Human Resources

🏨 Design Hotels, part of Marriott International, announced 29 new agreements and a 10% portfolio growth. Recently opened properties include the 69-room Warren Street Hotel in NYC (February) and The Home Hotel Zurich (August) with 132 rooms. Drift Nashville opened in July with 104 keys. In the U.S., Design Hotels now features 10 new properties, totaling 14 in California, and in Mexico, it surpassed 25 properties with upcoming additions like Tinte Hotel (2026). The brand is set to introduce its fifth hotel in Georgia and expand in Switzerland to 15 hotels, as well as launch properties in Istanbul, Singapore, and Bali. The managing director, Stijn Oyen, highlights the brand's vision and community spirit as they mark nearly 300 hotels worldwide.

🚀 Jorge Gilabert appointed as Managing Director to co-lead the Travel, Hospitality and Leisure practice at Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) in Europe. With over 15 years' experience, Gilabert, based in Spain, aims to drive strategic transformations in tourism and hospitality. Known for leading significant business turnarounds and M&A processes, he notably worked with CEO Federico Gonzalez on the strategic transformations of NH Hotels, Radisson Hotels, and Louvre Hotel Group. Previously a Partner at Monitor Deloitte in Spain, Gilabert expanded the consumer industries sectors and led strategic projects across various consumer-focused industries. Ed Bignold, head of A&M’s THL Practice, anticipates expanding geographic reach and capabilities with Gilabert’s expertise.

📌 McKibbon Hospitality appoints Mike Dickey as senior VP of human resources, leveraging his 35+ years of experience. Uniguest names Shawn O’Connell executive VP of sales Americas after his 12+ years at Samsung and 8+ years at PSAV. Mandarin Oriental promotes Amanda Hyndman to COO, succeeding Christoph Mares, while she maintains her role as chief people and culture officer. The Sebastian-Vail, a Timbers Resort, welcomes Kate Grattan as general manager. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach appoints Keenan Rothenborg as sales manager. BH Properties selects Mark Workman as managing director, investment and asset management, with his 17+ years in the field, previously at Lincoln Property Company.

🐝 Bee Emmott is set to become the CEO of Artfarm on January 1, 2025, taking over from Ewan Venters. Venters announced his resignation in September 2024 after a controversy regarding The Groucho Club, which Artfarm acquired in 2022. Emmott joined Artfarm in 2018 and has been deeply involved in its operations. Artfarm, based in London and Scotland, includes venues like The Audley Public House and plans further openings in the UK, Europe, and North America. Venters led Artfarm's significant expansion since 2021.

🏨 Griffin Hotel Management LLC has merged into Meyer Jabara Hotels (MJH), adding 14 assets to MJH's portfolio. With additional deals, MJH is expected to manage 50 hotels by Q1 2025. Griffin's CEO James Kirkland becomes MJH's SVP of Operations – Western region, while majority owner Jay Fishman assumes a business development role. The merger expands MJH's Western footprint with properties in Texas, Illinois, Arizona, New Mexico, Minnesota, and Michigan and introduces new capital partners. Kirkland has opened over 30 U.S. properties during his career, and Fishman has managed over 40 hotel transactions.

🏨 Omar Romero appointed as Chief Development and Luxury Officer at Minor Hotels, based in Bangkok, to lead global expansion and manage key stakeholder relationships. Amanda Hyndman promoted to COO at Mandarin Oriental, with 18 years at the company, following Christoph Mares' retirement. Claudio Cadeddu joins Sereno Hotels as CCO with over 20 years in luxury hospitality. Lakshmi Moolraj becomes ENVI Lodges' corporate director of sales and marketing, after orchestrating East African luxury lodges' sales and operations. Philip Lawrence Kadoorie to become deputy chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Ltd. board from January 1, 2025. Ryan Kingston named area managing director for Noble House Hotels & Resorts' three Wyoming hotels. Four Seasons Hotel New York appoints Christopher Shiel as director of marketing for the fall reopening. Brian Smith becomes general manager of Hotel Maverick in Colorado. VERANÓ Hotels + Resorts hires Pierre-Alex Maillard as area general manager for the first of three new luxury lifestyle hotels in Puerto Rico. Monica Eisen appointed as general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Prague, bringing nearly two decades of Four Seasons experience.

🍴 Michael Blades was promoted as the new Head Chef of Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, Lichfield's only Michelin starred restaurant. He has known Tom Shepherd for over 11 years and helped open Upstairs in October 2021. Blades previously worked at the two Michelin starred Restaurant Sat Bains and in Adams, Birmingham. Upstairs plans to expand, and Mike will now lead a kitchen brigade of ten, managing 40 covers, and maintaining the restaurant's signature dishes. Tom Shepherd will continue partnerships with Experiences by Wembley Stadium, Royal Ascot, Wimbledon, and other dining events.

📍 Rosanna Maietta has been appointed as president & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), effective November 14. Prior roles include president & CEO of the AHLA Foundation and executive vice president of communications and public relations at AHLA. Her selection was led by the AHLA Search Committee and unanimously approved by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Kevin Carey, who served as interim president & CEO since March 5, 2024, will continue as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Executive Vice President. Maietta's recent position was as chief communications officer at the American Clean Power Association (ACP), where she expanded her team and significantly increased event revenue.