Tony Loeb

💾 Yum! Brands introduces Byte by Yum!, an AI-driven SaaS platform, to enhance customer experiences across KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill. Joe Park, Chief Digital & Technology Officer, leads Byte by Yum! In the U.S., 300 million digital transactions are processed annually with Byte by Yum!, while globally, 25,000 restaurants use at least one of its products. Benefits include digital transaction growth, improved order accuracy, and increased guest satisfaction. Byte by Yum! replaces legacy systems like Poseidon and Yum! Commerce Platform for streamlined tech use.

📌 RMS appoints Adam Seskis as CEO to spearhead global growth and innovation. Seskis has 25+ years in SaaS, software, and technology, with expertise in strategy, growth, and business transformation from roles at Epiq and Wolters Kluwer. Recently, he consulted on M&A and commercial strategy for private equity firms. RMS, founded in Melbourne, serves over 7,000 properties in 70 countries and plans to leverage its 40-year guest data history for customer insights.

💻 Adam Mogelonsky and Christus Gill, panelists at a hospitality event, highlighted trends in AI for the industry, focusing on enhancing human connections, integrating data for new revenue, and AI chatbots for 24/7 guest service. By 2025, hotels anticipate seamless data integration using advanced APIs. Cybersecurity evolves as AI does, underscoring the need for staff training. AI also aids in preserving Caribbean culture, making local knowledge more accessible. Hospitality leaders are advised to stay abreast of AI innovations for future success.

📌 RMS appoints Adam Seskis as CEO, leveraging his 25+ years of experience in SaaS and technology. With a background including Epiq and Wolters Kluwer, Seskis aims to accelerate global expansion and drive innovation focusing on customer experience and product offerings. RMS, with 40 years of guest data, operates in 70 countries across 7,000 properties, ready to enhance its hospitality technology under Seskis' leadership, who holds a law degree from the University of New England.

🚫 Amid increasing robocall scams, 68% of consumers ignore calls from unknown numbers and 87% want businesses to protect them more. Spoofing scams cost MGM Resorts over $30 million last year. A survey showed 94% of contact centers worry about the impact of fraud on outbound calls. To combat fraud, the hospitality industry is focusing on Branded Calling and Call Authentication, with 92% of executives acknowledging their role in customer protection. Additionally, 63% of consumers would respond to branded calls from hospitality brands.

🏨 Claudia Infante, Chief Data Officer at Margaritaville Enterprises, with 27 years in hospitality technology, has significantly contributed to the brand's data management, customer engagement, and operational efficiency. Key initiatives include the adoption of Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Hapi ETL, and SynXis CRS, and the development of the Master Data Management Program. Infante launched the Margaritaville Perks loyalty program, which gained over 350,000 members and generated more than $150 million in revenue in two years. At Hard Rock International, she assisted in opening 26 hotels and implementing revenue strategies. Infante's legacy in hospitality technology leadership is recognized by her Lifetime Achievement Award, reflecting her influence on industry standards and mentoring efforts.