Human Resources

📅 In Danbury, Connecticut, Eric Churchill, with a 21-year tenure at Meyer Jabara Hotels, has been promoted from Senior Vice President of Operations to Chief Operating Officer, overseeing portfolio operations. He started with the company in 2004 as General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Copley Square in Boston, later managing the Providence, Rhode Island, Marriott. His rise through the ranks reflects Meyer Jabara Hotels' culture of leadership and success. A Johnson and Wales University graduate, Churchill’s career includes positions at Harvey DFW Airport and Bristol Hotels and Resorts. He will continue working from Providence, Rhode Island.

📣 Carla Shaw appointed as SVP & GM for BCV – A RateGain Company, in Noida on February 25, 2025. With over 20 years of experience in hospitality SaaS and services, Shaw is set to drive business growth, client success, and digital innovation. Previously, Shaw served as VP at Camber Creative, leading growth for clients like Stripe and BigCommerce. RateGain, founded in 2004, serves 3,200+ customers in 100+ countries, and partners with 26 of the Top 30 Hotel Chains and 25 of the Top 30 OTAs.

🏨 As of Feb 24, 2025, 65% of U.S. hotels face staffing shortages, with employment nearly 10% below pre-pandemic levels. Over 70% have open roles, averaging six to seven per property. Housekeeping and front desk positions are hardest to fill, at 38% and 26% respectively. Hotels are raising wages (47%), offering flexible schedules (20%), discounts (13%), and hosting job fairs (9%) to attract staff. Despite this, 72% of hoteliers see current job prospects as comparable or better than pre-pandemic times.

📅 Pacifica Hotels appoints Shalon Hopkins as SVP of accounting and finance, leveraging 20+ years of experience. The Kessler Collection names Brian McCormick as VP of people and culture to update workplace culture through corporate recruitment experience. Jason Raimondi joins Horwath HTL after founding JOR Hospitality Solutions. Hilton's Chintan Dadhich becomes complex GM of Tempo by Hilton Times Square and maintains his role at Conrad New York Downtown since 2022. Hotel Commonwealth welcomes back Shane McWeeny as GM with 20+ years of experience. Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo Del Sol sets Adam Zilber as GM for Q2 2025 property launch, backed by his 25-year hospitality career. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort appoints Carlo Javakhia as GM; he brings 25 years of experience. Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth designates Thibaut Asso as resort manager. Claudio Togo becomes managing director at Chatham Bars Inn, after roles at luxury properties like Shangri-La Manila. The Stafford London names John McLean as managing director, touting a global hotel career over two decades. The Ocean Club appoints Emma Hernández as director of sales. W Algarve's new executive chef Andrea Ciuccio to manage multiple restaurants. Hotel Maverick’s Ernest Brown takes on director of food, beverage, and culinary role after 30+ years in

📌 John McLean appointed as Managing Director of The Stafford Collection after serving as General Manager since May 2024. Holly Landry, VP of Accounting at Practice Hospitality, has over 20 years' financial experience including a prior role at Provenance Hotels. Jillian Loughlin elevated to Director of Commercial Services, and Ana Connolly to Regional Director of Revenue Management at Practice Hospitality. Jose Corraliza joins UMusic Hotels as SVP of Entertainment, with over a decade at Cirque du Soleil. Carolina Voullieme is now Multi-property Director of Sales and Marketing for Marriott International's Aruba and Grand Cayman resorts. Enna Hernández appointed Director of Sales at The Ocean Club, Costa Norte. Ernest Brown becomes Director of Food, Beverage, and Culinary at Hotel Maverick. Michael Brunner named EVP, Credit Investments at Peachtree Group. Adam Zilber to lead as GM at Park Hyatt Los Cabos, opening Q2 in Mexico. Dominique Lorent is the new GM at Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla. Thibaut Asso rejoins Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth as Resort Manager. Javier Gimeno becomes GM of the upcoming Meliá Pattaya. Brock Taylor appointed GM at Monterey Beach Hotel, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

🍴 Bret Thorn, a dedicated food & beverage journalist, has been shaping industry trends since 1999 with Nation’s Restaurant News. He furthered his expertise, joining Restaurant Hospitality in 2016. Thorn's insights won the Jesse H. Neal Award in 2006 and led to his presidency of IFEC in 2005. His academic pursuits include a magna cum laude history degree from Tufts University, a Cordon Bleu culinary certificate, and studies at Peking and Nanjing Universities. Thorn, a native of Denver, now resides in Brooklyn, NY.

🏨 Valerio Duchini appointed CEO of B&B HOTELS for Western Europe, succeeding Marine Charles. Duchini, with 16 years at B&B HOTELS, was instrumental in the brand's international growth and opened the first three American hotels. His mission: consolidate growth and accelerate development in key European markets. Duchini, 52, holds a degree in economics, a master’s in tourism management, and completed Harvard's Advanced Management Program. B&B HOTELS, based in France, is a significant hospitality player.