Human Resources

🏨 Richard Pearson, with 19+ years in hospitality, is appointed as the first general manager of The Medlock, a 401-room hotel in Manchester, opening in 2026. Located in Manchester City's entertainment destination, it offers access to Etihad Stadium and Co-op Live. Operated by Valor Hospitality, it caters to corporate and MICE demand with event spaces. Recruitment for the senior team is underway, focusing on local community involvement. The Medlock contributes to Radisson Blu's portfolio of 1,580 hotels globally.

📈 In September 2025, North Bethesda, Maryland, Choice Hotels International appointed Joshua Sloser as Chief Commercial Officer. Sloser, boasting over 20 years in leadership, formerly worked at McDonald's and Hilton, will manage digital channels, revenue, and customer service. CEO Pat Pacious highlighted the company's Q2 growth and global expansion. Sloser expressed excitement to join at a pivotal growth phase, praising the company’s innovation and value delivery to franchisees.

🌳 Jumeirah appoints Xander Labuschagne as general manager of Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, managing a 16,500-hectare reserve. Xander's extensive 20+ years in hospitality includes roles in South Africa, Botswana, UAE, and Europe. The reserve features wildlife experiences and conservation efforts, with 90% local staff. Jumeirah Thanda Safari launched in December 2024 alongside Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania, marking Jumeirah's African market entry, accessible via Durban's King Shaka International Airport.

📚 Isabel Hargreaves, promoted in February 2024, becomes head of membership and commercial for the Institute of Hospitality (IoH). Sidiqa Hazara steps into the new role of commercial manager. Emma Ellis is promoted to events manager, having joined in 2023. Aymen Fetouak, appointed head of professional development in May 2025, aims to expand training. IoH, with 16,000 global members, focuses on commercial strategy for 2026, led by CEO Robert Richardson.

📍 Crescent Hotels & Resorts now manages The Westin Jackson, located in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. Opened in 2017, this modern hotel provides guests access to cultural and business spots like the Mississippi Museum of Art and Thalia Mara Hall. It features versatile event spaces, a Southern-flavored restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, and an indoor pool. Guests can also enjoy a curated electric guitar collection and local art installations.

📍 Jonathan Tisch, Executive Chairman of Loews Hotels, emphasizes his leadership approach of hiring the right person for each job, which has facilitated women advancing into senior roles. Influenced by family and colleagues, Tisch acknowledges the significant contributions of talented women in the growth of Loews Hotels. This discussion is hosted by Emily Goldfischer, founder of hertelier. Music for the episode is by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound.

📑 The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA) appointed Radhika Arapally as senior strategic representative for the UAE. This expands WSHA's Middle East presence, promoting 'Net Positive Hospitality.' Arapally, founder of Sustainability Kiosk since 2022, has over 20 years of experience in hospitality and sustainability. She curated 70+ solutions for hotels, founded the Responsible Hoteliers Summit in the UAE, and worked with groups like Minor Hotels and Millennium Hotels. WSHA represents over 66,000 hotels and 8 million rooms globally.

🏖️ Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort & Spa appoints Mark Weatherill as general manager. With 40+ years in hospitality, Weatherill aims to enhance guest experiences. He started with Marriott in 1984 and recently managed The Westin in Houston through a 36-month renovation. The resort, featuring 1,307 rooms, is located in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, near Waikiki Beach.