Human Resources

💰 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.

📅 Scott Roby named President of Pacifica Hotels; Chris Cylke promoted to President of REVPAR International, Inc. after 20 years with the firm, including 9 as COO; Dean Stambules appointed CIO of Sage Hospitality Group; Phil Wade becomes CIO of The Kessler Collection with over $15 billion in real estate transactions; Gordon Drake selected as CFO and Rasha Lababidi as CPO for Kempinski Hotels; Renate Hermes becomes wellness director at Six Senses Crans-Montana; Josh Hoce promoted to director of group sales at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront; James Hansen appointed VP of business development at Reeco; Matthew Slippoy joins The Asbury Collection as managing director; Pilar Florez named director of sales and marketing at Bernardus Lodge & Spa; Michael Briggs and Kristie Rasheed join Olympia Hospitality as managing director and VP of operations, respectively; Patti Cameron promoted to senior director of talent acquisition at Concord Hospitality; Veronica Moretti, Chris Jaycock, Jurgen Ammerstorfer, and Anna Contreras assume GM roles at The Westin Riverfront, Ned’s Club, Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel, and Kimpton Anglers, correspondingly.

💸 Noida, 23rd January 2025: RateGain Travel Technologies Limited appoints Toby March as Executive Vice President – Americas, succeeding Peter Strebel, now Board Advisor. March brings 30 years of experience, including roles at WNS, Galileo, Sabre, and Design Hotels. RateGain, founded in 2004, headquartered in India, serves 3,200+ customers across 100+ countries, and partners with top industry players including 26 of the Top 30 Hotel Chains. The company specializes in AI-powered SaaS solutions for travel and hospitality.

📢 Gonzalo Aguilar became CEO of Minor Hotels Europe & Americas in October 2024, succeeding Ramón Aragonés. Javier Águila is Hyatt's new president of its Inclusive Collection from March 1, 2025. Sean Tresvant was elected as Marriott International's board director effective February 12, 2025, expanding the board to 13 directors. Hotel Equities appointed Adrienne Jubb as SVP of business development for the Western U.S. Remington Hospitality hired Adrian De Gortari as EVP of revenue. The Lodge at Spruce Peak named Beth Allen as director of sales and marketing. IHG promoted Nabil Moubayed to regional director of operations. Andrew Hedley joined Tamarind Hills Resort as director of business development. Salamander Collection appointed Allie Wishart as director of leisure sales. The Oaklander Hotel in Pittsburgh welcomed Kelly Giger as director of sales and marketing. Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha in Qatar announced Andrew Steele as managing director. Red Cliffs Lodge Zion hired Ron Carter as general manager. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives appointed Oliver Eller as GM. Nina Hospitality promoted Charis Yim to GM of Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West in Hong Kong.

🏕 BWH Hotels to open La Estancia, BW Premier Collection in La Romana, Dominican Republic, in 2026. The property will initially have over 60 guest rooms across four floors, with an additional 40 rooms planned. Amenities include a restaurant, bars, a gym, pool, tennis courts, and event space. La Estancia Golf Resort, designed by Pete Dye, features an 18-hole golf course. The hotel aims to promote sustainable tourism and economic growth in the region.

🏡 Will Oakley appointed Managing Director of Cameron House Resort on Loch Lomond, with 30 years in luxury hospitality management, previously directing Jumby Bay Island in Antigua. Cameron House boasts 208 bedrooms, 28 suites, restaurants, a spa, marina, two golf courses, while Cameron Lodges offers 115 self-catered accommodations. Oakley aims to lead the resort to excellence and innovation, enhancing guest experiences. Cameron House positioned as a top Scottish resort, located at West Dunbartonshire, G83 8QZ. Contact: 01389 312271, main website: www.cameronhouse.co.uk.

📢 Lee Palaschak appointed as Executive Vice President of Operations at Stonebridge Companies, reporting to CEO Rob Smith; 35 years of experience and previously SVP at Remington Hospitality. Hotel Equities announces hires/promotions: Clint DeLee as VP of Operations, Karen Mendez as VP overseeing Postcard Cabins portfolio, Lindsay Meadows as SVP of Accounting and Procurement, Brad Read as SVP of Finance, Michaelanne Colarelli as Procurement Manager, Angela Phillips as Regional Director of Sales. Anoop Joseph joins Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa, Oman as Director of Sales and Marketing. Kelsey Jones named Area Director of Sales and Marketing for Kimpton Hotel Monaco DC and Kimpton George. Stewart Arevalo appointed Director of Operations at Hotel Irvine. Sandra Keneven promoted to Senior Sales Executive at The Westin Cape Coral Resort. Len Dumas becomes Director of Club Operations at Silverado Resort. Kay Washington named GM of AC Hotel Chicago Downtown. Eric Segreti appointed GM of The Cove at Atlantis Paradise Island. Brian McHugh takes GM role at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. Stephane Vogel becomes Area GM for Kimpton Hotel Monaco DC and Kimpton George.

🏨 Thomas B. Meier, with leadership experience since 2021 at Jumeirah, steps up as CEO to double the luxury hospitality group's portfolio by 2030. Meier led Jumeirah's expansion into Africa, opening Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa. With 30 properties in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, Jumeirah aims for global growth, including upcoming Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in the U.A.E. and Jumeirah Le Richemond Geneva in Switzerland.

📌 Andrew Casperson promoted from COO to president of Coury Hospitality in spring 2023, overseeing operational strategies for its hotels, bars, and restaurants, including the new Concert Hospitality arm. Extreme Hospitality named Ryan M. Alpert, with 25 years of experience, as CCO. KSL Resorts rebranded as Peregrine Hospitality, led by CEO Greg Kennealey and an experienced team. Westgate Resorts announced leadership changes, promoting long-standing executives like Mitch Less (COO) and John Willman (CFO). Hospitality industry veterans like RJ Cooper and Alexandre Ariel appointed to lead culinary and hotel management at luxury destinations Kohler, Wisconsin, and Fairmont Monte Carlo, respectively.