Human Resources

🍴 October 29, 2025, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff in Johannesburg is undergoing a culinary revamp. Chef Rudi Liebenberg returns as Executive Chef, bringing global experience. The signature restaurant, Flames, is updating its kitchen. Chef Avuyile Fumba and Pastry Chef Nathan Jacobs join the team. The hotel boasts a 400-seat ballroom for events. Recent accolades include Best Restaurant at the South Africa Restaurant Awards and the Luxe People's Choice Award.

📈 Chris O'Donnell, appointed President of Aimbridge Hospitality's Select Service division, will assume his role effective September 15, 2025, in Plano, Texas. O'Donnell brings 20+ years of hospitality expertise, with previous senior roles at Marriott and Atrium Hospitality. He will focus on operational performance and aligning with Aimbridge's scorecard framework, covering market share, profitability, and guest satisfaction. CEO Craig S. Smith praised O'Donnell's leadership and commitment to operational excellence.

📅 October 27, 2025, USA, Newport Beach, California: Rory Emslie is appointed general manager of Lido House, Autograph Collection. Emslie, previously hotel manager since 2021, will lead the hotel's expansion, adding five luxury cottages and a new Glass House on Newport Lawn. Under his leadership, Lido House achieved record guest service scores and revenue growth. Before Lido House, Emslie worked with Marriott, earning awards like The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Leader of the Year in 2017.

🏨 Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) executed nine new management agreements in 2025, including one development project, expanding their portfolio in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Texas. These hotels, comprising 1,485 rooms, feature Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and independent brands. HVMG plans to add six more hotels by year-end. The company has enhanced its team, appointing Jessica Myers as VP of Finance and Drew Slayton as VP of Business Development, and launched Elevate Renovations + Development for project management services.

🏨 October 27, 2025, Wilton, Connecticut: Lisa Marchese is promoted to President of Northview Hotels & Resorts. Since joining in 2022, she has impacted revenue strategy and brand experiences, particularly revitalizing the Beacon Grand in San Francisco and transforming Boca Raton's design and advertising. Previously, Marchese led innovations at Las Vegas Sands and The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, contributing to a $1.7 billion sale to Blackstone. CEO Matt Trevenen will continue to lead business development, while Marchese oversees portfolio operations.