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.

🏨 Beaumier, European hotel group, names Billy Skelli-Cohen as CEO starting January 1, 2025. Skelli-Cohen, former CEO of Zien Group and founder of Lore Group, to focus on growth and sustainability. Lodging Dynamics Hospitality Group appoints Lisa Carlson as COO, bringing 30+ years’ experience. Proper Hospitality announces three appointments for The Shelborne in Miami Beach: Guy Chetwynd as managing director, Mariannie Santiago as GM, and Oliver Morgan as director of sales and marketing. Viceroy Hotels & Resorts hires Nicholas Marino as director of F&B at Viceroy Chicago. Walker & Dunlop adds Carter Gradwell as senior director. Davidson Hospitality Group promotes Brad Barnett to SVP of sales and Michael Yousif to SVP of acquisitions & business development. TFE Hotels announces Gabriel Polias, Brett Skinner, and Aalap Rammurthy for leadership roles at three properties. David J. Cronin returns as GM at W Scottsdale. Karolina Lasinska becomes GM at Hotel Sanders. Hotel Effie Sandestin names Jennifer Lombard Knight as GM.

🏠 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 katie@kershawandcompany.com.

🍰 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.

🏠 The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) elected new leadership, including Chair Kristie Dickinson and inducted 37 new members for its 2025 class. Members are chosen by invitation and undergo rigorous screening to ensure integrity and expertise. The ISHC, composed of individual members, not corporations, fosters professional development and serves as a leading hospitality resource. Key roles include President Steve Hennis, Vice President Ivar Yuste, Secretary Penny Fondy, and Treasurer Suzanne Mellen.

🏨 Gabriel Escarrer Juliá, founder of Meliá Hotels International, died at 89 on November 26. He started the company in Majorca in 1956 at 21. Today, Meliá boasts over 400 hotels in 40+ countries. In 2016, his son Gabriel Escarrer Jaume became chairman and CEO. Juliá received numerous honors, including from Spain and the Balearic Islands. He opened pioneering properties in the Mexican Caribbean, Bali, and Cuba, and is survived by six children and 20 grandchildren.

💸 Driftwood Hospitality Management (DHM) promoted Bryan Postema to COO, Michael Buddemeyer to VP of operations focus service, and Michael Diaz to chief strategy officer; Frenchman's Reef appointed Martin Smith as managing director, Andrew Haas as VP of commercial services, and Maria Vilchez as general manager; Preferred Travel Group promoted Stephanie Calhoun, Christopher Ahlgrim, Renee Haddad, and Priscilla Haryadi to various VP and director positions; Katherine “Kati” Gregory joined Pendry Hotels as director of sales and marketing; Hotel Granada hired Lucits Dean as director of sales; The Chatwal, New York appointed Sebastian Gurevich as hotel manager; Sunriver Resort named Krista Miller VP of real estate and development and Megan Roe as general manager of Caldera Springs.