Human Resources

🏨 Beaumier, European hotel group, names Billy Skelli-Cohen as CEO starting January 1, 2025. Skelli-Cohen, former CEO of Zien Group and founder of Lore Group, to focus on growth and sustainability. Lodging Dynamics Hospitality Group appoints Lisa Carlson as COO, bringing 30+ years’ experience. Proper Hospitality announces three appointments for The Shelborne in Miami Beach: Guy Chetwynd as managing director, Mariannie Santiago as GM, and Oliver Morgan as director of sales and marketing. Viceroy Hotels & Resorts hires Nicholas Marino as director of F&B at Viceroy Chicago. Walker & Dunlop adds Carter Gradwell as senior director. Davidson Hospitality Group promotes Brad Barnett to SVP of sales and Michael Yousif to SVP of acquisitions & business development. TFE Hotels announces Gabriel Polias, Brett Skinner, and Aalap Rammurthy for leadership roles at three properties. David J. Cronin returns as GM at W Scottsdale. Karolina Lasinska becomes GM at Hotel Sanders. Hotel Effie Sandestin names Jennifer Lombard Knight as GM.

🏠 The Ascott Limited, with over 950 properties, manages Millennium and Copthorne hotels at Chelsea FC's Stamford Bridge since 26 November. Stamford Bridge Hotel, next to the stadium, will become lyf Chelsea London after 2025 renovations. Ascott's lyf brand emphasizes social living for modern travelers. The partnership also made Ascott the 'official global hotels partner' for Chelsea FC, offering Ascott Star Rewards members unique experiences and enhancing Ascott's presence in London. Ascott operates in over 230 cities across more than 40 countries.

🍴 Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN) and Restaurant Hospitality since 1999, covers food and beverage trends and oversees F&B coverage. Host of "In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn" podcast. Columnist for The New York Sun (2005-2008). In Thailand (1992-1997), he wrote business and food articles for Manager magazine and Asia Times. Thorn holds a BA in history from Tufts University (1990), studied French cooking at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris (1986), and Chinese language and culture at Peking University (spring 1989) and Nanjing University (fall 1988). He reported for ABC News during the Tiananmen Square protests (1989). His work won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and he was inducted into the Disciples d'Escoffier (2014). Contact: [email protected]

📌 RMS Cloud appointed Sandrine Zechbauer as CMO. Pacifica Hotels announced hires: Brian Min as GM of The Wayfarer San Luis Obispo, Bridgette Quartararo as director of sales at Seacliff Inn, Leslie Mercado as regional director of sales, Ron Herrera as Jamaica Bay Inn's executive chef. Atlantic Hospitality added Justin Grimes as managing partner, Caroline Meyer DeBruyckere as corporate director of marketing, Andrea Weissing as corporate director of revenue management. Elena Black joined Rocco Forte Hotels as SVP of marketing. Hilton Anaheim named Justin Underwood as director of hotel operations. Omni Hotels appointed Gayla Guyse as GM of Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel. The Chatwal, New York assigned Sebastian Gurevich as hotel manager. Trilith Guesthouse named Craig Green as executive chef. Crossroads Hotel appointed Kara Anderson as GM of Lazia. Grace Bay Resorts welcomed Emma Wilks as VP of marketing, digital, and communications. Epicurean Hotel added Whitnee Wilson as spa director. Pendry San Diego announced William Figueroa as director of F&B and Brandon Sloan as executive chef. Frenchman’s Reef's new committee includes Martin Smith as MD, Andrew Haas as VP, and Maria Vilchez as GM of Buoy Haus Beach Resort.

📃 Reed & Mackay appointed Kieran Hartwell as the global Chief Revenue Officer, bringing 25 years of expertise to the company. Hartwell will oversee worldwide revenue-generating departments and align Sales and Marketing teams. Reporting to Group CEO Fred Stratford, he aims to develop strategies for new market segments and optimize go-to-market models. Hartwell has a history of C-suite roles in the travel industry. Reed & Mackay is expanding in Europe, APAC, Middle East, and North America.

📢 Marielle joined Choice Hotels EMEA in 2023 and will become Head of Operations from December 1, 2024. Her role includes leading strategic development for franchisees, optimizing workflows, and implementing technologies. CEO David Beers highlighted her contributions since 2023 and anticipates further franchise success under her leadership. Choice Hotels EMEA has nearly 400 hotels in 17 countries. Contact Katie Kershaw for more information at 07539 437 238 or katie@kershawandcompany.com.

🍰 Albio Ziu appointed as Pastry Chef at the Great Northern Hotel’s restaurant, RAILS, with 10+ years of experience including The Bloomsbury Hotel and Searcy’s Pall Mall. Will develop RAILS' dessert, afternoon tea, and private dining menus, focusing on seasonal dishes and expanding vegan/gluten-free options. Jenni Lehtonen, Sales and Marketing Director, highlights Ziu's skill, vision, and commitment to guest experiences.

📈 Sandrine Zechbauer, with over 16 years’ experience in travel and hospitality tech, is appointed as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for RMS Cloud, a leading property management software provider. She previously held senior roles at British Airways, Etihad, Air France, Sabre, and was Senior Director at Khoros. Zechbauer will lead global marketing, focusing on brand awareness in EMEA, APAC, and the Americas, supporting RMS Cloud’s strategic growth and market presence. RMS Cloud serves over 7,000 properties across 70 countries and has been established for 40 years.

🏢 Frank Santos, Rosen Hotels & Resorts' newly appointed CEO, steps into his role following Founder Harris Rosen's death at 85. Santos, who began as CFO in January 1986, has been with the company for almost 39 years. The company staffs over 4,000 associates and boasts seven Orlando hotels, alongside other ventures including RosenSure and Millennium Technology Group. Santos helped create essential community programs like free preschool for underserved areas and affordable healthcare for associates. He's also active on various boards, holds CHAE+ and CHA+ designations, and is a past HFTP president.