airbnb on Tuesday named Pepijn Rijvers as its new chief business officer, succeeding Dave Stephenson. Rijvers, who worked at Booking.com from 2008 to 2021, will focus on expanding Airbnb's hotels business. In August, Airbnb added thousands of boutique hotels across 20 cities, including New York, Paris, and London, prioritizing this area strategically.

🏨 Rachael Henley, general manager of The Fife Arms, departs in October after nearly six years. She started as hotel manager in 2020, became general manager in 2022, and previously worked at Grantley Hall and The Idle Rocks. The Fife Arms, a 46-bedroom hotel, reopened in 2018 after a multi-million-pound renovation. Henley plans a career break, volunteering in Zambia. Her successor at The Fife Arms hasn't been announced yet.

🏠 Airbnb announced on Tuesday the appointment of Pepijn Rijvers as the new chief business officer, replacing Dave Stephenson. Rijvers, who worked at Booking.com from 2008 to 2021, will focus on expanding Airbnb's hotel offerings. In August, Airbnb incorporated thousands of boutique hotels in 20 cities, including New York, Paris, and Singapore. Rijvers' expertise includes a five-year tenure as chief marketing officer and launching Booking.com's China business.

🏨 Dan Thompson was appointed hotel director at The Pig at Harlyn Bay, succeeding Lukas André, who led for over six years. In September 2026, Thompson transitions from Devon's Thurlstone Hotel, where he was general manager since 2024, after nearly 10 years at Mullion Cove Hotel. The Pig at Harlyn Bay, opened in 2020, is the seventh in its portfolio, featuring 30 guestrooms near Padstow, within five acres of garden, dating back to the 16th century.

🏨 Criterion Capital appointed Vaqas Farooq as CEO and Steve Silvester as CFO to advance its development pipeline in the UK, Portugal, and Abu Dhabi. Criterion manages over £6bn in assets, with a hotel portfolio of 28 properties, including a 1,000-bed capsule hotel in London’s West End. In September 2024, Criterion secured a £16m refinancing package for Zedwell Greenwich, with a goal to expand to 8,000 rooms by 2029, currently operating over 3,000 rooms.

📈 In 2026, Urban Hospitality Concepts' Mikail Goek emphasized that in luxury hospitality, leadership roles have evolved beyond traditional models. Senior leaders now must be equipped with the skills to manage diverse environments like boutique hotels, clubs, and residences. Effective hiring should focus on behavioral assessments rather than impressive CVs, highlighting leadership adaptability in varying contexts. A wrong senior hire risks brand integrity, affecting culture, retention, and financial performance, stressing the need for precise candidate assessment.

📈 Choice Hotels appoints Dominic Dragisich as president and CEO, effective immediately. Dragisich, interim CEO since May 2026 after Patrick Pacious's departure, has been with Choice for nearly 10 years. His previous roles include CFO and chief growth officer. He previously worked at XO Communications, Marriott, NII Holdings, and Deloitte Consulting. Stewart Bainum Jr., board chairman, praises Dragisich for his strategic leadership. Dragisich aims to accelerate growth and strengthen Choice's brand portfolio.