Human Resources

📌 Ryan M. Alpert joined Extreme Hospitality as chief commercial officer, bringing 25 years of hospitality experience. Alpert has held several senior roles, including executive VP of commercial strategy and senior VP of sales and revenue strategy. Eric Rubino, principal of Extreme Hospitality, commends Alpert's strategic vision and proven track record. Alpert is also co-founder and president of the KRW Foundation, aiding youth and community in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

📌 Andrew Casperson promoted from COO to president of Coury Hospitality in spring 2023, overseeing operational strategies for its hotels, bars, and restaurants, including the new Concert Hospitality arm. Extreme Hospitality named Ryan M. Alpert, with 25 years of experience, as CCO. KSL Resorts rebranded as Peregrine Hospitality, led by CEO Greg Kennealey and an experienced team. Westgate Resorts announced leadership changes, promoting long-standing executives like Mitch Less (COO) and John Willman (CFO). Hospitality industry veterans like RJ Cooper and Alexandre Ariel appointed to lead culinary and hotel management at luxury destinations Kohler, Wisconsin, and Fairmont Monte Carlo, respectively.

🍴 Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999 and Restaurant Hospitality since 2016, is known for his coverage of food and beverage trends. He hosted the podcast "In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn" and wrote for The New York Sun from 2005 to 2008. A Tufts University magna cum laude graduate, he also studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Thorn won the 2006 Neal Award, served as IFEC president in 2005, and has written for notable food encyclopedias. He resides in Brooklyn, N.Y.

🏩 Andrew Casperson promoted to president of Coury Hospitality in Dallas, Texas. Previously COO, Casperson joined Coury in spring 2023, driving growth and operational efficiency. Under his leadership, Coury saw improved guest satisfaction and financial performance. The promotion will further impact the travel industry with a focus on reimagining guest experiences and operational standards in lifestyle hotels. Concert Hospitality also falls under Casperson's leadership, expanding the company's influence.

📌 Cycas Hospitality appoints Philip Steiner as COO for UK, Ireland, Netherlands, and Portugal. Steiner previously improved Bankside Hotel to top 10 on TripAdvisor, earning “Best of the Best” 2024 title with an 87% guest recommendation score. Since 2018 at Cycas, he's progressed through roles and led a complex with 244 rooms. His extensive career includes working at Rome Cavalieri and with Hilton and Starwood, and he serves on the Institute of Hospitality board and as an Ambassador for Hospitality Action. CEO Matt Luscombe commends Steiner’s results and leadership as he takes on the new executive role to support Cycas's European expansion.

🏖️ Tripadvisor will buy Liberty TripAdvisor for $435 million, aiming to simplify its ownership structure by settling debts and eliminating the holding company's stake. This deal could allow Tripadvisor, established in 2000 and once valued at $15 billion in 2015, to either expand or downsize as its market value has decreased to under $2 billion by December 18. Hindered by debt, competition, search engine changes, and the pandemic's impact, Tripadvisor sees this agreement as a strategic move towards flexibility and a wider range of potential transactions.

📋 Temp-to-hire models gain traction in the foodservice industry, particularly in quick-serve and fast-casual segments, due to their growth in 2024 and expected expansion in 2025. This hiring method allows employers to assess potential permanent staff in a low-employment environment without long-term commitments. Temporary postings typically range from three to six months, after which employers may pay a conversion fee to make the temp a permanent employee. The method offers a solution to adapt to increased labor demands despite the introduction of automated systems. Employers are advised to invest in committed training and intentional onboarding to improve hiring success.

🏦 Flight Centre UK named Joe Beevis as general manager, succeeding Lucy Clifton, now in a senior global learning and development role. Beevis, with the company for 15 years, aims to expand the brand's high street presence, increase sales in luxury, round-the-world, and groups, as well as grow the business travel division. He previously served as a retail consultant, then in managerial roles, including pre-pandemic GM of the business travel division. His new role took effect January 2.

👨 Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort appoints Stuart Evans as director of sales and marketing following a renovation. Pendy West Hollywood names Mgeni Mpolo for the same role. CordValle hires Alissa O’Briant with 20+ years' experience as their director. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort brings on Ryan Clark with 20+ years' culinary background as executive chef. Hotel La Jolla, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, selects Ernest Lopez as executive chef. Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, opening spring 2025, appoints Nicolas Piatti as executive chef. Naples Grande Beach Resort designates Jose Garcia as chef de cuisine. Hotel Revival Baltimore announces Jasmine Garland as director of impact. The Shelborne by Proper, opening 2025, appoints Guy Chetwynd as managing director, Mariannie Santiago as general manager, and Oliver Morgan as director of sales and marketing.