Human Resources

📍 Hostaway's 2024 STR Market Report shows property managers' top challenge is growth and scaling, overtaking technology concerns. Climate-related issues emerged significantly, being mentioned 24 times more than the previous year, accounting for 8% of surveyed managers' concerns. Economic volatility dropped out of the top eight concerns. Over half of the managers now employ AI in daily operations, with dynamic pricing increasing by nearly 45%. The report surveyed over 300 managers from 51 countries, indicating a shift towards operational resilience and adaptability.

🏨 D-EDGE Hospitality Solutions appoints Damini Lykidi Diehl as Chief Commercial Officer for EMEA. With 20+ years in sales and business development, including at Google, Damini joins the Executive Committee to drive growth and expand hotel tech solutions in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

🏠 The Ascott Limited, with over 950 properties, manages Millennium and Copthorne hotels at Chelsea FC's Stamford Bridge since 26 November. Stamford Bridge Hotel, next to the stadium, will become lyf Chelsea London after 2025 renovations. Ascott's lyf brand emphasizes social living for modern travelers. The partnership also made Ascott the 'official global hotels partner' for Chelsea FC, offering Ascott Star Rewards members unique experiences and enhancing Ascott's presence in London. Ascott operates in over 230 cities across more than 40 countries.

🍴 Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN) and Restaurant Hospitality since 1999, covers food and beverage trends and oversees F&B coverage. Host of "In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn" podcast. Columnist for The New York Sun (2005-2008). In Thailand (1992-1997), he wrote business and food articles for Manager magazine and Asia Times. Thorn holds a BA in history from Tufts University (1990), studied French cooking at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris (1986), and Chinese language and culture at Peking University (spring 1989) and Nanjing University (fall 1988). He reported for ABC News during the Tiananmen Square protests (1989). His work won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and he was inducted into the Disciples d'Escoffier (2014). Contact: [email protected]

📢 Marielle joined Choice Hotels EMEA in 2023 and will become Head of Operations from December 1, 2024. Her role includes leading strategic development for franchisees, optimizing workflows, and implementing technologies. CEO David Beers highlighted her contributions since 2023 and anticipates further franchise success under her leadership. Choice Hotels EMEA has nearly 400 hotels in 17 countries. Contact Katie Kershaw for more information at 07539 437 238 or [email protected].

🍰 Albio Ziu appointed as Pastry Chef at the Great Northern Hotel’s restaurant, RAILS, with 10+ years of experience including The Bloomsbury Hotel and Searcy’s Pall Mall. Will develop RAILS' dessert, afternoon tea, and private dining menus, focusing on seasonal dishes and expanding vegan/gluten-free options. Jenni Lehtonen, Sales and Marketing Director, highlights Ziu's skill, vision, and commitment to guest experiences.

🐝 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.

🍴 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.