Human Resources

🌊 Karen Kurosawa has been appointed as director of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) at OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group. She will manage environmental data and enhance sustainability goals across OUTRIGGER’s global properties. Kurosawa will focus on the OUTRIGGER Zone, a conservation initiative for marine ecosystems. Her previous role was at CDP Reporter Services in New York, advising Fortune 500 companies on environmental frameworks. Monica Salter highlighted ESG's central role in OUTRIGGER's operations.

🏨 Lee Goodman has been appointed as the general manager of the Clarion Charlecote Pheasant Hotel in Warwickshire. With 20 years in hospitality, he previously managed locations in Kenilworth, Knowle, and Birmingham. The hotel, dating back to the 16th century, recently refurbished 40 guest rooms with a Shakespeare theme, enhancing its 70-room offering. Now under the Choice Hotels EMEA brand, it aims to attract both UK and international guests with its historic charm and modern amenities.

📈 Lily Wecker became CEO of Aethos on October 1, 2025. She will lead Aethos's international expansion in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Aethos's new flagship, Aethos London Shoreditch, follows the launch of Aethos Mallorca. The group operates in London, Lisbon, Ericeira, Mallorca, Milan, Monterosa, Saragano, Sardinia, and Corsica. Previously, Wecker held roles at Zetland Capital and Mandarin Oriental, and she has an MBA from Harvard. Founded in 2018, Aethos blends hotels and private member clubs.

🏨 Cedar Court Hotels, Yorkshire’s largest independent hotel group, appoints Colin Charles as director of people and culture, enhancing workforce development. Over the past year, increased investment in people initiatives aids recruitment, retention, and career progression. Charles introduces a “culture summit” and recruits culture ambassadors. Cedar Court, with properties in Bradford, Harrogate, Huddersfield, and Wakefield, emphasizes “Proper Yorkshire Hospitality” and fostering a supportive workplace in the hospitality sector.

🛌 RBH Hospitality Management has appointed Lauren Sargent as group HR director. Sargent, with over 11 years in hospitality HR, joins from Leonardo Hotels UK and Ireland. She will oversee talent strategy at RBH, which manages over 50 hotels. RBH, a leading UK independent hotel management firm with 25+ years of experience, partners with major brands like Accor, Hilton, IHG, Marriott, and Wyndham. Her role aligns with RBH's values and culture.

🏡 Ron Hassani is appointed as general manager at Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound, bringing over 35 years of experience. John Taffin, now general manager at Great Wolf Lodge Maryland, led a $40 million renovation at Grand Mound. Jordan Austin-Harris, with 25 years in hospitality, becomes general manager at Great Wolf Lodge Webster. Great Wolf Resorts opened new locations in Webster, Texas (August 2024), Naples, Florida (September 2024), and Mashantucket, Connecticut (May 2025).

🏠 Ivy Hospitality assumed management of The Tudor Arms Hotel Cleveland, a DoubleTree by Hilton, in Cleveland's University Circle neighborhood. This 157-room hotel resides in a 12-story Gothic revival building, opened in 1933. It features European-style rooms, modern amenities, and The Tudor Bar & Grill. The building was recognized on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 and added to the Historic Hotels of America list in 2015. Ivy Hospitality aims to honor its legacy while enhancing guest experiences.

📋 Todd Gagnon, with over 20 years of leadership experience, is now the general manager of the Seaport Hotel in Boston, managed by CoralTree Hospitality. Previously, he was the resort manager at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster, Mass., leading a team of 600. The Seaport Hotel, opened in 1998, offers access to Logan Airport and cultural sites. Gagnon aims to enhance the hotel's legacy with locally inspired guest experiences.

💻 Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) promotes Steve Ayalo to VP of IT governance and Matthew Lloyd to VP of marketing technology. Ayalo, with GHA since 2015, will manage cybersecurity, compliance, and ISO certification. Lloyd, joining in 2018, will oversee CRM initiatives and digital marketing. Their promotions reflect GHA's focus on technology and customer engagement. CEO Chris Hartley emphasizes their vital roles in GHA’s growth and innovation.