Human Resources

🏦 In Rockville, Maryland, on April 29, 2025, Arch Amenities Group announced new executive appointments: Jessica Heger Michalak as Senior VP of Operations, Stefanie Chenok as Senior VP of Human Resources, and John Toman as VP of Information Technology. Michalak previously worked at OneSpaWorld and as an executive consultant; Chenok led HR at 24 Hour Fitness and held roles at Banana Republic and Target Corp., earning a B.S. from Oklahoma City University. Toman, with a B.S. from the University of Maryland and an M.S. from The George Washington University, previously led tech at Edlio. The CEO of Arch, Caitlin McKenna, highlighted the trio's roles in the company's goal to become the leading provider in its service categories.

🍴 Mark Donald, Executive Chef of the two Michelin-starred The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, was appointed Honorary Vice President by the Master Chefs of Great Britain (MCGB). Recognized for his innovative Scottish cuisine and dedication to local, sustainable produce, Donald is celebrated for his culinary excellence and mentorship of young chefs. George McIvor OBE, Chairman of MCGB, acknowledges Donald's visionary talents and looks forward to collaborating on culinary initiatives. Donald's seasonal menus and Scottish culinary vision are noted as influential in his recent MCGB Magazine interview.

🖤 Mohamed Elbanna appointed as EVP of Global Operations at Auberge Resorts Collection, based in Bethesda, Maryland. With over two decades of experience, Elbanna previously served as COO for Fort Partners US and Global Head of Operations at Citadel. Auberge recently opened locations in Florence and Geneva, with anticipated launches in London (late 2025), Miami, Dallas, and Houston. Elbanna will oversee operations across Auberge’s portfolio, enhancing the brand's luxury hospitality vision.

🍳 The Pilgrm hotel in Paddington launches a chef residency series with Filipino-British concept LUTO, led by chef Mary San Pablo, starting in May for three months. This program allows emerging chefs to test new ideas and offers guests and visitors an evolving culinary experience. Past collaborations featured chefs like Abby Lee and Imad Alarnab. LUTO showcases a modern take on Filipino-British cuisine using British produce, with signature dishes like Blackened Pork Belly and Leche Flan. Reservations are recommended for the limited-run residency, open Wednesday to Saturday from 5.30 – 9.30pm.

🇧🇴 Executive Chef Eran Tibi from London will host a pop-up event at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla from April 15-19, collaborating with Executive Chef Emmanuel Calderon. Tibi, known for his restaurants Kapara and Bala Baya, will serve Eastern Mediterranean dishes at Bamboo Bar & Grill, utilizing local ingredients and offering menu items like cauliflower steak crumble and fresh fish platters. Guests can book via email for this second-time pop-up by Tibi in Anguilla.

🍴 Enrico Giuseppe Maimonte appointed as Chef de Cuisine at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay. With a background in Italian and Asian cuisines, Enrico has worked in Milan and at Nobu Milano for 4.5 years before moving to Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay in 2018 as second chef. After a stint in Dubai in 2021, he returned to Ibiza, becoming Executive Chef in March 2022. Enrico upholds Nobu's philosophy of simplicity and taste, focusing on local, high-quality ingredients, and aims to infuse Mediterranean elements into the dishes.

📝 Hazel, pivoting from chemistry graduate to hospitality during the 2008 recession, became a PBX agent at W Atlanta Buckhead, which sparked her career in hospitality. She quickly ascended from a "whatever, whenever agent" to Director of Style (housekeeping) within 5 years at W, thanks to strong work ethics and seizing every opportunity. Hazel's journey then led her through various cities and roles: she assisted her sister's move to New York in 2013, landed a front office manager position at W New York Times Square, and later became Director of Operations in Chicago and Dallas. After familial events in 2019, Hazel moved closer to family in Washington, D.C., eventually becoming the General Manager at Le Meridien, Washington D.C. She champions building a positive team culture, honest communication, and developing leadership potential within her team, especially amongst women and underrepresented voices.

🍴 Christine Magrann appointed as president and COO of Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar and Mexican Sugar, owned by FB Society. FB Society also controls Haywire, The Ranch, Son of a Butcher, Legacy Food Hall, and Assembly Hall. Magrann has a history with Makeready's hotels and restaurants, including The Adolphus in Dallas, The Ryder Hotel and Emeline in Charleston, S.C., and The Halcyon in Denver, Colo. FB Society aims to enhance guest experiences and expand into new markets.