Tatiana Valenzuela

🛣️ Maxime Brun has been appointed as the new general manager of Les Bateaux Belmond, overseeing operations for its seven riverboats in France. Brun, who previously served at Château Saint Laurent for four years, brings experience from Pink Lady Europe and Nestlé France. Les Bateaux Belmond operates April to October, hosting 4 to 12 passengers per boat, emphasizing a "Slow Luxury" travel experience. Brun aims to enhance guest experiences for the 2026 season.

📍 Kimpton Ashbel New York–Park Avenue is set to open in January 2026 at 70 Park Avenue, Midtown Manhattan. Brenda Correa has been appointed as general manager, with over 20 years of hotel leadership experience. Lucy Shulman, with nearly 20 years in hospitality, takes on the role of director of sales & marketing. Tyrone Fu is the director of revenue management, bringing 15 years of expertise. The hotel, a reimagined 1928 Beaux-Arts property, aims to elevate guest experiences.

📈 Louis Barruel joins JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group as senior vice president in the Montreal office, reporting to executive VP Katie Krieger. With 14 years of experience, Barruel has managed portfolios including InnVest Hotel’s 4,127-room Comfort Inn and 3,218-room Western Luxury. JLL oversees 200 hotels with nearly 50,000 rooms valued at $21 billion globally, reflecting their commitment to expanding hospitality advisory services across Canada, particularly in Quebec.

📖 JP Roberts has been appointed general manager of The Statler, a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel, located in downtown Dallas. Roberts brings extensive experience in managing U.S. hotels and resorts, including 21c Museum Hotels in St. Louis, Dream Hotels in Nashville, and Hotel Vandivort in Missouri. Built in 1956, The Statler is part of the Historic Hotels of America and famous for iconic performances by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and The Jackson 5. Managed by Stonebridge, it remains a significant landmark.

📅 Pan Pacific Hotels Group has appointed Celine Du as chief commercial and marketing officer in November 2025. With over 30 years of experience in luxury hotel brands like Mandarin Oriental and Shangri-La, Du will lead PPHG’s commercial strategy during its global expansion. Her focus includes corporate strategy, channel management, loyalty, and global partnerships across Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL COLLECTION, and PARKROYAL brands, following their rebranding. Her leadership will be crucial for talent management and enhancing customer engagement worldwide.

📈 Peregrine Hospitality has appointed David Morneau as area general manager and Luis Mendoza as general manager of Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, California. Morneau, with over 20 years of luxury hotel experience, will oversee Paso Robles Inn, The Piccolo, Avila Lighthouse Suites, and Vespera Resort. In 2026, Paso Robles Inn and The Piccolo will debut three new culinary concepts, while Avila Lighthouse Suites will undergo a complete refresh and rebrand. Mendoza brings over a decade of experience to his new role.

📅 Anthony Beach was appointed as general manager of the Thompson Hotel Chicago on August 4. With over 20 years of hospitality experience, he previously managed the $17 million+ David Rubenstein Forum & Quadrangle Club at the University of Chicago. Beach has been recognized as Hyatt Select Service Manager of the Year in 2015. The 247-room hotel, designed by British designer Tara Bernerd, offers views of Lake Michigan and is near Michigan Avenue.

🌴 Felix Pina has been promoted to general manager of Malliouhana, a luxury resort in Anguilla managed by Storey Hospitality. Pina has been with Malliouhana for two years as resort manager. Previously, he worked for 12 years with Ani Villas, including 6 years as general manager in the Dominican Republic. Malliouhana overlooks Meads Bay and Turtle Cove, offering 63 rooms and suites. Storey Hospitality specializes in boutique luxury properties.

🌳 Jumeirah appoints Xander Labuschagne as general manager of Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, managing a 16,500-hectare reserve. Xander's extensive 20+ years in hospitality includes roles in South Africa, Botswana, UAE, and Europe. The reserve features wildlife experiences and conservation efforts, with 90% local staff. Jumeirah Thanda Safari launched in December 2024 alongside Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania, marking Jumeirah's African market entry, accessible via Durban's King Shaka International Airport.