Human Resources

💻 VENZA, a cybersecurity provider for the hospitality industry, has appointed James Filsinger as CEO. Filsinger, formerly of Ponterra Business Advisors, succeeds Jeff Venza, who becomes Chairman of the Board. Filsinger's past achievements include leading Yapta to a 35x revenue increase and managing $2.5 billion in transactions at Moneydirect. His expertise in mergers and acquisitions and leadership will bolster VENZA's growth, innovation, and client impact.

💻 James Filsinger appointed CEO of VENZA, effective immediately. VENZA, a cybersecurity provider in the hospitality industry, aims to enhance innovation and client impact. Filsinger brings over 20 years of experience, previously leading companies like Yapta and EZYield.com. Former CEO Jeff Venza becomes Chairman. Filsinger plans strategic acquisitions to boost VENZA's capabilities, previously driving a 35x revenue increase at Yapta and managing $2.5 billion in transactions at Moneydirect. VENZA's growth remains aligned with its core values.

💻 James Filsinger has been appointed CEO of VENZA, a cybersecurity and data protection firm for the hospitality industry. He takes over from Jeff Venza, now Chairman of the Board. Filsinger previously led Yapta, achieving a 35x revenue boost and served over 8,300 enterprise clients. He managed over $2.5 billion in transactions at Moneydirect. His focus at VENZA will be strategic acquisitions and driving innovation, aligning with VENZA’s values and growth strategy.

🏖 Ennismore is expanding in the Americas with new hotel projects in Mexico and the U.S. Mama Shelter Mexico City opens in late 2025 with 100 rooms. Hyde Mexico City launches this year with 215 rooms, and The Hoxton follows in 2028 with 80 rooms. Delano East Cape in Los Cabos opens in 2029 with 117 rooms and 60 residences. In Miami, Balfour Miami Beach joins the Morgans Originals collection, and Delano Miami Beach reopens in late 2025 with 171 rooms. Ennismore plans six all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.

📁 Anthony Ingham is appointed as COO of Rosewood Hotel Group, effective 1 September 2025, while Luca Finardi becomes VP Operations EMEAC, starting 1 June 2025. Ingham will lead global operations, reporting to CEO Sonia Cheng, after experience with Marriott and The Hong Kong Jockey Club. Finardi, previously at Mandarin Oriental, will manage operations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean Atlantic, reporting to Ingham and focusing on operational excellence and brand consistency.

🍴 Bret Thorn, a senior food & beverage editor, has been with Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999. He held a column at The New York Sun from 2005-2008. Thorn also joined Restaurant Hospitality in 2016. A Tufts University alumnus, he studied at Le Cordon Bleu and Nanjing and Beijing Universities. In 1989, he worked for ABC News in Beijing. Thorn's accolades include a 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award. He resides in Brooklyn, NY.

🏠 Paul Roberts, previously CFO, now COO; Matthew Ward appointed as CFO; Jon Davis as CTO at Village Hotel Club. These leadership changes support a growth strategy involving a £82 million refurbishment programme to upgrade existing UK assets. CEO Gary Davis aims to enhance guest experiences and expand the brand by acquiring and transforming new sites. The focus is on operational excellence and evolving the customer proposition.

🏨 Macdonald Pittodrie House, near Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, is a historic luxury hotel set in 300 acres, popular for weddings. Recent months show increased wedding bookings. Julie Hutchison, with over a decade's experience, became manager in April 2025. The hotel hosts weddings for up to 100 guests in its ballroom, offering bespoke options. The venue is renowned for its award-winning service and picturesque setting, enhancing its reputation as a prime leisure destination.

🏖️ METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella appoints Ignacio Gomez-Escolar as General Manager. With over 20 years of luxury hospitality experience, Ignacio has previously served as General Manager at Hard Rock Hotel Marbella and held leadership roles at St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort, InterContinental Bahrain, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, and Rio Perdido. He aims to position METT Hotel as a leading resort on Costa Del Sol, which boasts 249 rooms and suites, Azure Beach Club, MOI spa, RAISE fitness gym, and four restaurants.

🍴 Lisa Goodwin-Allen appointed as Culinary Director at The Beaumont Mayfair, joining CEO Stuart Procter and Executive Chef Brendan Fyldes. They will oversee the hotel's food offerings, including ROSI, a new restaurant opening in autumn. Goodwin-Allen, celebrating a 23-year Michelin Star tenure at Northcote, Lancashire, also heads the Northcote: Obsession Food Festival. She contributes to hospitality through mentoring and as Chair of Judges for Craft Guild of Chefs Young National Chef of the Year, alongside TV appearances on shows like MasterChef.