Human Resources

📚 Sloan Dean, former CEO of Remington Hospitality, shares his decision to resign after 8 transformative years to pursue entrepreneurship. He is now enhancing his skills through MIT AI courses. Dean highlights his belief in calculated risks and clarifies that becoming CEO was not his ultimate goal. Resources and further insights from Sloan Dean are available on platforms like LinkedIn and various podcasts. Subscribe to Hospitality Daily for more updates and insights.

👨‍💻 Michael Chorey joined Presto in 2025 to develop Presto IQ, a pioneering AI-native data offering for the QSR industry. Based in the U.S., Chorey aims to enhance Presto's drive-thru Voice AI platform, leveraging his experience from Wendy's FreshAi. Presto IQ will enable real-time personalization for customers, crew, and operators. Krishna Gupta, Presto's co-founder, highlighted Chorey's significant contribution to their leadership team, which collectively has over 100 years of restaurant experience.

🤖 Michael Chorey, founder of Wendy's FreshAi, joins Presto to head Presto IQ, a pioneering AI-native data initiative for the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. Chorey aims to expand Presto's drive-thru Voice AI platform and enhance personalization for customers, crew, and operators. With over ten years in Voice AI, Chorey contributes to Presto's 100+ years of combined restaurant expertise, aiming to revolutionize industry personalization and operational efficiency.

  Promoted into extended roles to join the PPDS Senior Leadership team, Ron Cottaar is now overseeing the organisation’s marketing around the world as Head of Global Marketing, with Jae O…

🍴 Bret Thorn is a food & beverage editor at Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999, residing in Brooklyn, NY. He previously wrote for The New York Sun (2005-2008), Asia Times (1995-1997), and Manager magazine (1992-1997). Thorn studied at Tufts University, earning a BA in history in 1990, and at Le Cordon Bleu in 1986. He served as IFEC President in 2005 and was inducted into the Disciples d’Escoffier in 2014.

✈️ Ashley Raiteri appointed interim Chief Technology Officer at Retailaer, an airline retailing and distribution platform. Raiteri, with experience developing flight search engines and launching over eight startups, will lead Retailaer's technology vision and growth. He has collaborated with airlines like United, Swiss, and Virgin. The role involves building a scalable platform, enhancing user experience, optimizing data-driven decisions, and ensuring system security, in line with Retailaer's mission to revolutionize customer-airline engagement.

🏨 Lighthouse has appointed Mercedes Blanco as vice president of enterprise growth following its acquisition of The Hotels Network (THN). With nearly 20 years in Travel & Hospitality, Blanco aims to integrate Lighthouse's commercial intelligence with THN's AI marketing technology. Previously THN's chief partnerships officer, she played a key role in forming strategic industry relationships. Dave Collier, Lighthouse's CRO, highlights her strategic vision and partnership-building skills as pivotal for the platform's industry impact.

🗺️ Israeli-based Travelier appoints Kinneret Khamchi, ex-BlaBlaCar and Wix, as VP of Data to enhance data operations across their global platforms. Travelier, operating in 124 countries with over 19,000 transportation providers, aims to leverage AI tools for greater value. Khamchi, former head of data at BlaBlaCar, led a 30-analyst team. Her experience in travel-tech analytics is expected to bolster Travelier's data-driven strategies.

💼 Anke Maas, with Leonardo Hotels since 2012, continues as CHRO to enhance HR strategies in Central Europe, focusing on staff loyalty and digital integration. Significant initiatives under her leadership include the 2014 “LeoDo” social program and the 2015 launch of the Beekeeper app for internal communication. Her public law, HR, and organizational development background supports her strategic role in aligning HR practices with the company's long-term goals.

🌎 Xeinadin appoints Zoe Powell as Director of Travel, Hospitality, and Leisure. Powell, with over a decade of banking and finance experience, joins from the Civil Aviation Authority, where she assessed UK ATOL holders for 2.5 years. She will lead Xeinadin's regulatory advisory services for travel firms, supporting ATOL renewals and Package Travel Regulations compliance. Her appointment aligns with Xeinadin's investment in digital infrastructure and regional expertise.