Human Resources

💻 In Atlanta, Otelier appointed Rob Lawrence as its new CEO, with Ali Moloo remaining as executive chairperson. Lawrence has extensive experience in scaling SaaS companies and leading them to revenue growth. His goal is to drive Otelier's growth in the hospitality technology sector and set new innovation benchmarks.

🏠 The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) elected new leadership, including Chair Kristie Dickinson and inducted 37 new members for its 2025 class. Members are chosen by invitation and undergo rigorous screening to ensure integrity and expertise. The ISHC, composed of individual members, not corporations, fosters professional development and serves as a leading hospitality resource. Key roles include President Steve Hennis, Vice President Ivar Yuste, Secretary Penny Fondy, and Treasurer Suzanne Mellen.

💲 Lee Ainsworth promoted to Director of Strategy for the Advantage Travel Partnership, to lead the company's strategic plans and support ambitious growth. Ainsworth, with Advantage for nine years, praised by CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said for his leadership and strategic thinking. The promotion reflects the company's dedication to nurturing talent and Ainsworth's commitment to driving strategic development and stakeholder value.

🏨 Gabriel Escarrer Juliá, founder of Meliá Hotels International, died at 89 on November 26. He started the company in Majorca in 1956 at 21. Today, Meliá boasts over 400 hotels in 40+ countries. In 2016, his son Gabriel Escarrer Jaume became chairman and CEO. Juliá received numerous honors, including from Spain and the Balearic Islands. He opened pioneering properties in the Mexican Caribbean, Bali, and Cuba, and is survived by six children and 20 grandchildren.

🏖️ Concord Hospitality partners with Margaritaville Resorts & Hotels to manage Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound in Tampa, Florida. The 123-key waterfront hotel features two restaurants, a resort-style pool, and is located on a private 220-acre island, 30 minutes from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. This marks Concord's first Margaritaville partnership, adding to its nearly 40 years of hospitality experience.

💸 Driftwood Hospitality Management (DHM) promoted Bryan Postema to COO, Michael Buddemeyer to VP of operations focus service, and Michael Diaz to chief strategy officer; Frenchman's Reef appointed Martin Smith as managing director, Andrew Haas as VP of commercial services, and Maria Vilchez as general manager; Preferred Travel Group promoted Stephanie Calhoun, Christopher Ahlgrim, Renee Haddad, and Priscilla Haryadi to various VP and director positions; Katherine “Kati” Gregory joined Pendry Hotels as director of sales and marketing; Hotel Granada hired Lucits Dean as director of sales; The Chatwal, New York appointed Sebastian Gurevich as hotel manager; Sunriver Resort named Krista Miller VP of real estate and development and Megan Roe as general manager of Caldera Springs.

🏥 Kimberly Rowell, with over 35 years in hospitality, joined Five Star Hospitality Management as Executive Vice President in February 2023. Dream Capital named Justin Patel as Senior Associate, who has experience with 20+ hotels and a finance degree from the University of Tennessee. Five Star pursues acquisitions with major brands like Hilton and Marriott in challenging markets.

🏠 In Denver, Colorado, Sage Hospitality Group has added Hotel Alpenrock Breckenridge, Curio Collection by Hilton, to its portfolio, located by Peak 9’s QuickSilver Super 6 Chairlift. The 205-key property has undergone a complete renovation. Daniel del Olmo, president of Sage Hospitality Group, aims to make the group America's favorite lifestyle hospitality company. Hotel Alpenrock offers year-round vacation activities, 205 rooms and suites, and a mountain lifestyle experience. Sage Restaurant Concepts will manage Edwin and Canary, two new outlets for the winter season at the hotel.

🏕 Waterford Hotel Group announced operating the 102-room Killington Mountain Lodge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Waterford, Connecticut. The property, providing access to Killington Resort's skiing and seasonal activities, features nearly 3,000 square feet of event space, a pub, outdoor hot tub, fitness center, and Starbucks. Owned by Mission Hill Hospitality, the lodge is the sixth property under their collaboration aiming to offer exceptional guest experiences.

🏠 Pivot, part of Davidson Hospitality Group, to manage the 393-room Royal Palm South Beach Miami, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, featuring two pools, a fitness center, five dining outlets, and nearly 8,000 square feet of event space. Comprehensive renovation planned for 2025. The group also operates 22 other properties in Florida, including the Key West Historic Inns and Eden Roc Miami Beach.