Human Resources

📋 Temp-to-hire models gain traction in the foodservice industry, particularly in quick-serve and fast-casual segments, due to their growth in 2024 and expected expansion in 2025. This hiring method allows employers to assess potential permanent staff in a low-employment environment without long-term commitments. Temporary postings typically range from three to six months, after which employers may pay a conversion fee to make the temp a permanent employee. The method offers a solution to adapt to increased labor demands despite the introduction of automated systems. Employers are advised to invest in committed training and intentional onboarding to improve hiring success.

🏦 Flight Centre UK named Joe Beevis as general manager, succeeding Lucy Clifton, now in a senior global learning and development role. Beevis, with the company for 15 years, aims to expand the brand's high street presence, increase sales in luxury, round-the-world, and groups, as well as grow the business travel division. He previously served as a retail consultant, then in managerial roles, including pre-pandemic GM of the business travel division. His new role took effect January 2.

👨 Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort appoints Stuart Evans as director of sales and marketing following a renovation. Pendy West Hollywood names Mgeni Mpolo for the same role. CordValle hires Alissa O’Briant with 20+ years' experience as their director. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort brings on Ryan Clark with 20+ years' culinary background as executive chef. Hotel La Jolla, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, selects Ernest Lopez as executive chef. Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, opening spring 2025, appoints Nicolas Piatti as executive chef. Naples Grande Beach Resort designates Jose Garcia as chef de cuisine. Hotel Revival Baltimore announces Jasmine Garland as director of impact. The Shelborne by Proper, opening 2025, appoints Guy Chetwynd as managing director, Mariannie Santiago as general manager, and Oliver Morgan as director of sales and marketing.

🏡 Sage Hospitality Group now manages Hilton Denver City Center, the first partnership with Park Hotels & Resorts. The hotel, featuring 613 rooms and 35,000 square feet of meeting space, joins Sage's 18-property Denver portfolio including The Crawford and The Oxford. Located near Larimer Square, the hotel provides mountain and city skyline views and Sage Restaurant Concepts oversees its dining venue. Sage's four companies offer comprehensive hospitality services in Denver.

🗓 Sandra Keneven was promoted to senior sales executive at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, Florida, effective January 6, 2025. With nearly 20 years in the industry, primarily with Marriott, Keneven joined the resort in 2022 and led the team to secure the resort's largest client contract, generating over $1.1 million. Keneven, originally from Lithuania, holds an Associate Degree in Hospitality Management from Lakeland Community College, Ohio.