Tatiana Valenzuela

📈 Hyatt Hotels Corp. has appointed Jason Ballard as the global brand leader – Essentials in 2025. He will oversee the growth of the Essentials portfolio, which includes brands like Hyatt Studios and Hyatt Select. This year, Hyatt has signed over 20 new deals, reaching a total of 70 hotel deals for Hyatt Studios. Half of the U.S. Essentials deals for 2025 are in new markets. Ballard brings nearly 20 years of experience in scaling select-service properties.

📅 The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park has appointed Borja Garcia as the new general manager. ???? With over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality across the Americas and Europe, Garcia previously managed The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort and Hotel Maria Cristina. His expertise with brands like Marriott International and Four Seasons shapes his goal to deliver outstanding service and memorable experiences, enhancing the hotel's prestigious reputation.

🏨 Dave Montrose, First Hospitality's new COO, brings 30+ years of expertise. He will oversee operations, commercial strategy, and senior leadership. Previously, Montrose held roles at Highgate Hotels, White Lodging, Brush Creek Ranch, and InnVentures, managing 85+ hotels. First Hospitality, a 40-year-old company, operates throughout the U.S. Montrose’s experience with full-service, independent, and luxury hotels in Austin, Nashville, and Indianapolis is pivotal as the company scales its portfolio.

🏨 Claudia Rodrigues is appointed as the new general manager of Nusfjord Village & Resort in Norway, effective February 2026. Nusfjord, located in the Lofoten Islands, is a historic boutique hotel renowned for its 400-year history. Rodrigues, with nearly 20 years of global hospitality experience, previously worked in Spain, Fiji, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, and Botswana. Nusfjord offers restored 19th-century cabins and is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels’ Considerate Collection.

📈 Travis Burns was appointed as executive vice president of business development at Remington Hospitality. With over 20 years of experience, he aims to expand the company's portfolio by engaging with owners and developers. Previously, at Aimbridge Hospitality, he held senior roles, oversaw 70+ properties, and managed $175 million in annual revenue. Known for delivering results, Burns is set to enhance Remington's development strategy through his extensive industry relationships and understanding of ownership priorities.

🏠 Cain appoints Bob Graziano as chief strategy advisor in December 2025. Graziano brings over 40 years of experience, including roles with J.P. Morgan Chase and the Los Angeles Dodgers. His focus is on One Beverly Hills, featuring Aman Residences. One Beverly Hills will introduce two Aman-branded residential towers, a 78-suite hotel, and club. Cain's portfolio spans Miami, New York, London, and more, partnering with brands like Aman and Raffles. Graziano is involved with the 2028 Olympics and 2027 Super Bowl.

🏖 Christian Maeder, with over 25 years in luxury hospitality, is appointed general manager at Montage Big Sky, Montana, succeeding his role as hotel manager since 2023. Previously, he held leadership roles at Montage Laguna Beach, The Maybourne Beverly Hills, and others. Montage Big Sky, located in a 3,530-acre Spanish Peaks enclave, features 100 guestrooms and suites, plus 39 residences. Jason Herthel of Montage International praises Maeder’s leadership and service dedication.

🏨 William Fisher, with 30+ years in hospitality, is now the general manager at Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, after managing Hilton London Metropole. Fisher's career includes leadership roles at InterContinental, The Ritz-Carlton, and Orient Express across Europe and Asia. He managed Hilton Chengdu's opening in 2015 and oversaw operations in Szechuan and Shanghai. Rome Cavalieri, a 60-year testament to Rome's culture, welcomes Fisher to guide its future.

🏨 Stonebridge has appointed Orkun Aydin as senior vice president of operations, overseeing a range of full-service hotels and resorts. Aydin joins from Aimbridge Hospitality, where he was senior vice president of operations. His past roles include executive positions at Interstate Hotels & Resorts, managing major properties like Buena Vista Palace Resort & Spa and The Westin Tampa Harbour Island. Stonebridge praises his expertise in high-volume environments and strong relationship-building with owners.

📅 Baron Hotels and Resorts appoints Mehdi Othmani as area general manager in Egypt. With 30+ years of global experience, including roles at Steigenberger, Hilton, and Mövenpick, Mehdi will lead key operations in Sharm El Sheikh, Cairo, and Sahl Hasheesh. He will also support Baron Cascade's expansion and entry into Zanzibar. Previously, he was cluster general manager for DER Touristik Hotels & Resorts in the Red Sea Area.