Human Resources

🏩 JoAnn Kintzel appointed CEO of M3, the cloud-based financial software for the hospitality industry, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, on February 27, 2025. She succeeds Allen Read, now Executive Principal. Kintzel, former CEO of Procare Solutions, is expected to drive growth under Blackstone's ownership. Allen Read, a foundational M3 employee, has over 30 years of experience and has held multiple roles, including VP of Operations and President. M3 serves over 9,000 entities and has a 95% customer retention rate.

📌 Eric Churchill promoted to COO of Meyer Jabara Hotels, joined the company in 2004, became senior VP of operations in 2013. William Hornbuckle named national chair of the U.S. Travel Association for two years, succeeding Chris Nassetta. Spencer Hux joins The Hermitage Hotel and Keswick Hall as chief sales officer with nearly two decades of experience. Shalon Hopkins appointed senior VP of accounting and finance at Pacifica Hotels, with over 20 years of expertise. Jesse Kremer promoted to VP of hotel operations at McNeill Hotel Company. Brian McCormick joins The Kessler Collection as VP of people and culture, bringing over two decades of experience. Alison Wallace promoted to director of sales, citywide strategy at Hiltons of Chicago Sales and Marketing Complex, effective April 1. Chintan Dadhich named complex general manager for Tempo by Hilton Times Square and Conrad New York Downtown. Adam Gurgiolo appointed GM of Chicago Athletic Association, with 25 years of hospitality experience. Jeffery Modaff becomes GM at Hotel 1000, LXR Hotels & Resorts in Seattle, previously opening hotel manager at Conrad Los Angeles.

📣 Carla Shaw appointed as SVP & GM for BCV – A RateGain Company, in Noida on February 25, 2025. With over 20 years of experience in hospitality SaaS and services, Shaw is set to drive business growth, client success, and digital innovation. Previously, Shaw served as VP at Camber Creative, leading growth for clients like Stripe and BigCommerce. RateGain, founded in 2004, serves 3,200+ customers in 100+ countries, and partners with 26 of the Top 30 Hotel Chains and 25 of the Top 30 OTAs.

📌 John McLean appointed as Managing Director of The Stafford Collection after serving as General Manager since May 2024. Holly Landry, VP of Accounting at Practice Hospitality, has over 20 years' financial experience including a prior role at Provenance Hotels. Jillian Loughlin elevated to Director of Commercial Services, and Ana Connolly to Regional Director of Revenue Management at Practice Hospitality. Jose Corraliza joins UMusic Hotels as SVP of Entertainment, with over a decade at Cirque du Soleil. Carolina Voullieme is now Multi-property Director of Sales and Marketing for Marriott International's Aruba and Grand Cayman resorts. Enna Hernández appointed Director of Sales at The Ocean Club, Costa Norte. Ernest Brown becomes Director of Food, Beverage, and Culinary at Hotel Maverick. Michael Brunner named EVP, Credit Investments at Peachtree Group. Adam Zilber to lead as GM at Park Hyatt Los Cabos, opening Q2 in Mexico. Dominique Lorent is the new GM at Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla. Thibaut Asso rejoins Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth as Resort Manager. Javier Gimeno becomes GM of the upcoming Meliá Pattaya. Brock Taylor appointed GM at Monterey Beach Hotel, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

🍴 Bret Thorn, a dedicated food & beverage journalist, has been shaping industry trends since 1999 with Nation’s Restaurant News. He furthered his expertise, joining Restaurant Hospitality in 2016. Thorn's insights won the Jesse H. Neal Award in 2006 and led to his presidency of IFEC in 2005. His academic pursuits include a magna cum laude history degree from Tufts University, a Cordon Bleu culinary certificate, and studies at Peking and Nanjing Universities. Thorn, a native of Denver, now resides in Brooklyn, NY.

📌 Candice D'Cruz, Vice President of Luxury Brands at Hilton, was interviewed on the Hospitality Daily Podcast. The interview was published on Feb. 15, 2025, discussing career moves within the hospitality industry.

📖 Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor, has been with Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999 and Restaurant Hospitality since 2016. Hosts "In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn" podcast. Wrote for The New York Sun (2005-2008), Manager magazine, and Asia Times in Thailand (1992-1997). Magna cum laude from Tufts University (1990), studied French cooking at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, and Chinese language/history at Nanjing and Beijing Universities (1988-1989). Won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award, inducted into Disciples d’Escoffier (2014). Lives in Brooklyn, N.Y.

📈 Marriott International appointed Shannon Patterson as SVP, Global Sales, succeeding Tammy Routh; Andy Kauffman as Chief Commercial Officer, U.S. and Canada, replacing Julius Robinson; Gail Frazer as SVP, Sales and Distribution, U.S. and Canada, succeeding Brian Gilligan. Prince A. Sanders became The Wall Street Hotel's General Manager, and Harrison Lipner as Director of Sales and Marketing. Declan Lott rejoined Edwardian Hotels London as VP of Sales, North America. Richie Kavanagh was promoted to VP and GM of The Reef Residences at Atlantis Paradise Island. Caribe Royale Orlando Resort named Bryan Gay as Director of Sales and Marketing. Zsuzsa Nagy was appointed Hotel Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills' new GM is Tod Chambers; Terra Palm Springs' new GM is Kurt Englund. The Wilde Resort & Spa appointed Tobby Rau as GM. Cheval Collection welcomed Ian James as a GM for two London properties. Nathan Hanner joined Timbri Hotel San Francisco as GM.