Human Resources

🏨 Choice Hotels International appoints Kaaren Hamilton as head of global sales amidst its ongoing expansion and organizational changes.

🏢 Stay22, headquartered in Montreal, is enhancing its executive team as it targets growth. Fabien Loupy joins as CTO, while Louis-Charles Genest is appointed CFO. The company, co-founded by Hamad Al-Khabbaz in 2016, recently surpassed $1 billion in annual transactions and is expanding beyond the travel sector. With new offices, Stay22 plans to accommodate more than 100 employees by year-end 2025. The company aims to leverage operational excellence for further innovation and revenue opportunities.

🏨 Kristen Richter joins Peregrine Hospitality as Chief Commercial Officer in Denver, Colorado. With over 20 years of experience, she will manage commercial strategy, revenue, sales, and marketing. Previously at Accor, she led commercial strategy for Fairmont and Raffles. Her background includes roles at Sonder, Radisson Hotel Group, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Bucknell University and an MBA in Entrepreneurship from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

📄 Rutland Hall Hotel and Spa appointed James Hiley-Jones as non-executive director. With over 30 years in hospitality and as managing director at Greenclose Hotels, Hiley-Jones enhances operations at the 70-acre Rutland Water resort. The hotel features rooms, lodges, Blossoms restaurant, a 22-meter indoor pool, gym, and spa. His Freedom of the City of London award highlights his sector contributions, supporting Rutland Hall's strategic expansion.

🍳 Phil Kearsey has been appointed executive chef at Morston Hall in Norfolk, succeeding Galton Blackiston, who led since 1992. Kearsey, with 18 years of fine dining experience, has worked at The Waterside Inn, The French Laundry, and Pied à Terre. Morston Hall has held a Michelin star for over 25 years. The hotel, a 17th-century property, was acquired by Henry Elworthy in April 2025, planning a refurbishment in early 2026. Kearsey aims to highlight Norfolk produce.

🌍 Kara Wallace, after 17 years at Royal Caribbean, was promoted to CMO, leading a brand evolution and gaining 7.5M+ followers. Caroline Clayton, CMO at American Airlines, is modernizing AA through initiatives like the “Going for Great” campaign. Raja Rajamannar at Mastercard is integrating payments with travel experiences, highlighted by a recent Formula One event in Singapore. Alex Schellenberger, at Mandarin Oriental, focuses on building emotional connections. Mark Weinstein at Hilton Worldwide is enhancing personalized experiences globally.

💰 Wyndham Hotels & Resorts: Michele Allen departs, prompting financial leadership restructuring. The company maintains its operational continuity and reaffirms its full-year guidance.

🏨 MontAzure Phuket Resort - MGallery Collection is opening at Kamala Beach, Phuket in Q1 2026, managed by Accor. Mr. Veeranat Limprasutr, with 35 years in hospitality, is appointed General Manager. The resort offers luxury amenities like pools, a gym, and a 24-hour restaurant, emphasizing "M Moments" of cultural and natural experiences. Located within the mixed-use MontAzure development, it embodies contemporary design harmonizing with nature.

📈 Christine Sikes has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer at Direct Travel. With over 35 years in the travel industry and 11 years at Direct Travel, she will focus on service execution, efficiency, and profitable growth. Formerly the Executive VP of Customer Experience, Sikes aims to enhance client service and operational efficiency. Her previous roles include VP positions at CWT, managing U.S. Military and Government client relationships.