Human Resources

🏨 Jennifer Clay, Vice President of Hotel Operations at Appellation, discusses hiring practices for General Managers on Oct. 3, 2024. Highlights include interview questions, key traits for success, and the value of downtime for recharging. Key interview insights are shared at 01:28 and 03:15, with a focus on the importance of disconnection at 04:14. Clay recommends sharing episodes for turning ideas into action within hospitality teams.

💰 Splendid Hospitality Group appoints Rachel Bulford as Chief Commercial Officer, joining its leadership team and Board of Directors. Bulford, with her experience as Director of Retail at Gatwick Airport and senior roles at Homebase and Burberry, aims to enhance commercial strategies for the company's hotels, restaurants, and care homes. She holds an MA from Cambridge and an MBA from Bayes Business School, and chaired the UK Travel Retail Forum from 2021 to 2023.

💻 Bill Ryan appointed as senior vice president and chief technology officer at BWH Hotels, overseeing technology and digital strategy, reported by Larry Cuculic, president and CEO. Ryan's career includes 15 years in retail, driving growth at PetSmart, Urban Outfitters, and Backcountry, where he was VP of digital commerce. Holds a business degree from George Washington University and an MBA from Villanova University.

📆 Rob Rain joins OTO Development as CEO, replacing the late Corry Oakes and recently retired Todd Turner. Rain, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Bronze Star recipient, will drive growth and efficiency from Spartanburg, S.C. headquarters. Bill Ryan is now BWH Hotels' SVP and CTO, contributing 15 years of retail brand experience, reporting to President and CEO Larry Cuculic. Brent LeBlanc becomes EVP of Peachtree Group, bringing nearly 30 years of hospitality real estate experience. Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau adds four sales team members: Antonecia Sweeting-Monroe, Beverley Maycock, Felicia Joseph, and Sabrina Stubbs. Nina Hospitality appoints Julian Ding as Group Director of Finance and Michelle Chung as Group Head of Internal Control and Compliance. Other key appointments include Abigail Seanez at Caption by Hyatt Nashville, David Kopasz as Chief Hospitality Officer at Delaware North, Laurent Ebzant promoted within Park Hyatt New York, and Juliette Granon as Director of Communications at Rosewood São Paulo. New GMs announced: Ana Gorjão Henriques for Nekajui, Naowarat Arunkong for NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard, Rod Lapasin for Hotel Westland at Railspur, Brian Koenitzer for Hilton Richmond Downtown, Aaron Osborne for Hyatt Centric French Quarter, Brian Kent for Caption by Hyatt Nashville, and Liz Martinez

💰 Brent LeBlanc, with 30 years of hospitality real estate experience, was appointed as the executive vice president of business development at Peachtree Group, aiming to enhance Peachtree's competitive edge. Under his prior role, he helped grow Peachtree's Western U.S. presence and partook in over $4.0 billion in transactions. Peachtree recently exceeded $10 billion in transaction investment value and is focusing on innovation and strategic partnerships for continued expansion and success.

🏢 Journey Mentor appointed Mark Anzur as EVP of Sales, bringing over 20 years of experience from senior roles including CEO of Air Montenegro and management positions at Adria Airways, Stobart Air, and UNEX Management Consulting. Anzur led Air Montenegro's increased revenue via a long-term business strategy, and at Adria Airways, he spearheaded a successful turnaround resulting in its privatization in 2016. His focus at Journey Mentor will be to drive sales and address challenges with advanced technologies.

📢 Artistry Restaurants, with 29 Southeast locations and five brands, appoints Bryan Lockwood as CEO to drive expansion, including a sixth brand in 2023. Lockwood, a veteran with CEO roles at Stonefire Grill and Real Mex Restaurants, brings a multi-disciplinary approach to growth. He succeeds Jason Brooks, now COO and partner, formerly of Uncle Julio’s and Bloomin’ Brands. Artistry brands include Boca, Shrimp Basket, Oak & Stone, Atlantic Beer and Oyster, and Sandbar Amelia Island.

📢 William Dvoranchik becomes VP of Finance at Terranea Resort, overseeing financial operations. Liz Martinez is named General Manager of KLN at Hotel Heron, handling guest service and dining. Mike Kass takes over as General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, leading a team of 250+. Nazaret Carbonari, with a summer start, is the new General Manager of Waldorf Astoria Cancun, improving guest experience and operations for the 173-room hotel. Antonio Bugarin, with 30 years' experience, oversees the 264-room Hilton Los Cabos as General Manager. Siiri Lobe joins Sheraton Denver Downtown as Director of Sales and Marketing, with 20 years in the field. Tamika Weiss moves to The Elizabeth Hotel as Director of Sales and Marketing. Louis Martin directs food and beverage at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs. Jessica Bingham manages a 10-person party team as Executive Pastry Chef at Caribe Royale Orlando. Juliette Granon becomes Director of Communications for Rosewood Sào Paulo. Jennifer Goodman is the new Weddings and Events Manager at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. Sabrina Cendral is appointed VP of Brand Marketing for Unique Vacations, handling Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City appoints JV Hernandez and Josh Bolden, each with over 15 years of experience, to lead its food and beverage

🏥 Neil Swanson replaces Andrew Flintham as managing director of Tui UK & Ireland, following Flintham's move to British Airways Holidays as managing director in late October. Swanson, who joined Tui in 2001, was previously chief marketing officer starting June last year. Tui Group's restructuring introduces a new operational model to enhance growth, focusing on classic and dynamic packages and increasing personalized offers. The transformation aims to scale the business globally and improve efficiency and profits, under the leadership of Markets + Airline chief executive David Schelp. Tui reported double-digit growth in underlying EBIT for the eighth consecutive quarter in August.