Human Resources

📈 Amal Mohammed Ahmed promoted to Vice President - Global Operations at Dnata Travel Group, managing a team of over 2,000 across global contact centres in UAE, UK, Serbia, Philippines, and India. Dnata, part of the Emirates Group, is executing a global growth strategy to expand in the Middle East and beyond. John Bevan, CEO, states that Ahmed's role will support Operations, driving innovation in customer service. Ahmed's background includes over two decades with Emirates Group and an MBA in Aviation Management from Coventry University, UK. Dnata comprises over 15 international travel brands and recently expanded its retail presence with a new store in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates.

🏨 Vincent Ramelli appointed as the new CEO of LodgIQ, a Silicon Valley-based AI revenue management platform for hospitality, on February 4th, 2025. Ramelli, with a history of scaling businesses, focuses on global expansion and user-friendly solutions for hoteliers. LodgIQ, already serving over 550 hotels, is set to grow under his leadership, meeting the demand for data-driven management in the dynamically evolving hospitality industry. For more details, visit https://lodgiq.com/.

🏦 Claudia Kozma Kaplan appointed Chief Brand Officer for Raffles and Fairmont Hotels. Kaplan, with experience at Christian Dior and Gucci, oversees Raffles’ 23 hotels and forthcoming openings in London, Boston, and Jaipur. Led “The Butler Did It” campaign enhancing Raffles' brand. Now also guiding Fairmont brand direction for global resonance.

🏌️ Barry McCauley of Lough Erne Resort won 'Ulster Golf Manager of the Year' at the Golfers Guide to Ireland Awards. He was recently promoted to Director of Golf after a decade of service in various roles. The resort features the Faldo Course, ranked in Golf World's Top 100 Parkland courses in GB and Ireland, and the Castle Hume Course. Lough Erne Resort, under Barry's leadership, has seen growth and increased industry recognition. TRU Hotels and Resorts LLC's Jeff Mahan and Mark Ward praised Barry's impact on the resort's success.

📈 Shiji announced the promotion of Nikkie Singh to Executive Vice President, Global Operations on February 3, 2025, in Singapore. Singh has over 20 years of experience and has significantly contributed to Shiji's success in APAC and the Middle East. Her role includes overseeing global service delivery, major accounts, and developing a global support organization. Shiji is preparing to name a new Senior Vice President for APAC and the Middle East. For more details, visit www.shijigroup.com.

📌 Awaze CEO Henrik Kjellberg to step down after 6+ years at the helm, leaving January 31. CFO Matthew Price will temporarily lead Europe's top vacation rental management business as they seek a replacement. Kjellberg led expansions in product portfolio, tech improvements, and enhanced guest/owner experiences. Next career move undisclosed, indicating a "new chapter" ahead. 🏖

🏡 Meyer Jabara Hotels now manages the Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel, a 212-room Autograph Collection property. The luxury hotel boasts spa accommodations, an upscale restaurant, a rooftop pool, and 14,000 sq ft of event space. Recently, the hotel added a 78-room tower and 2,000 sq ft of new meeting space. A 1,200 sq ft penthouse suite is among the upgrades. Jeff Sweet, with 40 years of experience, is the new general manager. The hotel is owned by IMH Columbia LLC.

💰 Thompson Hospitality appoints Joe Lawler as CFO, succeeding Ali Azima who will retire in 2026. Lawler, who joined in 2020 as SVP of strategy & finance, has helped the company's portfolio more than triple through multiple acquisitions. Thompson Hospitality, founded in 1992 with over 70 locations across 14 brands, launched Thompson Restaurants last year and is planning a loyalty and gift card program this year. The company is one of the largest minority-owned foodservice management companies in the U.S.

🏨 Coury Holdings expands with nine hotels in California and appoints Bo Patel as COO. Patel, with 20+ years in hospitality, previously co-founded Evolution Hospitality and managed a $1B+ portfolio. New properties add 1,500 rooms, including Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, and Homewood Suites in San Diego, the DoubleTree in Palm Springs, and TETRA Hotel, Hotel Citrine, AC Hotel Palo Alto, and AC Hotel Sunnyvale in the Bay Area, featuring amenities like outdoor pools, fitness centers, and dining venues.