Human Resources

📍 Jessica Werner was promoted to Chief Creative Officer (CCO) at Sage Hospitality Group in Denver, Colorado. Werner's tenure with Sage began in 2014, and she's impacted over 50 projects, including the design and repositioning of hotels and restaurants. Under her guidance, Sage Studio launched the Catbird brand in 2021. The recent Denver Union Station and The Crawford Hotel redesign by her team was unveiled in summer, enhancing the guest experience. Werner's CCO role emphasizes Sage's focus on innovative design and hospitality standards.

🏠 Guesty appoints Kate Cox as Chief Marketing Officer, following a successful Series F funding round where they raised $130 million, led by KKR and including Inovia Capital, Apax Funds, Sixth Street Partners, and BTD & MSD Partners. Cox has a track record in driving growth for recurring revenue businesses and played a significant role in HEG's $1.8 billion sale to GoDaddy in 2017 and BrightBid's Nasdaq listing. CEO Amiad Soto emphasizes Cox's experience in recurring revenue models and scaling high-growth businesses as key to Guesty's global leadership and IPO readiness.

📆 Waterford Hotel Group, Connecticut, promoted Duane Schroder to chief growth officer to lead business development and secure management contracts. With over two decades at the company, Schroder's elevation from roles like vice president of operations signifies his leadership skills and dedication. Under his guidance, Waterford aims to expand, focusing on select-service and extended-stay properties across Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG brands, as well as the college market for independent and full-service properties.

🏨 Marcus Hanna, with 25 years of experience, appointed COO of La Vie Hotels & Resorts, previously with Accor for 20 years. Duane Schroder promoted to Chief Growth Officer at Waterford Hotel Group, with 20 years at the company. Sandy Shen becomes VP at The Lux Collective, with 20+ years of experience. Joseph Zuziak named Director of Sales and Marketing at Hyatt Regency Irvine, with over 10 years in the industry. Ninoska Batista joins Outrigger Hospitality Group as Project Manager, bringing a decade of experience. Scenic Group opens APAC office in Singapore, appointing Constance Seck, Ally Grueter, and Quoc Huy To. George Vlachopoulos takes on GM role at Park Hyatt St. Kitts following a 20-year career. Mauricio Quezada Reyes becomes GM at Marquis Los Cabos after 15 years in the industry. Stephan Kapek joins Shangri-La Singapore as VP Operations and GM, with 30 years of experience, nearly 20 with Shangri-La Group.

🚢 Bill Allen, chief supply officer of On the Beach (OTA), is set to step down in September 2025 after serving the company since 2014. During his tenure, Allen was pivotal in the OTA's direct hotel contracting, achieving over 90% direct sourcing from hoteliers. He played a significant role in taking the company public on the London Stock Exchange in 2015. Allen's 30-year career includes senior roles at MyTravel and On Holiday Group. He plans to focus on leisure and advisory work post-departure.

📈 JLL's Hotels & Hospitality group added Carolina Bernal as senior director and Mackenzie Melikian as senior associate in NYC, focusing on hotel investment sales advisory. Bernal also joins the global hotel desk. Frasers Hospitality appointed Chew Hang Song as COO post-Mark Chan's retirement on September 30 and Ian Loe as managing director, technology and innovation. Outrigger Hospitality Group named Crystal Ho as EVP and CFO, succeeding Avery Aoki, and Craig A. Waterman as GM of Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Other hospitality appointments include Tori McLaughlin at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, Frederic Vidal at Oetkar Collection, Jeff David at Six Senses La Sagesse, and Amit Kumar Prasad at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Additionally, Adnan B. Virani joined HRI Hospitality as SVP of capital markets and investor relations.

🏖️ Phil Salcedo steps down as head of UK market for HolidayPirates Group after seven years, passes the baton to Nick Cooper, the former supervisor of UK and North America commercial partnerships. This leadership transition aims to drive a new era of growth with a focus on social media branding, technology investments, and digital marketing strategy evolution. David Armstrong, CEO, acknowledges Salcedo's significant impact and looks forward to Cooper's vision for the UK operations.

📈 Aimbridge Hospitality in Plano, Texas, experienced leadership changes in 2024, welcoming Craig S. Smith as CEO, among others. Their focus is on operational excellence, innovation, and partnership. Over 800 general managers have undergone the GM Connect program, reducing GM turnover by 48%. Aimbridge rebranded to Aimbridge Commercial in September, showcasing a revenue-focused approach. Their mobile app has facilitated over 12,000 employee shift trades since its 2023 launch. Aimbridge Intelligence provides owners with near real-time performance data.

🏦 Jessica Shelton-Agar appointed as managing director of Online Travel Training (OTT). Prior role: head of sales for Discover Qatar. OTT acquired by Jacobs Media in November 2023. Shelton-Agar starts on November 26, succeeding OTT founder Julie Feuell, who transitions to consultancy in 2025. OTT offers training, events, and rewards for the travel industry, part of Jacobs Media's portfolio alongside Travel Weekly and other brands. Shelton-Agar brings a 10-year background from APT, including head of sales.

📈 Errol David, VP of Operations for Venus Group Inc., will retire at the end of 2024 after a 40-year tenure; succeeded by Cecilia Henson. Steven Okuley joins the American Hotel & Lodging Association as Senior VP. JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group adds Carolina Bernal and Mackenzie Melikian in NYC. Rod Lapasin appointed as MD and GM of Hotel Westland by Aparium Hotel Group. Alila Ventana Big Sur names Matt Skaletsky as GM. Raymond Weissert becomes GM of The Grove Resorts & Water Park. Javier Arrebola joins The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay as Executive Chef. Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina hires James McIver as Executive Chef. Nicole Johnson welcomed as Marketing Manager by The Newman. Steve Smotrys to serve as MD and SVP of Commercial at HX. Highgate Hawaii appoints Ramona Silo and Jessica Mullenfeld to its marketing task force.