Human Resources

🐝 Bee Emmott is set to become the CEO of Artfarm on January 1, 2025, taking over from Ewan Venters. Venters announced his resignation in September 2024 after a controversy regarding The Groucho Club, which Artfarm acquired in 2022. Emmott joined Artfarm in 2018 and has been deeply involved in its operations. Artfarm, based in London and Scotland, includes venues like The Audley Public House and plans further openings in the UK, Europe, and North America. Venters led Artfarm's significant expansion since 2021.

🏨 Griffin Hotel Management LLC has merged into Meyer Jabara Hotels (MJH), adding 14 assets to MJH's portfolio. With additional deals, MJH is expected to manage 50 hotels by Q1 2025. Griffin's CEO James Kirkland becomes MJH's SVP of Operations – Western region, while majority owner Jay Fishman assumes a business development role. The merger expands MJH's Western footprint with properties in Texas, Illinois, Arizona, New Mexico, Minnesota, and Michigan and introduces new capital partners. Kirkland has opened over 30 U.S. properties during his career, and Fishman has managed over 40 hotel transactions.

🏨 Omar Romero appointed as Chief Development and Luxury Officer at Minor Hotels, based in Bangkok, to lead global expansion and manage key stakeholder relationships. Amanda Hyndman promoted to COO at Mandarin Oriental, with 18 years at the company, following Christoph Mares' retirement. Claudio Cadeddu joins Sereno Hotels as CCO with over 20 years in luxury hospitality. Lakshmi Moolraj becomes ENVI Lodges' corporate director of sales and marketing, after orchestrating East African luxury lodges' sales and operations. Philip Lawrence Kadoorie to become deputy chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Ltd. board from January 1, 2025. Ryan Kingston named area managing director for Noble House Hotels & Resorts' three Wyoming hotels. Four Seasons Hotel New York appoints Christopher Shiel as director of marketing for the fall reopening. Brian Smith becomes general manager of Hotel Maverick in Colorado. VERANÓ Hotels + Resorts hires Pierre-Alex Maillard as area general manager for the first of three new luxury lifestyle hotels in Puerto Rico. Monica Eisen appointed as general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Prague, bringing nearly two decades of Four Seasons experience.

🍴 Michael Blades was promoted as the new Head Chef of Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, Lichfield's only Michelin starred restaurant. He has known Tom Shepherd for over 11 years and helped open Upstairs in October 2021. Blades previously worked at the two Michelin starred Restaurant Sat Bains and in Adams, Birmingham. Upstairs plans to expand, and Mike will now lead a kitchen brigade of ten, managing 40 covers, and maintaining the restaurant's signature dishes. Tom Shepherd will continue partnerships with Experiences by Wembley Stadium, Royal Ascot, Wimbledon, and other dining events.

📍 Rosanna Maietta has been appointed as president & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), effective November 14. Prior roles include president & CEO of the AHLA Foundation and executive vice president of communications and public relations at AHLA. Her selection was led by the AHLA Search Committee and unanimously approved by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Kevin Carey, who served as interim president & CEO since March 5, 2024, will continue as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Executive Vice President. Maietta's recent position was as chief communications officer at the American Clean Power Association (ACP), where she expanded her team and significantly increased event revenue.

🔔 Rosanna Maietta was appointed the next president & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), effective Nov. 14, after a unanimous approval of her appointment by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Previously, she was president & CEO of the AHLA Foundation and Executive VP of communications and public relations of AHLA. The selection came after a several-month search overseen by AHLA's Search Committee and AHLA Vice Chair Mitch Patel. Kevin Carey, who served as interim president & CEO of AHLA since March 5, 2024, will continue as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Executive VP. Maietta's former role was as chief communications officer & senior counselor to the CEO at the American Clean Power Association (ACP).

🍴 The Common Man, a 12-concept hospitality group in New Hampshire, focuses on comfort food and country-style hospitality. Vincent Vella, CEO, emphasizes serving good food at reasonable prices. Founded by Alex Ray 53 years ago, the first location seated 35 people. Now with six unique locations, they serve classics like chicken pot pie mixed with fusion dishes. Their portfolio includes three diners and a camp-themed restaurant. Despite expansion, The Common Man will remain within New Hampshire, aiming to support local communities and charities like the New Hampshire Food Bank.

📆 Rosanna Maietta appointed as President and CEO of American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), effective November 14. Previously, she led the AHLA Foundation and served as EVP of communications and public relations at AHLA. Maietta built relationships with key AHLA stakeholder groups. She returns after a successful tenure at the American Clean Power Association, where she expanded her team and event revenue. Kevin Carey, interim AHLA president since March 5, will continue as COO and Senior EVP. AHLA's executive committee and board unanimously approved Maietta's appointment after a comprehensive search led by AHLA Search Committee.

📈 Rosanna Maietta appointed president/CEO of AHLA, effective Nov. 14, 2024. Formerly served as president/CEO of AHLA Foundation and executive VP of communications and public relations of AHLA. AHLA leadership expressed confidence in Maietta's capabilities. Kevin Carey acknowledged for his interim leadership since March 5, 2024, and will continue as senior executive VP and COO. Maietta's recent role was with the American Clean Power Association, where she expanded her team and increased event revenue.