Human Resources

🏨 Stephen McNally joins McKeever Hotels' board. He was Dalata's deputy CEO from 2007 to 2022, as it expanded to 57 hotels. McNally previously held roles at Jury's Doyle and Ramada across Germany and the UK. Post-Dalata, he founded SERLs Hospitality, offering services in Ireland and the UK. He also chairs Tourism Ireland's Partnership Board and was Irish Hotels Federation president (2014-2016). McNally has over 40 years in the hospitality sector.

🏨 UK hospitality management company InnPractice has appointed Himadri Bhattacharjee as general manager of Oxford Witney Hotel. The hotel is set to reopen under the JdV by Hyatt brand, following a refurbishment through a franchise agreement with CL Capital and a Hyatt affiliate. The hotel will feature 130 guest rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and event spaces for up to 90 guests. The design draws inspiration from Witney's heritage in wool-making and the Arts and Crafts movement.

📖 Louise Wybrow has been appointed by Rockingham Partners as the head of learning and development, aiming to enhance leadership skills and service standards. Wybrow, a former hospitality business owner and vocational trainer, brings operational insight and learning expertise. Simon Maguire, co-founder of Rockingham Partners, emphasizes her role in supporting team performance. Wybrow expressed excitement about joining and helping professionals grow in confidence and leadership within the hospitality sector.

💻 American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) named Michael Esquibel as CTO to enhance AI and tech strategy. Esquibel, with eight years at Amex GBT, will focus on AI integration, infrastructure, and data governance. Previously, he was SVP of Technology and Platform Engineering. He succeeds David Thompson, who left in May. Esquibel’s role includes overseeing AI initiatives, data infrastructure, and strategic programs, aiming to boost operational efficiency and traveler experience.

🛳 Traveltek's Cressida Sergeant will become CEO on October 1, 2026. Outgoing CEO Mal Barritt, who led the company for seven years, will stay in an advisory role until November 2026. Sergeant, involved with Traveltek for eight years, recently expanded its North American operations. The company was acquired by Juniper Group in October 2024. Sergeant aims to enhance customer efficiency and strengthen partnerships, highlighting future benefits within the Juniper ecosystem.

🏨 Justine Conway was promoted to CEO of House of Gods as the hotel opens in London's Canary Wharf. With a decade's experience at Scotsman Hospitality, she joined as operations director in 2023 and became managing director in 2025. The London site is part of the brand's expansion from Edinburgh and Glasgow, with Manchester next. The opening day overcame challenges but promises memorable guest experiences, showcasing the team's dedication.

📍 Seamus Coen, the general manager of Rusacks St Andrews, is departing after six years. He joined in 2018, previously working as a resort general manager at RBH. Under his leadership, the hotel underwent a refurbishment in 2021 and reopened, hosting the 150th Open Championship in 2022. Coen highlights the development of a world-class hospitality experience and building a strong team culture during his tenure.

📅 September 29-October 1, 2026, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai: At FHS World, His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri and Sir Tim Clark were honored. Abdulla bin Touq received the FHS Leadership Award for advancing UAE's economy and tourism since 2020. Sir Tim Clark earned the FHS Lifetime Achievement Award as Emirates Airline President since 2003. The awards recognize their pivotal roles in regional tourism and aviation. The ceremony will occur on September 29 at 11:50 AM.