Human Resources

💰 Thompson Hospitality appoints Joe Lawler as CFO, succeeding Ali Azima who will retire in 2026. Lawler, who joined in 2020 as SVP of strategy & finance, has helped the company's portfolio more than triple through multiple acquisitions. Thompson Hospitality, founded in 1992 with over 70 locations across 14 brands, launched Thompson Restaurants last year and is planning a loyalty and gift card program this year. The company is one of the largest minority-owned foodservice management companies in the U.S.

💰 Who? Dean Stambules, Sage Hospitality Group. What? Promoted to Chief Investment Officer (CIO). Where? Denver, Colorado. When? Announcement made, no specific date provided. Why? Recognizing leadership, commitment, and contribution to Sage. How? Overseeing new business initiatives, investment opportunities, acquisitions, development, and management portfolio growth. Stambules joined Sage in 2014 as an analyst, contributed to portfolio growth including Hotel Commonwealth and The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, led the first acquisition in Florida, and expanded partnerships with major investors. Graduated from Denison University with a BA in Economics.

🏨 Coury Holdings expands with nine hotels in California and appoints Bo Patel as COO. Patel, with 20+ years in hospitality, previously co-founded Evolution Hospitality and managed a $1B+ portfolio. New properties add 1,500 rooms, including Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, and Homewood Suites in San Diego, the DoubleTree in Palm Springs, and TETRA Hotel, Hotel Citrine, AC Hotel Palo Alto, and AC Hotel Sunnyvale in the Bay Area, featuring amenities like outdoor pools, fitness centers, and dining venues.

📅 Scott Roby named President of Pacifica Hotels; Chris Cylke promoted to President of REVPAR International, Inc. after 20 years with the firm, including 9 as COO; Dean Stambules appointed CIO of Sage Hospitality Group; Phil Wade becomes CIO of The Kessler Collection with over $15 billion in real estate transactions; Gordon Drake selected as CFO and Rasha Lababidi as CPO for Kempinski Hotels; Renate Hermes becomes wellness director at Six Senses Crans-Montana; Josh Hoce promoted to director of group sales at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront; James Hansen appointed VP of business development at Reeco; Matthew Slippoy joins The Asbury Collection as managing director; Pilar Florez named director of sales and marketing at Bernardus Lodge & Spa; Michael Briggs and Kristie Rasheed join Olympia Hospitality as managing director and VP of operations, respectively; Patti Cameron promoted to senior director of talent acquisition at Concord Hospitality; Veronica Moretti, Chris Jaycock, Jurgen Ammerstorfer, and Anna Contreras assume GM roles at The Westin Riverfront, Ned’s Club, Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel, and Kimpton Anglers, correspondingly.

🏨 Kempinski Hotels, led by CEO Barbara Muckermann, appoints Gordon Drake as CFO and Rasha Lababidi as CPO. Drake brings over 30 years of global experience in corporate capital markets, asset management, and risk management. Lababidi has over 25 years in luxury hospitality and real estate marketing, branding, and product development. Their appointments aim to accelerate Kempinski's development and strengthen its luxury hospitality position, enhancing financial strategies and product innovation.

💸 Noida, 23rd January 2025: RateGain Travel Technologies Limited appoints Toby March as Executive Vice President – Americas, succeeding Peter Strebel, now Board Advisor. March brings 30 years of experience, including roles at WNS, Galileo, Sabre, and Design Hotels. RateGain, founded in 2004, headquartered in India, serves 3,200+ customers across 100+ countries, and partners with top industry players including 26 of the Top 30 Hotel Chains. The company specializes in AI-powered SaaS solutions for travel and hospitality.

📢 Nicki Graham, previously senior vice president of global marketing, has been appointed as chief marketing officer at Cendy, a hotel technology and services firm. She joined Cendyn in 2017, having experience with IPG and WPP agencies. Ricky Castoldi, with five years at Cendyn, has been promoted to chief sales officer (CSO) post-acquisition of Pegasus in 2021. CEO Jack Blaha highlights their roles in Cendyn's growth and global development. Cendyn aims to expand and innovate in hospitality technology, with a leadership team now including four women.

📌 Pacifica Hotels appointed Scott Roby as president to enhance operations across its portfolio. Roby previously founded Storyteller Hospitality and served as senior VP for Evolution Hospitality. He began his career at Hilton after graduating from Cornell University. CEO Matt Marquis is confident in Roby's impact on California and Hawaii's hospitality. Roby also contributes to cancer research and lectures on hospitality. His goal is to expand Pacifica Hotels' brand and cultivate owner partnerships.

📢 Resolute Road Hospitality partners with JMA Ventures to manage the DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane City Center in Spokane, Washington, marking their expansion to eight US states. The hotel features 375 rooms, an outdoor pool, fitness and business centers, EV charging stations, and 21,720 square feet of meeting space across 17 rooms. It is connected to Spokane Convention Center and near Gonzaga University. Upcoming renovations aim to modernize the hotel's facilities and maintain its standing as a premier Spokane destination.

📢 Gonzalo Aguilar became CEO of Minor Hotels Europe & Americas in October 2024, succeeding Ramón Aragonés. Javier Águila is Hyatt's new president of its Inclusive Collection from March 1, 2025. Sean Tresvant was elected as Marriott International's board director effective February 12, 2025, expanding the board to 13 directors. Hotel Equities appointed Adrienne Jubb as SVP of business development for the Western U.S. Remington Hospitality hired Adrian De Gortari as EVP of revenue. The Lodge at Spruce Peak named Beth Allen as director of sales and marketing. IHG promoted Nabil Moubayed to regional director of operations. Andrew Hedley joined Tamarind Hills Resort as director of business development. Salamander Collection appointed Allie Wishart as director of leisure sales. The Oaklander Hotel in Pittsburgh welcomed Kelly Giger as director of sales and marketing. Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha in Qatar announced Andrew Steele as managing director. Red Cliffs Lodge Zion hired Ron Carter as general manager. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives appointed Oliver Eller as GM. Nina Hospitality promoted Charis Yim to GM of Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West in Hong Kong.