Human Resources

📢 Marielle joined Choice Hotels EMEA in 2023 and will become Head of Operations from December 1, 2024. Her role includes leading strategic development for franchisees, optimizing workflows, and implementing technologies. CEO David Beers highlighted her contributions since 2023 and anticipates further franchise success under her leadership. Choice Hotels EMEA has nearly 400 hotels in 17 countries. Contact Katie Kershaw for more information at 07539 437 238 or katie@kershawandcompany.com.

🍰 Albio Ziu appointed as Pastry Chef at the Great Northern Hotel’s restaurant, RAILS, with 10+ years of experience including The Bloomsbury Hotel and Searcy’s Pall Mall. Will develop RAILS' dessert, afternoon tea, and private dining menus, focusing on seasonal dishes and expanding vegan/gluten-free options. Jenni Lehtonen, Sales and Marketing Director, highlights Ziu's skill, vision, and commitment to guest experiences.

📈 Sandrine Zechbauer, with over 16 years’ experience in travel and hospitality tech, is appointed as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for RMS Cloud, a leading property management software provider. She previously held senior roles at British Airways, Etihad, Air France, Sabre, and was Senior Director at Khoros. Zechbauer will lead global marketing, focusing on brand awareness in EMEA, APAC, and the Americas, supporting RMS Cloud’s strategic growth and market presence. RMS Cloud serves over 7,000 properties across 70 countries and has been established for 40 years.

🏢 Frank Santos, Rosen Hotels & Resorts' newly appointed CEO, steps into his role following Founder Harris Rosen's death at 85. Santos, who began as CFO in January 1986, has been with the company for almost 39 years. The company staffs over 4,000 associates and boasts seven Orlando hotels, alongside other ventures including RosenSure and Millennium Technology Group. Santos helped create essential community programs like free preschool for underserved areas and affordable healthcare for associates. He's also active on various boards, holds CHAE+ and CHA+ designations, and is a past HFTP president.

💻 In Atlanta, Otelier appointed Rob Lawrence as its new CEO, with Ali Moloo remaining as executive chairperson. Lawrence has extensive experience in scaling SaaS companies and leading them to revenue growth. His goal is to drive Otelier's growth in the hospitality technology sector and set new innovation benchmarks.

🏠 The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) elected new leadership, including Chair Kristie Dickinson and inducted 37 new members for its 2025 class. Members are chosen by invitation and undergo rigorous screening to ensure integrity and expertise. The ISHC, composed of individual members, not corporations, fosters professional development and serves as a leading hospitality resource. Key roles include President Steve Hennis, Vice President Ivar Yuste, Secretary Penny Fondy, and Treasurer Suzanne Mellen.

💲 Lee Ainsworth promoted to Director of Strategy for the Advantage Travel Partnership, to lead the company's strategic plans and support ambitious growth. Ainsworth, with Advantage for nine years, praised by CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said for his leadership and strategic thinking. The promotion reflects the company's dedication to nurturing talent and Ainsworth's commitment to driving strategic development and stakeholder value.

🏨 Gabriel Escarrer Juliá, founder of Meliá Hotels International, died at 89 on November 26. He started the company in Majorca in 1956 at 21. Today, Meliá boasts over 400 hotels in 40+ countries. In 2016, his son Gabriel Escarrer Jaume became chairman and CEO. Juliá received numerous honors, including from Spain and the Balearic Islands. He opened pioneering properties in the Mexican Caribbean, Bali, and Cuba, and is survived by six children and 20 grandchildren.

🏖️ Concord Hospitality partners with Margaritaville Resorts & Hotels to manage Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound in Tampa, Florida. The 123-key waterfront hotel features two restaurants, a resort-style pool, and is located on a private 220-acre island, 30 minutes from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. This marks Concord's first Margaritaville partnership, adding to its nearly 40 years of hospitality experience.

💸 Driftwood Hospitality Management (DHM) promoted Bryan Postema to COO, Michael Buddemeyer to VP of operations focus service, and Michael Diaz to chief strategy officer; Frenchman's Reef appointed Martin Smith as managing director, Andrew Haas as VP of commercial services, and Maria Vilchez as general manager; Preferred Travel Group promoted Stephanie Calhoun, Christopher Ahlgrim, Renee Haddad, and Priscilla Haryadi to various VP and director positions; Katherine “Kati” Gregory joined Pendry Hotels as director of sales and marketing; Hotel Granada hired Lucits Dean as director of sales; The Chatwal, New York appointed Sebastian Gurevich as hotel manager; Sunriver Resort named Krista Miller VP of real estate and development and Megan Roe as general manager of Caldera Springs.