Human Resources

📈 Choice Hotels appoints Dominic Dragisich as President and CEO, effective August 31, 2026. Previously Interim CEO since May 20, 2026, Dragisich has been with the company for nearly a decade, holding roles like Chief Financial Officer and Chief Growth and Strategy Officer. The Board recognized his innovative leadership, crucial in expanding the company's portfolio and creating value. Before Choice Hotels, he was CFO at XO Communications. Dragisich is committed to driving growth and brand strength.

Blog Post Excerpt 📈 EHL Group announced that Dr. Markus Venzin will step down as CEO by the end of 2027. Dr. Achim Schmitt, current Dean, will assume the role from January 1, 2027. Under Venzin’s leadership, EHL achieved AACSB and BCorp certifications and launched the School of Practical Arts. EHL continues to lead in hospitality education with strong demand, state-of-the-art campuses in Switzerland and Asia, and robust financial health. Schmitt aims to enhance EHL’s educational focus.

🎓 Dr. Achim Schmitt, currently Dean, focuses on education at the center of his vision, emphasizing Practical Arts and human-centered management. Under Dr. Markus Venzin, EHL obtained AACSB accreditation, B-Corp certification, and established the School of Practical Arts. Board Chair Carole Ackermann credits Venzin for transforming EHL. The institution boasts rising enrollment, renovated campuses, strong finances, and an improved international reputation. Collaborations will continue with faculty, staff, alumni, industry partners, and students.

🌴 August 31, 2026, Puerto Rico, Rio Grande: Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico welcomes Morty Valldejuli as Managing Director and Gabriel Armando Emanuelli as Director of Sales & Marketing. The 579-key resort, on a 1000-acre peninsula, offers island experiences. Valldejuli brings over 20 years in hospitality; Emanuelli adds 25 years in sales and marketing. The resort was acquired by Henderson Park and Pyramid Global Hospitality. Recognized with 2023's AAA Four Diamond and 2026 USA Today's top ten Caribbean resorts.

📅 August 31, 2026, Tokyo, Japan: JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo, opened in October 2025, names Jakob Helgen as General Manager. Helgen brings over 22 years of Marriott International experience, previously expanding hotel operations in Southeast Asia. From 2019 to 2024, he led growth from 50 to 80 hotels in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar, including Vietnam's expansion from 10 to 20 hotels. Helgen's leadership focuses on offering luxury experiences and enhancing JW Marriott's presence in Tokyo.

📍 In 2021, The Monsaraz opened as Point Loma's first new hotel in over a decade. Valor Hospitality has taken over management of this boutique property, incorporating its food and beverage operations. Valor, led by CEO Euan McGlashan, has a global presence in 75 cities across 26 countries, and this move marks its first West Coast venture. The Monsaraz, featuring Portuguese-inspired design, aligns with Valor's 'A Whole World of Local' philosophy, supporting its strategic U.S. expansion.

🏨 Raines, a hospitality management firm, will manage the 114-room AC Hotel Downtown Little Rock, located at 201 W. Capitol Avenue in the River Market District. The hotel occupies historic buildings and features a fitness center, meeting space, and the AC Lounge. Raines plans to enhance the hotel's food and beverage offerings and utilize its 5,000 sq. ft. meeting space. This contract brings Raines' portfolio to 50 properties with 5,393 keys across the Southeast.