Human Resources

🍴 Ron Ruggless, a senior editor since 1992 at Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News, has extensive experience in foodservice journalism. He was with the Dallas Times Herald from 1982 to 1991, including roles as restaurant critic and food editor. Ruggless moderates panels at various industry events, including MUFSO and RestaurantSpaces. He previously worked for the Charlotte Observer (1980-1982) and Omaha World-Herald (1978-1980). Connect with him on social media (@RonRuggless on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok).

📈 Katharina Dein, Jelena Kezika, and Andrea Krenn assume pivotal roles at Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) in 2023. Dein, with GHA since 2013, becomes VP of Commercial, while Kezika, also since 2013, is VP of Strategy. Krenn, part of GHA from 2021, is now Senior VP of Communications. GHA, with 800+ hotels in 100 countries, champions gender diversity, with women making up 60% of leadership. New hotel additions in 2025 include Cinnamon Hotels (Sri Lanka), Sunway Hotels (Malaysia), and Rotana Hotels (UAE).

✈️ Auguste Bajorunaite, a former flight attendant for five years, transitioned to Senior Sales Manager at FL Technics, a part of Avia Solutions Group, managing aircraft maintenance. She studied aviation management at Kazimieras Simonavicius University. The aviation maintenance market is witnessing 3-5% annual growth due to post-pandemic recovery. Challenges include rapid decision-making, competitive MRO market, and engineer shortages. Koh Samui, Thailand, is her favorite airport, and she emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and communication skills for success.

📷 Oscar Postma, with over 25 years in luxury hospitality, is the new General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Previously overseeing operations at Conrad Singapore Orchard and Conrad Centennial Singapore, he led a major brand transition at Regent Singapore. In his new role, Oscar will enhance guest experiences, leading a diverse team and fostering innovation. His return to The Ritz-Carlton marks a homecoming to his roots in elite hospitality.

📈 Tom Bell joins Gekko, a subsidiary of the Accor group, in early 2025 as Market Director for Teldar Travel in Northern Europe, Spain, and Portugal. He now oversees the Leisure division, including Teldar Travel, Infinite, and Miles Attack brands. With 25+ years in the travel industry, Bell will work with the Gekko Executive Committee to expand internationally, focusing on digital transformation to enhance travel agency services.

📈 Indian travel technology firm RateGain appoints Parijat Tiwari as executive vice president and general manager of distribution, focusing on global strategy, innovation, and growth. With 17+ years of experience, including leadership roles at Paytm and BCG, Tiwari will leverage AI to enhance distribution. Bhanu Chopra emphasizes Tiwari’s strategic vision and operational expertise. Tiwari aims to drive RateGain’s mission of building an AI-powered travel platform, contributing to its global expansion and efficiency.

📈 Rachael Nicholson, former Group General Manager of Operations at Heritage Hotel Management, joins Accor's Pacific team under Anne Gill to focus on commercial outcomes in New Zealand and Fiji. With 18 years at Air New Zealand, she contributed to pandemic response and global sales strategies. Her appointment follows Accor's 2025 Pacific Leaders Conference, which hosted 350 senior leaders. Accor also appointed Emilie Couton as CEO of Accor Plus, continuing its strategic leadership restructuring.

📄 Stéphane Maquaire takes over as Chairman of Club Med following Henri Giscard d'Estaing's departure after 22 years. Fosun, Club Med's owner, confirmed Maquaire's appointment, indicating a strategic shift. Maquaire's career spans retail and real estate, including leading Carrefour in Brazil until July 2025. His appointment aims to enhance operational control and long-term strategy in the evolving hotel industry. The change comes amid tensions and a focus on adapting to post-pandemic challenges.

💻 Forge Holiday Group, parent to Sykes Holiday Cottages and Forest Holidays, appoints Jule Owen as Chief Product Officer to boost tech capabilities. With 20+ years in tech and finance, including roles at Rothschild, Unruly, and Microsoft, Owen will enhance AI use and drive innovation. Previously, she was Chief Product and Technology Officer at startups like KareHero. CEO Graham Donoghue emphasizes the significant impact expected from Owen’s leadership in the holiday letting sector.

🗺 Newly appointed General Managers at NUMA will oversee operations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, and Eastern Europe. Julius Anders leads in the DACH region, Paul Álvarez Gentles in Spain, Antonio Fragateiro in Portugal, and Ladislav Szabo in Eastern Europe. NUMA, managing over €2.5 billion in assets, expanded into 36 cities across 15 countries. In 2024, revenue grew by over 100%, with continued growth anticipated in 2025.