Human Resources

🏦 Jessica Shelton-Agar appointed as managing director of Online Travel Training (OTT). Prior role: head of sales for Discover Qatar. OTT acquired by Jacobs Media in November 2023. Shelton-Agar starts on November 26, succeeding OTT founder Julie Feuell, who transitions to consultancy in 2025. OTT offers training, events, and rewards for the travel industry, part of Jacobs Media's portfolio alongside Travel Weekly and other brands. Shelton-Agar brings a 10-year background from APT, including head of sales.

📈 Errol David, VP of Operations for Venus Group Inc., will retire at the end of 2024 after a 40-year tenure; succeeded by Cecilia Henson. Steven Okuley joins the American Hotel & Lodging Association as Senior VP. JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group adds Carolina Bernal and Mackenzie Melikian in NYC. Rod Lapasin appointed as MD and GM of Hotel Westland by Aparium Hotel Group. Alila Ventana Big Sur names Matt Skaletsky as GM. Raymond Weissert becomes GM of The Grove Resorts & Water Park. Javier Arrebola joins The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay as Executive Chef. Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina hires James McIver as Executive Chef. Nicole Johnson welcomed as Marketing Manager by The Newman. Steve Smotrys to serve as MD and SVP of Commercial at HX. Highgate Hawaii appoints Ramona Silo and Jessica Mullenfeld to its marketing task force.

🏨 Jennifer Clay, Vice President of Hotel Operations at Appellation, discusses hiring practices for General Managers on Oct. 3, 2024. Highlights include interview questions, key traits for success, and the value of downtime for recharging. Key interview insights are shared at 01:28 and 03:15, with a focus on the importance of disconnection at 04:14. Clay recommends sharing episodes for turning ideas into action within hospitality teams.

💰 Splendid Hospitality Group appoints Rachel Bulford as Chief Commercial Officer, joining its leadership team and Board of Directors. Bulford, with her experience as Director of Retail at Gatwick Airport and senior roles at Homebase and Burberry, aims to enhance commercial strategies for the company's hotels, restaurants, and care homes. She holds an MA from Cambridge and an MBA from Bayes Business School, and chaired the UK Travel Retail Forum from 2021 to 2023.

💻 Bill Ryan appointed as senior vice president and chief technology officer at BWH Hotels, overseeing technology and digital strategy, reported by Larry Cuculic, president and CEO. Ryan's career includes 15 years in retail, driving growth at PetSmart, Urban Outfitters, and Backcountry, where he was VP of digital commerce. Holds a business degree from George Washington University and an MBA from Villanova University.

📆 Rob Rain joins OTO Development as CEO, replacing the late Corry Oakes and recently retired Todd Turner. Rain, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Bronze Star recipient, will drive growth and efficiency from Spartanburg, S.C. headquarters. Bill Ryan is now BWH Hotels' SVP and CTO, contributing 15 years of retail brand experience, reporting to President and CEO Larry Cuculic. Brent LeBlanc becomes EVP of Peachtree Group, bringing nearly 30 years of hospitality real estate experience. Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau adds four sales team members: Antonecia Sweeting-Monroe, Beverley Maycock, Felicia Joseph, and Sabrina Stubbs. Nina Hospitality appoints Julian Ding as Group Director of Finance and Michelle Chung as Group Head of Internal Control and Compliance. Other key appointments include Abigail Seanez at Caption by Hyatt Nashville, David Kopasz as Chief Hospitality Officer at Delaware North, Laurent Ebzant promoted within Park Hyatt New York, and Juliette Granon as Director of Communications at Rosewood São Paulo. New GMs announced: Ana Gorjão Henriques for Nekajui, Naowarat Arunkong for NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard, Rod Lapasin for Hotel Westland at Railspur, Brian Koenitzer for Hilton Richmond Downtown, Aaron Osborne for Hyatt Centric French Quarter, Brian Kent for Caption by Hyatt Nashville, and Liz Martinez

💰 Brent LeBlanc, with 30 years of hospitality real estate experience, was appointed as the executive vice president of business development at Peachtree Group, aiming to enhance Peachtree's competitive edge. Under his prior role, he helped grow Peachtree's Western U.S. presence and partook in over $4.0 billion in transactions. Peachtree recently exceeded $10 billion in transaction investment value and is focusing on innovation and strategic partnerships for continued expansion and success.

🏢 Journey Mentor appointed Mark Anzur as EVP of Sales, bringing over 20 years of experience from senior roles including CEO of Air Montenegro and management positions at Adria Airways, Stobart Air, and UNEX Management Consulting. Anzur led Air Montenegro's increased revenue via a long-term business strategy, and at Adria Airways, he spearheaded a successful turnaround resulting in its privatization in 2016. His focus at Journey Mentor will be to drive sales and address challenges with advanced technologies.

📢 Artistry Restaurants, with 29 Southeast locations and five brands, appoints Bryan Lockwood as CEO to drive expansion, including a sixth brand in 2023. Lockwood, a veteran with CEO roles at Stonefire Grill and Real Mex Restaurants, brings a multi-disciplinary approach to growth. He succeeds Jason Brooks, now COO and partner, formerly of Uncle Julio’s and Bloomin’ Brands. Artistry brands include Boca, Shrimp Basket, Oak & Stone, Atlantic Beer and Oyster, and Sandbar Amelia Island.