Human Resources

🏩 Andrew Casperson promoted to president of Coury Hospitality in Dallas, Texas. Previously COO, Casperson joined Coury in spring 2023, driving growth and operational efficiency. Under his leadership, Coury saw improved guest satisfaction and financial performance. The promotion will further impact the travel industry with a focus on reimagining guest experiences and operational standards in lifestyle hotels. Concert Hospitality also falls under Casperson's leadership, expanding the company's influence.

📌 Cycas Hospitality appoints Philip Steiner as COO for UK, Ireland, Netherlands, and Portugal. Steiner previously improved Bankside Hotel to top 10 on TripAdvisor, earning “Best of the Best” 2024 title with an 87% guest recommendation score. Since 2018 at Cycas, he's progressed through roles and led a complex with 244 rooms. His extensive career includes working at Rome Cavalieri and with Hilton and Starwood, and he serves on the Institute of Hospitality board and as an Ambassador for Hospitality Action. CEO Matt Luscombe commends Steiner’s results and leadership as he takes on the new executive role to support Cycas's European expansion.

🏖️ Tripadvisor will buy Liberty TripAdvisor for $435 million, aiming to simplify its ownership structure by settling debts and eliminating the holding company's stake. This deal could allow Tripadvisor, established in 2000 and once valued at $15 billion in 2015, to either expand or downsize as its market value has decreased to under $2 billion by December 18. Hindered by debt, competition, search engine changes, and the pandemic's impact, Tripadvisor sees this agreement as a strategic move towards flexibility and a wider range of potential transactions.

📋 Temp-to-hire models gain traction in the foodservice industry, particularly in quick-serve and fast-casual segments, due to their growth in 2024 and expected expansion in 2025. This hiring method allows employers to assess potential permanent staff in a low-employment environment without long-term commitments. Temporary postings typically range from three to six months, after which employers may pay a conversion fee to make the temp a permanent employee. The method offers a solution to adapt to increased labor demands despite the introduction of automated systems. Employers are advised to invest in committed training and intentional onboarding to improve hiring success.

🏦 Flight Centre UK named Joe Beevis as general manager, succeeding Lucy Clifton, now in a senior global learning and development role. Beevis, with the company for 15 years, aims to expand the brand's high street presence, increase sales in luxury, round-the-world, and groups, as well as grow the business travel division. He previously served as a retail consultant, then in managerial roles, including pre-pandemic GM of the business travel division. His new role took effect January 2.

👨 Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort appoints Stuart Evans as director of sales and marketing following a renovation. Pendy West Hollywood names Mgeni Mpolo for the same role. CordValle hires Alissa O’Briant with 20+ years' experience as their director. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort brings on Ryan Clark with 20+ years' culinary background as executive chef. Hotel La Jolla, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, selects Ernest Lopez as executive chef. Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, opening spring 2025, appoints Nicolas Piatti as executive chef. Naples Grande Beach Resort designates Jose Garcia as chef de cuisine. Hotel Revival Baltimore announces Jasmine Garland as director of impact. The Shelborne by Proper, opening 2025, appoints Guy Chetwynd as managing director, Mariannie Santiago as general manager, and Oliver Morgan as director of sales and marketing.

🏡 Sage Hospitality Group now manages Hilton Denver City Center, the first partnership with Park Hotels & Resorts. The hotel, featuring 613 rooms and 35,000 square feet of meeting space, joins Sage's 18-property Denver portfolio including The Crawford and The Oxford. Located near Larimer Square, the hotel provides mountain and city skyline views and Sage Restaurant Concepts oversees its dining venue. Sage's four companies offer comprehensive hospitality services in Denver.