Human Resources

📖 Michelle O'Brien appointed as Managing Director of Structured Finance at Access Point Financial (APF). Her role focuses on the capital markets community and APF's new mezzanine GAP financing product for hotels. She reports to CIO Dana Tsakanikas. O'Brien holds a BA from William & Mary and an MS in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Virginia Tech. She previously worked with Trilogy Investment and other hospitality leaders. APF's CEO Michael I. Lipson emphasizes the company's commitment to hotel capital solutions.

🏦 Claudia Kozma Kaplan appointed Chief Brand Officer for Raffles and Fairmont Hotels. Kaplan, with experience at Christian Dior and Gucci, oversees Raffles’ 23 hotels and forthcoming openings in London, Boston, and Jaipur. Led “The Butler Did It” campaign enhancing Raffles' brand. Now also guiding Fairmont brand direction for global resonance.

🏡 Meyer Jabara Hotels took over management of Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel, Autograph Collection in Columbia, Maryland, featuring 212 rooms, an upscale restaurant, rooftop pool, and 14,000 sq ft event space. Owner IMH Columbia LLC, near Merriweather Post Pavilion. Justin Jabara highlighted their experience in Maryland since the 1990s. New general manager Jeff Sweet, formerly of Pyramid Global Hospitality and Starwood Hotels, was appointed. The hotel recently added a 78-room tower and 2,000 sq ft of meeting space, plus a redesigned lobby and 1,200 sq ft penthouse suite.

🏌️ Barry McCauley of Lough Erne Resort won 'Ulster Golf Manager of the Year' at the Golfers Guide to Ireland Awards. He was recently promoted to Director of Golf after a decade of service in various roles. The resort features the Faldo Course, ranked in Golf World's Top 100 Parkland courses in GB and Ireland, and the Castle Hume Course. Lough Erne Resort, under Barry's leadership, has seen growth and increased industry recognition. TRU Hotels and Resorts LLC's Jeff Mahan and Mark Ward praised Barry's impact on the resort's success.

📈 Shiji announced the promotion of Nikkie Singh to Executive Vice President, Global Operations on February 3, 2025, in Singapore. Singh has over 20 years of experience and has significantly contributed to Shiji's success in APAC and the Middle East. Her role includes overseeing global service delivery, major accounts, and developing a global support organization. Shiji is preparing to name a new Senior Vice President for APAC and the Middle East. For more details, visit www.shijigroup.com.

📌 Awaze CEO Henrik Kjellberg to step down after 6+ years at the helm, leaving January 31. CFO Matthew Price will temporarily lead Europe's top vacation rental management business as they seek a replacement. Kjellberg led expansions in product portfolio, tech improvements, and enhanced guest/owner experiences. Next career move undisclosed, indicating a "new chapter" ahead. ????

🏨 Mike Deitemeyer joined Rockbridge as Executive Vice President and President of its development company, focusing on the luxury and lifestyle segment with its newest acquisition, ZaZa Hotels and Resorts. Deitemeyer's experience includes operations, brand leadership, and over $1 billion in hospitality investments, particularly in Omni's resort space expansion. Rockbridge CEO Jimmy Merkel expressed trust and optimism in this partnership.

🏡 Meyer Jabara Hotels now manages the Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel, a 212-room Autograph Collection property. The luxury hotel boasts spa accommodations, an upscale restaurant, a rooftop pool, and 14,000 sq ft of event space. Recently, the hotel added a 78-room tower and 2,000 sq ft of new meeting space. A 1,200 sq ft penthouse suite is among the upgrades. Jeff Sweet, with 40 years of experience, is the new general manager. The hotel is owned by IMH Columbia LLC.

🏨 In Alpharetta, Georgia, Atrium Hospitality managed 75 hotels with over 500 management-level internal promotions and new hires in 2024. The company operates 19,000 guest rooms/suites and 2.8 million square feet of event space across 26 states. Internal promotions rose to 40% in 2024 from 35% in 2023, with 83% for on-property roles. External hires accounted for 60%, with 88% supporting on-property positions. Atrium launched specialized leadership schools and the WomenRISE program in 2024, with nine participants.