Human Resources

📈 Apaleo bolsters leadership with Leonie Häsler as Director of People and Culture, and Andre Klan as CFO. In 2025, they launched the Agent Hub and MCP Server, with plans for DACH, UK, and France expansion in 2026. Raised €20 million in 2024, now headquartered in central Munich. CEO Uli Pillau emphasizes leveraging Häsler’s and Klan's SaaS and hospitality expertise for sustainable global growth.

🍳 Chef Lee Murdoch appointed executive chef at Seaton House, a five-star boutique hotel in St Andrews. Seaton House opened in March 2025 with 42 rooms overlooking the Old Course and West Sands Beach. Murdoch brings extensive experience across UK, Asia, and Middle East, recently opening The Coal Shed in Brighton. He will oversee food operations, focusing on seasonal Scottish produce. The hotel is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is now home to Ondine Oyster and Grill.

🏨 Countrywide Hotels will manage The Selwyn, a 50-bedroom townhouse hotel in Richmond-upon-Thames, as of October 2025. Richard Sidaway is appointed general manager. Public spaces, including The Paisley Room, will be developed into social hubs. Darren Patt, managing director, aims to enhance operational performance and guest experience, while maintaining its community connection. The focus is on character and authenticity, ensuring The Selwyn remains a standout destination in southwest London.

🏨 Oram Hotels in San Diego appointed Jennifer Findley as Director of Arts & Culture to transform Granger Hotel and The Guild into cultural hubs with artist residencies and collaborations. Starting November 2025, UC San Diego's Stuart Collection, including Max Hooper Schneider, will join. By 2026, artists like RojoNegro and Carla Fernández will participate. Both hotels, landmarks restored by the Mansour family, blend historic and modern design to foster community through art and hospitality.

🎨 In November, Oram Hotels in San Diego appointed Jennifer Findley as the first Director of Arts & Culture. The initiative involves Granger Hotel and The Guild, transforming them into cultural hubs. The collaboration with UC San Diego’s Stuart Collection brings artists like Max Hooper Schneider, RojoNegro, and Carla Fernández for residencies. Oram Hotels, co-founded by Kevin Mansour, aims to merge art with hospitality, enhancing San Diego's creative landscape and community involvement.

🌍 Shaikha Al Nowais will become Secretary-General of UN Tourism, starting in 2026. Meeting in Riyadh, her nomination was ratified at the 26th General Assembly, where 160 Member States confirmed her role, marking her as the first woman in this position in the agency's 50-year history. Al Nowais, previously Corporate VP at Rotana Hotels, outlined her focus on responsible tourism, capacity building, and smart governance. UN Tourism has 166 countries, 6 territories, and 500+ affiliate members.

📖 Chet Pipkin, founder of Belkin, is now venturing into hospitality with his new project, Desolation Hotel, described as an "immersive portal." His journey from entrepreneurship to corporate leadership highlights a significant career shift. The podcast episode explores the experiences that shaped his vision for the hospitality industry. This transition underscores the potential for innovative ideas to enhance business and service offerings in the hospitality sector.