Human Resources

🏡 Domaine des Etangs in Charente, France, has appointed Damien Bastiat as general manager. The 13th-century château will reopen in March. Bastiat, with 30 years of luxury hospitality experience, recently managed Almae Collection and previously led hotels like Hotel Le Toiny St. Barth and Ballyfin Demesne. The property joined Auberge Collection in April 2023. Mo Elbanna of Auberge Collection praises Bastiat’s leadership as they aim to establish the château as a luxury destination.

📍 Guillaume Ranvier, appointed general manager of Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, succeeds Louis Starck as of September 2025. Previously with Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, Ranvier's career includes roles at Hyatt properties in Paris, Doha, Cannes, and Nice. Established in 1928, the hotel, known for its Belle Epoque facade and Gustave Eiffel-designed dome, is undergoing renovations. New suites and Bar Gustave are set to open in June 2026, enhancing its historic elegance.

🏨 Hospitality America celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, founded in 1995 by Chris Cargen, and now led by CEO Ben Campbell. It ranks #22 among South Carolina’s fastest-growing companies and was recently recognized by USA Today as a Top Workplace. New additions include hotels in Charleston, Rogers, Springdale, and Murrells Inlet. The company plans to enhance operations using enterprise technology and recognizes the importance of a supportive work environment for its associates.

🏨 Hand Picked Hotels appointed Matthew Selch as general manager of Brandshatch Place Hotel and Spa in Kent. With 10+ years of leadership experience, including roles at Village Hotels and De Vere Hotels, Selch will enhance the hotel’s bespoke events and private hire offerings. The hotel collaborates with local venues like Mount Vineyard and London Golf Club. Hand Picked Hotels runs 21 hotels across the UK and Channel Islands, aiming to strengthen their presence in the Kent event market.

📍 In 2027, IHG® Hotels & Resorts plans to open a 45-key Garner hotel in Bhiwadi, India, developed by Modest Structures Private Limited and managed by United Hospitality Management. This marks the fourth Garner signing in India, reflecting confidence in its midscale brand. IHG currently operates 51 hotels across six brands in India, with 80 more in the pipeline over the next 3-5 years, targeting India's high-growth, tier-two cities.

📈 Jean-Yves Minet, Global Brand President at Accor, manages ibis, ibis Styles, ibis budget, Novotel, and Mercure Hotels, representing nearly 70% of the group's global portfolio with over 3,500 hotels worldwide. He emphasizes mastering purpose, value proposition, and brand personality to ensure future-proof brands. Minet's approach focuses on delivering consistent, valuable experiences globally, shaped by his non-hospitality background. His full interview on brand strategy is available on Hospitality ON.

📈 Garreth Walsh, appointed as area general manager for Kimpton Hotels in central England, will lead Kimpton Fitzroy London and support Kimpton Clocktower Hotel and Manchester Deansgate Hotel. Walsh, with IHG since October 2019, brings a 15-year experience from The Doyle Collection, managing The Marylebone and Kensington Hotels. His hospitality career started at Jurys Doyle Hotel Group, where he held management roles, including deputy GM at Jurys Inn Islington.

📈 Aimbridge Hospitality appoints Alex Fiz as president of its LATAM and All-Inclusive Divisions, effective March 2. Leandro Castillo will retire but will serve in an advisory role. Alex brings 34 years of experience from Marriott International, where he led strategies in Latin America and the Caribbean. The All-Inclusive Division started in 2025 and focuses on significant growth opportunities in Latin America. Aimbridge Hospitality serves major global brands and independent properties across Mexico and Latin America.

🏨 Minor Hotels announced Winston Gong as General Manager for Avani Kota Kinabalu, set to open in Q2 2026. Winston, experienced in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, previously led Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay. The 352-key hotel features 22 suites, diverse dining, and meeting facilities. Located in Luyang, it is 13 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, aiming to cater to leisure and corporate guests with seamless connectivity.

📈 Aimbridge Hospitality appoints Alex Fiz as president of its Latin America and all-inclusive divisions starting March 2, 2026. He replaces Leandro Castillo, who retires on February 28, 2026, but will stay in an advisory role. Fiz, with 34 years at Marriott, will focus on international growth, capitalizing on leisure segments in the Caribbean and Latin America. Aimbridge emphasizes disciplined execution for expanding its portfolio in these regions.