Human Resources

Proven leader and seasoned entrepreneur set to drive strategic growth and innovation at LodgIQ Sunnyvale, CA, February 4th, 2025 LodgIQ, a leading provider of easy-to-use AI-enabled revenue management solutions for the…

🏦 Claudia Kozma Kaplan appointed Chief Brand Officer for Raffles and Fairmont Hotels. Kaplan, with experience at Christian Dior and Gucci, oversees Raffles’ 23 hotels and forthcoming openings in London, Boston, and Jaipur. Led “The Butler Did It” campaign enhancing Raffles' brand. Now also guiding Fairmont brand direction for global resonance.

🏌️ Barry McCauley of Lough Erne Resort won 'Ulster Golf Manager of the Year' at the Golfers Guide to Ireland Awards. He was recently promoted to Director of Golf after a decade of service in various roles. The resort features the Faldo Course, ranked in Golf World's Top 100 Parkland courses in GB and Ireland, and the Castle Hume Course. Lough Erne Resort, under Barry's leadership, has seen growth and increased industry recognition. TRU Hotels and Resorts LLC's Jeff Mahan and Mark Ward praised Barry's impact on the resort's success.

📈 Shiji announced the promotion of Nikkie Singh to Executive Vice President, Global Operations on February 3, 2025, in Singapore. Singh has over 20 years of experience and has significantly contributed to Shiji's success in APAC and the Middle East. Her role includes overseeing global service delivery, major accounts, and developing a global support organization. Shiji is preparing to name a new Senior Vice President for APAC and the Middle East. For more details, visit www.shijigroup.com.

🏡 Meyer Jabara Hotels now manages the Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel, a 212-room Autograph Collection property. The luxury hotel boasts spa accommodations, an upscale restaurant, a rooftop pool, and 14,000 sq ft of event space. Recently, the hotel added a 78-room tower and 2,000 sq ft of new meeting space. A 1,200 sq ft penthouse suite is among the upgrades. Jeff Sweet, with 40 years of experience, is the new general manager. The hotel is owned by IMH Columbia LLC.

💰 Thompson Hospitality appoints Joe Lawler as CFO, succeeding Ali Azima who will retire in 2026. Lawler, who joined in 2020 as SVP of strategy & finance, has helped the company's portfolio more than triple through multiple acquisitions. Thompson Hospitality, founded in 1992 with over 70 locations across 14 brands, launched Thompson Restaurants last year and is planning a loyalty and gift card program this year. The company is one of the largest minority-owned foodservice management companies in the U.S.

🏨 Coury Holdings expands with nine hotels in California and appoints Bo Patel as COO. Patel, with 20+ years in hospitality, previously co-founded Evolution Hospitality and managed a $1B+ portfolio. New properties add 1,500 rooms, including Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, and Homewood Suites in San Diego, the DoubleTree in Palm Springs, and TETRA Hotel, Hotel Citrine, AC Hotel Palo Alto, and AC Hotel Sunnyvale in the Bay Area, featuring amenities like outdoor pools, fitness centers, and dining venues.

📅 Scott Roby named President of Pacifica Hotels; Chris Cylke promoted to President of REVPAR International, Inc. after 20 years with the firm, including 9 as COO; Dean Stambules appointed CIO of Sage Hospitality Group; Phil Wade becomes CIO of The Kessler Collection with over $15 billion in real estate transactions; Gordon Drake selected as CFO and Rasha Lababidi as CPO for Kempinski Hotels; Renate Hermes becomes wellness director at Six Senses Crans-Montana; Josh Hoce promoted to director of group sales at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront; James Hansen appointed VP of business development at Reeco; Matthew Slippoy joins The Asbury Collection as managing director; Pilar Florez named director of sales and marketing at Bernardus Lodge & Spa; Michael Briggs and Kristie Rasheed join Olympia Hospitality as managing director and VP of operations, respectively; Patti Cameron promoted to senior director of talent acquisition at Concord Hospitality; Veronica Moretti, Chris Jaycock, Jurgen Ammerstorfer, and Anna Contreras assume GM roles at The Westin Riverfront, Ned’s Club, Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel, and Kimpton Anglers, correspondingly.

🏨 Kempinski Hotels, led by CEO Barbara Muckermann, appoints Gordon Drake as CFO and Rasha Lababidi as CPO. Drake brings over 30 years of global experience in corporate capital markets, asset management, and risk management. Lababidi has over 25 years in luxury hospitality and real estate marketing, branding, and product development. Their appointments aim to accelerate Kempinski's development and strengthen its luxury hospitality position, enhancing financial strategies and product innovation.