Human Resources

🗺 Emerging Travel Group appointed Astrid Kastberg as Managing Director of RateHawk. ???? Based in Dubai, she will lead the B2B division supporting 110,000 retail and 1,100 API partners. ???? In 2024, the group hit a $3.7 billion gross transaction value with RateHawk's net booking value rising 1.8 times and a 67% global booking growth. ???? The group employs 3,600+ people in 80 countries with offices in Dubai, Wilmington, Singapore, London, Berlin, Lisbon, Warsaw, and Limassol.

📈 SAN FRANCISCO, California—David Woolenberg steps down as CEO of Duetto, effective immediately. Alex Zoghlin, current board member and ex-CEO of ATPCO, takes over. Woolenberg served for six years, scaling Duetto's business and expanding its products and client base. Zoghlin aims to enhance the company's revenue management solutions amid industry changes. This leadership shift aligns with the launch of Duetto's Revenue & Profit Operating System, aimed at integrating data and automation for hotel revenue growth.

🍳 Chef Badara Gueye, a 40-year-old from Senegal, has spent nearly five years at La Cantine, Château de Candie in Chambéry. Post-pandemic, he merged African roots with French refinement using local, seasonal ingredients. Formerly a dishwasher in Dakar, his culinary and artistic pursuits have gained global recognition. Signature dishes include veal rump with blackcurrant jus and omble chevalier with sauce kaldou. Passionate about creativity, Badara’s experiences span continents, influencing his globally inspired cuisine and artistic work.

🏠 June 2025, Brad Berry and Philip Leighton will join Mandarin Oriental's Development team. Berry, with 25+ years in branded residential development, becomes Head of Residences & Homes. Leighton, with 20+ years in luxury travel, becomes Head of Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes. Their roles aim to expand luxury home offerings. Berry reports to the Chief Development Officer, while Leighton reports to Berry. This move aligns with Mandarin Oriental's strategy to enhance its presence in luxury living.

📈 Auberge Resorts Collection appointed Etienne Haro as managing director of Cambridge House in Mayfair, London. Haro, previously at The Mark Hotel, will lead the 102-room luxury hotel opening in spring 2026. Located at 94 Piccadilly, this historic Georgian mansion was once the ‘In and Out’ Military Club. Haro's experience includes roles at Burj Al Arab and La Mamounia. Reuben Brothers partner in the project, transforming this landmark into a cultural and social hub.

📅 Essex Hotel Management promoted John Kattato to COO. Quore announced David Fox's retirement and introduced Vail Ross as VP of Business Development. Cloudbeds appointed Adnan Malik as Managing Director in London. Auberge Resorts Collection designated Etienne Haro as Managing Director of Cambridge House in London. Numerous hospitality industry appointments include Joseph Shurmur at Luminary Hotel & Co., Victorio Gonzalez at Montage Laguna Beach, and Natasha Pogrebinsky at InterContinental Cleveland. Omni Hotels plans a 2027 opening in Mexico with Terrance Kelly as Director.

🏨 Luke Dockrill has been appointed as hotel manager of The Laslett by Living Rooms, a boutique hotel in Notting Hill, London. Previously, Dockrill spent 13 years with Firmdale Hotels, serving as deputy general manager at Charlotte Street Hotel. The Laslett, housed in converted Victorian townhouses, offers 50 bedrooms, The Henderson Bar and Dining Room, a terrace, and the Recharge Spa. Dockrill aims to enhance community ties and guest experiences.

🏨 Etienne Haro appointed as managing director of Cambridge House, Auberge Resorts Collection. Opening in Mayfair, London in spring 2026, the hotel will feature 102 rooms, a restaurant, a spa, and a private club. Developed with Reuben Brothers, this hotel is in a historic Georgian mansion. Haro, with 25 years of global hospitality experience, previously led The Mark Hotel, New York. Auberge Resorts anticipates Haro’s global expertise will enhance guest experiences.

🏠 Richard Singer becomes the new President of the UK-based CIM Travel Group on 1 July, succeeding Richard Carrick, who served for 15 years. Carrick's leadership was pivotal in the group's success. Keith Cartwright, Chair of CIM Travel Group, praised Carrick’s contributions. Singer aims to enhance learning and development for travel marketers and organize events. The Travel Marketing Awards will occur on 9 July, continuing the group's commitment to excellence in travel marketing.