Human Resources

🔔 Rosanna Maietta was appointed the next president & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), effective Nov. 14, after a unanimous approval of her appointment by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Previously, she was president & CEO of the AHLA Foundation and Executive VP of communications and public relations of AHLA. The selection came after a several-month search overseen by AHLA's Search Committee and AHLA Vice Chair Mitch Patel. Kevin Carey, who served as interim president & CEO of AHLA since March 5, 2024, will continue as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Executive VP. Maietta's former role was as chief communications officer & senior counselor to the CEO at the American Clean Power Association (ACP).

🍴 The Common Man, a 12-concept hospitality group in New Hampshire, focuses on comfort food and country-style hospitality. Vincent Vella, CEO, emphasizes serving good food at reasonable prices. Founded by Alex Ray 53 years ago, the first location seated 35 people. Now with six unique locations, they serve classics like chicken pot pie mixed with fusion dishes. Their portfolio includes three diners and a camp-themed restaurant. Despite expansion, The Common Man will remain within New Hampshire, aiming to support local communities and charities like the New Hampshire Food Bank.

📆 Rosanna Maietta appointed as President and CEO of American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), effective November 14. Previously, she led the AHLA Foundation and served as EVP of communications and public relations at AHLA. Maietta built relationships with key AHLA stakeholder groups. She returns after a successful tenure at the American Clean Power Association, where she expanded her team and event revenue. Kevin Carey, interim AHLA president since March 5, will continue as COO and Senior EVP. AHLA's executive committee and board unanimously approved Maietta's appointment after a comprehensive search led by AHLA Search Committee.

📈 Rosanna Maietta appointed president/CEO of AHLA, effective Nov. 14, 2024. Formerly served as president/CEO of AHLA Foundation and executive VP of communications and public relations of AHLA. AHLA leadership expressed confidence in Maietta's capabilities. Kevin Carey acknowledged for his interim leadership since March 5, 2024, and will continue as senior executive VP and COO. Maietta's recent role was with the American Clean Power Association, where she expanded her team and increased event revenue.

📌 Brian Hicks appointed as president and CEO of Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, succeeding the late Bob Gilbert. Abe Liao named managing director of Watergate Hotel, bringing experience from Aimbridge Hospitality. Brian Smith becomes general manager of the 60-room Hotel Maverick. Felix Schlokat joins Hilton Cancun as general manager in September. Craig Pearson takes on general manager role for the 200-room Hyatt House Chicago/West Loop-Fulton Market. Melissa Plymal appointed national sales manager for Lansdowne Resort, after being director of sales and marketing at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards. Laurie Helley becomes senior sales manager for Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek. Nicholas Cuomo hired as executive chef at Rome Cavalieri, overseeing the hotel's dining venues. Shawnda Brooks promoted to director of spa at The St. Regis Deer Valley. The Four Seasons Hotel New York, reopening Fall 2024, names Michael Dedera general manager, Christopher Shiel marketing director, and Iwona Luksza F&B director. Hotel Champlain, Curio Collection by Hilton, adds Kenzie Allen as executive chef and Israel Prado Rivas as F&B director. The Sea Ranch Lodge establishes a new culinary team with Darren McRonald as executive chef, Jay Wyant-King as F&B director, Chloe Tula as wine director, and Katrina Coffman as farm manager.

🏝 Tommie Hollywood, opened in 2021, is rebranding as Hollywood Volume, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, under Marriott International, departing from Hyatt. The hotel, designed by Studio Collective, features 212 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the city or Hollywood Hills, including seven top-floor one-bedroom suites. Managed by Ten Five Hospitality, it's located in Hollywood’s Vinyl District, near the refurbished W Hollywood. Known for unscripted LA experiences and a Yucatan-inspired restaurant, Ka’teen, the hotel offers pop-up parties, art installations, a social hour, and a rooftop country bar and pool. Despite the rebrand, culinary and nightlife offerings remain, as does the lobby-level meeting room accommodating up to 100 people. Hyatt, which acquired the Dream Hotel Group in 2023, is also potentially losing Thompson Hollywood to Marriott.

🏭 Cindy Lapidakis, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Royal Basket Trucks®, was named one of the "Notable Women in Manufacturing" in southeastern Wisconsin by BizTimes. Starting her career in New York in the printing industry, she joined Royal in 2007, contributing significantly to its growth. Since the company's inception in 1982, it has expanded with an 80,000-square-foot facility in spring 2020, now offering over 80 different products. Royal's product line serves various markets, including hospitality and health care.

🏠 Cameron House on Loch Lomond appoints Bryan Cremey as Head Pastry Chef. With 19 years of experience, Cremey previously worked at Raffles London, Mandarin Oriental, The Lanesborough, Club Gascon, and The Fat Duck. He aims to enhance the dining experience, emphasizing seasonal Scottish ingredients. Cameron House boasts 208 bedrooms, 28 suites, multiple dining outlets, a spa, marina, two golf courses including The Carrick golf course, and 115 self-catering lodges within its resort.

📈 Zen Valli appointed as RMS Cloud's chief revenue officer, having been managing director for EMEA. Matt Riley rejoined JLL's Hotels & Hospitality Group as senior director, specializing in hotel and resort transactions. Maverick Hotels and Restaurants promoted Vasileios Ioannoum to regional director of operations. Dorian Franklyn Phillips named general manager of The Art Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton. Pierre-Alex Maillard became area general manager of VERANÓ Hotels + Resorts, leading VERANÓ San Juan. Desy Setiawati promoted to hotel manager at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Joe Mauro appointed as director of sales and marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, Boston. Kathryn Fink joined High Stakes Rooftop Grill as executive chef. L’Ermitage Beverly Hills appointed Todd Matthews as executive chef. Paul Funk named executive chef at Kimpton Journeyman Hotel. CBRE expanded with Mark Fluent, David Milestone, and Bill Moyer as vice chairs in Los Angeles. Club Med named Armelle De la Porte des Vaux as VP of marketing and Ron Gulaskey as VP of U.S. sales and strategy. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts announced four new leadership team members: Jillian Katcher, Natacha Cuvelier, Mitchell Laufer, and Jonne Buijtels as vice presidents. The Westin Alexandria Old Town appointed Ravi Gaur as general

🏡 Benjamin Vuchot appointed as CEO of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Ltd. and will join the executive committee. Clement King Man Kwok to step down on October 31. Bob W's new CFO, Hervé Deligny, tasked with leading growth across Europe. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts adds four executives, including Jillian Katcher as VP of operations, Americas, and Natacha Cuvelier as VP of CRM, global. IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan names Kiyohito Iinuma COO for Japan. Langham Hospitality Group appoints Angela Zhou as senior VP – finance. Vasileios Ioannou promoted to regional VP of operations at Maverick Hotels and Restaurants. Rohit Chopra becomes area commercial director, India, for Minor Hotels. Michael Farquharson joins The Eliza Jane as managing director. Halekulani Okinawa appoints Shigeki Yamamoto as director of sales and marketing. Joe Mauro named director of sales and marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, Boston. Hard Rock Hotel San Diego adds Taylor Murphy as hotel manager and Anna Livingston as director of sales. Nikki Beach Hospitality Group expands its team in support of global growth. The St. Regis Aruba Resort prepares to open with Oliver Reschreiter as GM. Nathaniel Johns becomes general manager of The Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town.