Global update of who is moving where and from where - keep track of old colleagues and friends or find lost ones, brought to you by The Boutique Search Firm.

Featuring: December 2024

­­North America​​

• Juan Carlos Cabezas joined Hotel 1000 as Executive Chef. He has over 16 years of experience in industry.
• Beran Samba has been appointed as President at Siegel Select. He has strong experience in extended stay, select service, full service and hospitality.
• Iwona Luksza has been appointed as Director of Food and Beverage at Four Seasons Hotel. She will be overseeing all aspects of the property's food and beverage operations, including its in-house cocktail bar, TY Bar, and The Garden Restaurant.
• Christopher Shiel named Director of Marketing at Four Seasons Hotel New York. He acquired a deep understanding of implementing creative digital and traditional marketing strategies, executing brand partnerships and managing third-party agencies.
• Michal Dedera joined Four Seasons Hotel New York as General Manager. He brings with him a unique understanding of the Four Seasons brand, having worked with the portfolio for over two decades including nearly four years at the Four Seasons Hotel New York.
• The Ritz-Carlton Residences welcomes Keenan Rothenborg as Sales Manager. He is responsible for overseeing consortia clients and developing strategies to expand leisure and entertainment segments for the largest Ritz-Carlton Residences.
• The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa and The Sheraton Stonebriar Hotel appointed Robert Jones as Complex Director of Sales and Marketing. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a track record of success in revenue growth and strategic partnerships.
• Natalie Placer has been appointed as Director of Marketing at Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans. She brings more than two decades of experience to her new role, including significant tenure with Four Seasons properties across the country.
• Shawn Kvernen has been appointed as Vice President of Development at Commonwealth Hotels, LLC. He will be instrumental in driving the company's growth strategy and expanding its portfolio of hotel properties.
• Chris Suarez named General Manager at Nobu Hotel Palo Alto. His areas of focus will cover several key pillars to the property, including an elevated meetings experience for groups.
• The Quail in Carmel announces the appointment of James Overbaugh as Managing Director. He brings extensive global hospitality expertise and a personal passion for the culinary realm to Carmel Valley's cherished destination.
• Kai Lermen has been appointed as SVP of The Peninsula Signature Events at The Quail in Carmel. He will oversee The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels' team and lead both properties' global motorsport experiences.
• Carol Peach joined Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman as Director of Sales and Marketing. Her hospitality career experience includes holding executive level roles with Rosewood Hotels, Belmond and Westin.
• Charles Daenen named General Manager at Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman. He brings extensive experience in hospitality management, having previously worked as Director of Operations, Resort Manager and as Director of Food and Beverage.
• Birgit Albicker-Rimpel has been appointed as Senior Global Director of Sales, Americas at COMO Hotels and Resorts. She will reinforce sales efforts on driving revenue and strengthening trade partnerships and yield through focused account management.
• Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman welcomes Cataline Richmond as Director of Global Sales, Americas at COMO Hotels and Resorts. She will be bringing 24 years of international luxury property experience into her new role at COMO.
• Sandeep Kumar has been appointed as Hotel Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. He brings a wealth of international experience and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Auberge Resorts Collection delighted to announce the appointment of Jessica Kaftor as Area Associate Director of Leisure Sales, Latin America. She will support leisure sales efforts of the Northeast, Florida and Eastern Canada.
• Luis Mendoza named General Manager at Avila Lighthouse Suites. He brings a wealth of experience in hotel management and operations, most recently serving as Assistant Resort General Manager at Vespera Resort, an Autograph Collection property in Pismo Beach.
• Tony Mosca has been appointed as Managing Director at Rosewood Washington, D.C. He will lead the continued success of the charming Georgetown property with over 20 years of distinguished experience in the hospitality industry.
• The Islands of Islamorada is proud to announce the appointment of Claudine Williams as General Manager. She brings a rich skillset to this oceanfront oasis tucked away in the upper Florida Keys.
• Monica Donato named Spa Director at Nalu Spa at The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay. She will oversee operations of Nalu Spa, the fitness center, and all wellness programming offered throughout Turtle Bay.
• Fernando Rivera joined Andaz Miami Beach as General Manager. He will be overseeing the redesign and full transformation of The Confidante Miami Beach, owned by Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., into the highly anticipated Andaz Miami Beach hotel.
• Simon A. Fricker has been appointed as General Manager at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows. He will be responsible for ushering in a new chapter of enduring success.
• Christopher Ahlgrim has been promoted as Vice President, Americas East at Preferred Travel Group. He will oversee the profitability and growth of the Northeast, Southeast, South Central US regions, and the non-Spanish speaking Caribbean.
• Renee Haddad has been promoted as Vice President, Hotel Revenue Optimization - United States & Canada at Preferred Travel Group. Her new role will see her driving strategy and execution within the Regional Leadership team and the Global Revenue team.
• Stephanie Calhoun has been promoted as SVP Operations - Historic Hotels at Preferred Travel Group. She will oversee operations, member services, events, and marketing communications for the Historic Hotels business unit.
• Louise Astbury named General Manager at Paradise Retreats. She will oversee homeowner acquisition, property management and all areas of operations of the business.
• Tyler Gosnell joined U.S. Travel Association (USTA) as Managing Director, International Inbound Travel. He will coalesce the leading players in the international inbound segment, identify new opportunities to grow the market.
• Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel welcomes Luis Rios as Director of Restaurants & Bars. He will oversee the hotel's dining and beverage operations, including the recently reimagined signature restaurant, The Social Club, and outdoor restaurant and bar.
• Ryan Kingston named Area Managing Director at Noble House Hotels & Resorts Wyoming Luxury Properties. He will oversee the strategic direction and operational excellence of these premier properties.
• The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa welcomes Mary Beth Seamands as Director of Sales & Marketing. She is an accomplished hotel executive with more than three decades of industry knowledge, with past roles including catering and convention service manager.
• Kim Corrigan has been appointed as General Manager at Limelight Denver. She brings more than three decades of experience in hotel management, hotel rebranding, guest services, team development, and revenue generation to Limelight Denver.
• Jacqueline Westbrook joined General Manager at Drift Santa Barbara. She will oversee the 45-key boutique property and two first-floor eateries, Dawn and Dusk, while leading the property team, streamlining day-to-day operations, and implementing strategic initiatives.
• Hilton Garden Inn Bethesda Downtown announces the appointment of AJ Gallow as General Manager. He will oversee all aspects of the hotel's operations, optimizing business development and leading the management team.
• Adrienne Breaux has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans. She is a seasoned leader with a focus on driving company growth and revenue.
• Michael Diaz has been promoted as Chief Strategy Officer at Driftwood Hospitality Management (DHM). He will focus on long-term planning and strategic growth initiatives in his new role.
• Michael Buddemeyer has been promoted as Vice President of Operations Focus Service at Driftwood Hospitality Management (DHM). He will lead strategy and operational initiatives across DHM's newly created Focus Service and Extended-Stay division.
• Bryan Postema named Chief Operating Officer at Driftwood Hospitality Management (DHM). He will oversee all aspects of hotel operations across its 80+ property portfolio, ensuring the highest guest satisfaction and setting financial milestones.
• John Luckett joined Kessler Collection as President of Hospitality Operations. His responsibilities will contribute to the continued growth of operational strategies and corporate, commercial and human capital across the entire portfolio.
• Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group welcomes Tiffany Cooper as Head of Development, Americas. She will play a pivotal role in leading the development and investment initiatives for the Americas region, focusing on the important U.S. market, Canada, and Latin America.
• Kaylin Miller named Catering Event Sales Manager at Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver. She will be responsible for curating impactful, high-quality events, and collaborating closely with clients to transform their visions into seamless realities.
• HVS North America, Brokerage & Advisory Division appointed Matthew Omansky as Senior Vice President. He assists investors with acquisition and disposition services of hotel properties of all classes and sizes.
• Whitnee Wilson has been appointed as Spa Director at Spa Evangeline at Epicurean Hotel. She will oversee day-to-day spa operations, including the treatment menu and special promotions, staff management and training, spa product lines and retail.
• Cory Chambers has been promoted as EVP, Chief Commercial and Analytics Officer at Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG). He has proven his ability to develop and deploy tools, processes and strategies that drive excellent revenue results.
• Maggie Rosa has been promoted as Vice President of Operations at Hospitality Ventures Management Group. She continued leadership overseeing our portfolio of hotels as she continues to excel in optimizing performance and improving guest and associate satisfaction.
• Justin Patel named Senior Associate, Investments and Asset Management at Dream Capital. He was asset manager for 33 Degrees, a commercial real estate management firm.
• Terranea Resort is proud to announce the appointment of Louis Gonzalez as Director of Sales. He has 30 years of hospitality industry experience and a track record of exceeding sales goals and profit targets.
• Ador Bustamante has been appointed as Director of Revenue at Terranea Resort. He has worked in the hotel industry for nearly 30 years, most recently as director of revenue and distribution for KSL Resorts' six boutique properties on California's central coast.
• Sagamore Pendry Baltimore announces the appointment of Michael Grande as Executive Chef. He will bring his passion and innovative approach to the hotel's culinary programs including Rec Pier Chop House and The Cannon Room.
• Steve Pufpaf has been appointed as General Manager at The Westin Los Angeles Airport. He brings over 35 years of leadership experience with Marriott in sales, revenue management, marketing, and hotel operations.
• William Figueroa named Director of Food & Beverage at Pendry San Diego. He will manage and oversee all day-to-day food and beverage operations across the hotel's culinary destinations.
• Brandon Sloan has been promoted as Executive Chef at Pendry San Diego. His responsibilities will expand to include all day-to-day operations and menu development, banquets, in-room dining, and strategic vision for the hotel's overall culinary program.
• Lucits Dean joined Hotel Granada Midtown Atlanta as Director of Sales. She brings over 17 years of hospitality experience to her position as the Director of Sales for Hotel Granada in Atlanta, GA.
• Sagamore Pendry Baltimore welcomes Katherine Gregory as Director of Sales & Marketing. She will oversee all aspects of group and transient business, catering sales, meetings and events, as well as marketing and public relations for the iconic waterfront hotel.
• Chris Kelley joined Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon as President. He will oversee operations of the upcoming entertainment destination opening in Kern County, CA in late 2025.
• Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown welcomes Christopher Hodapp as Executive Chef. He will lead the culinary team overseeing menu concepts and programming for catering and events, Cascata Italian Cuisine and Torrent Coffee Bar.
• Jeren Melius joined Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown as Director of Food & Beverage. He will be responsible for all food and beverage operations on-property.
• Louis Gonzalez has been appointed as new Director of Sales at Terranea Resort. He is charged with developing, overseeing and coordinating all sales initiatives for the acclaimed Mediterranean-style resort.
• Ador Bustamante joined Terranea Resort as the new Director of Revenue. He will collaborate closely with sales, marketing, finance and hotel operations teams to analyze market trends, negotiate partnerships and implement innovative strategies.

Europe​

• Monica Eisen named General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Prague. She has extensive experience in Food and Beverage, Guest Relations, Sales and Marketing, and the Rooms Division has honed her understanding of hotel operations, making her a fitting leader.
• Jamie Callaghan has been appointed as General Manager at Roberta's Society. He brings over 15 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism sectors to the project.
• Andrew Hyland named General Manager at Osprey Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare. He has a decade of expertise in establishments such as Buswells Hotel, the Merrion Hotel and Clayton Hotels. Most recently, he was the general manager of Hampton by Hilton in Dublin.
• Paul Armitage joined Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort as Director of Development. He will be responsible for steering and supporting the resort's commercial development, to establish the destination as one of the most prestigious golf resorts.
• Adam Dyke has been appointed as General Manager at The Grand, York. He has held leadership roles at notable properties including Artfarm, Chewton Glen, the Devonshire Arms on the Bolton Abbey Estate, Wynyard Hall Hotel, and Yorebridge House.
• World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) welcomes Qusai Al-Fakhri as Executive Committee Member. He brings more than two decades of experience in corporate and investment banking, as well as a strong track record in tourism development.
• Thibaut Drege joined Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris as General Manager. He aims to further reinforce the principles that have established the Hotel's international reputation, while infusing his vision, experience, and energy into every initiative.
• Katja Jenne named Marketing & Communications B&B Hotels Central & Northern Europe at B&B Hotels. She will report directly to Frank Seedorff, Chief Digital Officer, and manage a team of 13 professionals.
• Phil McPeake has been appointed as General Manager at Hilton Liverpool City Centre. He joins Hilton Liverpool City Centre from Hilton Dublin Airport, where he served as general manager for over four years.
• Priscilla Haryadi has been promoted as Area Managing Director, Northern Europe at Preferred Travel Group. Her region has expanded to oversee the growth and retention of over 70 member hotels across France, Switzerland, the U.K., Ireland, and the Nordics.
• Ewan Grant joined Gleneagles Townhouse as General Manager. He brings with him over 17 years of experience as well as a wealth of local insight, Ewan has led renowned venues across the UK, from General Manager at The Ivy in Marlow to Borthwick Castle.
• Julian Whiston named Head of Hotels and Hospitality – Valuation and Risk Advisory for Australia and New Zealand at JLL's Hotels & Hospitality Group. He benefits from more than 30 years specialising in hotel and resort property valuations.
• Maximilian Hofner has been appointed as Prokurist at dailypoint™. He will play a key role in driving the company's strategic development, particularly with the goal of further establishing dailypoint in its core markets of Central Europe and North America.
• easyHotel delighted to announce the appointment of Anja Bachmann as Head of Development - Germany and the Netherlands. She was leading strategic growth initiatives and managing project development in Europe.

Asia

• Philip Lawrence Kadoorie named Deputy Chairman at The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (Peninsula). He will also be appointed as a member of the Executive Committee with effect from 1 January 2025.
• Amanda Hyndman has been promoted as Chief Operating Office (COO) at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. She will also continue in her current role as Chief People & Culture Officer.
• Akshat Sinha named Resort Manager at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. His leadership will be crucial in upholding the resort's legacy of innovation and ensuring that it remains a top destination in the Maldives.
• The St. Regis announces the appointment of Dhiraj Amin as Director of Sales. He brings with him a wealth of experience in creating, leading and conceptualizing a team.
• Dilli Babu has been appointed as Materials Manager at Hyatt Regency. He brings with him an impressive 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with a strong background in procurement and materials management.
• Scott Woroch has been appointed as Independent Non-Executive Director at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. He has more than 30 years of experience in the luxury hospitality sector.
• Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Chippendale welcomes Danielle Schadow as General Manager. She has worked across various hotels and brands in the TFE portfolio, most recently as Executive Assistant Manager at Vibe Hotel Sydney.
• Justin Style has been promoted as Hotel General Manager at Vibe Hotel North Sydney. He guided his team to remarkable achievements, including being named a finalist in TFE's 2024 Global Stronger Together awards for Hotel of the Year - Full Service/Collection.
• Liam Schutz has been promoted as Hotel General Manager at Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach. He has evolved into a dynamic leader, most recently earning accolades including General Manager of the Year and the Outstanding and Inspiring Leader awards.
• The Lux Collective announces the appointment of Paul Mulcahy as Chief Commercial Officer. He will strengthen the Group by focusing on awareness-driving strategies for its portfolio of brands across all channels, while empowering people.
• Dinesh Sreevasudevan joined Hyatt Regency as Director of Sales. He will spearhead all sales and marketing efforts at Hyatt Regency Chennai, ensuring the property not only strengthens its market presence but also continues to deliver unparalleled guest services.
• Van Vu has been appointed as Hotel Manager at Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang. She brings 15 years of experience in luxury hotel management, operations, and revenue management, including 12 years at her previous post as a resort manager in Phu Quoc Island.
• COMO Hotels and Resorts delighted to announce the appointment of Peter Nilsson as Managing Director for the Maldives. He will oversee COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi.
• Bui Duc Khiem named Cluster General Manager at HIIVE by Fusion Binh Duong and HIIVE by Fusion Binh Duong New City. He was the pre-opening Hotel Manager for a four-star hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and has more than 10 years' experience in the hospitality sector.
• Cang Lam has been appointed as Cluster Resort Manager at Maia Resort Quy Nhon and The Ocean Resort by Fusion Quy Nhon. He had previously been Executive Assistant Manager at Maia during the pre-opening and opening periods from February 2020.
• Fusion Suites Vung Tau welcomes Tran Huu Thanh as General Manager. He previously worked for a five-star hotel in Saigon and a casino resort in Macau before joining the Fusion team.
• Aloha On The Ganges is proud to announce the appointment of Abhishek Sharma as General Manager. He brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role with over 21 years of extensive hospitality experience.
• Zoe Seow has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at W Kuala Lumpur. She takes on the responsibility of filling some big shoes and upholding the high standards set by her predecessor.
• Nikhil Pol joined Moxy Mumbai, Andheri West as Chief Engineer. He brings a deep expertise in engineering and facility management that will be pivotal in driving operational excellence at Moxy Mumbai.
• Michael Levie named President at China Hospitality Technology Alliance. He will lead the alliance in its mission to foster technology development and collaboration within the industry between East and West.
• The EVE Hotel Sydney welcomes Katharina Enzinger as Executive Assistant Manager. She will take the helm in developing the hotel's talented team, and ensuring the hotel crafts unparalleled guest experiences that reflect the luxury and sophistication The EVE embodies.

South America​

• Patricia Costa has been appointed as Sales & Marketing Director Cluster Luxe Rio de Janeiro - Brazil at Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana. She joins an esteemed team renowned for its excellence in Rio de Janeiro's hospitality industry.
• Enrique Solari named General Manager at Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, Adult All-Inclusive. He has been overseeing the official launch of the property, which opened on October 25th, 2024.
• Ana Leyva has been promoted as Director of Sales at Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, Adult All-Inclusive. She recently led the complete transformation of the Marriott Cancun Resort to become the first Marriott-branded All-Inclusive property.
• Daniel Franco joined Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, Adult All-Inclusive as Executive Chef. His post at Almare will showcase a harmonious blend of Daniel's strong Mexican culinary roots from Puebla and Yucatán and his passion for the simplicity.

­­Carribean

• Rafael Rodríguez Vara has been appointed as Front Desk Manager at Eden Roc Cap Cana. He is committed to fostering genuine connections and a sense of belonging for each guest.
• Sergio Rodrigo De Belder joined Eden Roc Cap Cana as Rooms Division Manager. His refined expertise in hospitality coupled with a passion for travel, nature, and gastronomy, promises to elevate the guest experience and further enhance the guest experience.
• Tiphaine Lacombe named Hotel Manager at Le Sereno. She will prioritize operational excellence, team development, and strengthening the hotel's positioning as ultra-luxury destination in Saint Barthélemy.
• Nicholas & Sally Cooper has been appointed as General Manager at The Cove Eleuthera. Together, the duo brings over 30 years of management experience in tourism and hospitality.
• Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle welcomes Reuben Leroy Browne as General Manager. He will be responsible for the hotel's operations including enhancing guest experiences and revenue growth.
• Anthony Hannan has been appointed as Senior Vice President Food & Beverage at Atlantis Paradise Island. He brings over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
• Lenny Cumberbatch named Vice President of Food & Beverage at Atlantis Paradise Island. He has held several leadership roles at Atlantis Paradise Island and throughout the Caribbean including SLS Baha Mar and The Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort.
• Atlantis Paradise Island announces the appointment of Samir Roonwal as Executive Chef of Culinary Operations. His impressive career spans over 30 years in luxury resorts.
• Grace Bay Resorts appointed Emma Wilks as VP Marketing, Digital, and Communications. She brings a wealth of experience to her new role with Grace Bay Resorts, one of the fastest-growing luxury brands in the Caribbean.
• Jason Kycek joined Central Romana Corporation as CMO Hospitality, Tourism and Real Estate Division. He will oversee the corporation's brand, communication, and marketing strategies, while continuing his role as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Middle East​​​​

• Ralph Porciani has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at JA Resorts & Hotels. He brings an extraordinary wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership in luxury hotel brands with an illustrious hospitality career spanning over four decades.
• Timur Ilgaz has been promoted as Area General Manager for Dubai & Northern Emirates at Rotana. He will oversee Rotana properties' operations across Dubai and the Northern Emirates, ensuring that each hotel under his leadership.
• Naleem Ariff named General Manager at Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Tower. He brings an exceptional record of operational leadership, transformative growth, and a commitment to unparalleled guest experiences.
• Himank Goswami joined IHG as Senior Director - Head of Design and Capital Planning SWA-MEA. He will drive net rooms' growth through new builds and rebranding projects for IHG's diverse brand portfolio, spanning premium, essentials, and suites segments.
• Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort appointed Sietze Hoefnagel as Director of Operations. He will oversee daily operations that provide quality guest experiences, while also focusing on team development, operational efficiency, and innovative service delivery.
• Evan Harrington has been appointed as General Manager at Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island. He brings a personal love for cooking, with South African Milk Tart, a family recipe from his mother, among his favorite dishes to prepare.
• Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel announces the appointment of Samy Younes as Director of Operations. He has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry after getting his start in the sector in 2004 in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt.
• Tom Stevens named Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations at The First Group. He will focus on improving The First Group's third-part hotel management services, with an emphasis on expanding operations in the GCC and wider MENA regions.
• Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers delighted to announce the appointment of Sari Ammar as Director of Sales & Marketing. He will lead the hotels sales and marketing efforts.
• Nadia Bartolomeo has been appointed as Spa Director at Serenity Spa, Fairmont The Palm. She takes on the new role with the aim of supporting the spa become a well-recognised name in the UAE.
• Mohamed El Aghoury named Multi-Property General Manager at Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort. His expertise spans hospitality management, F&B operations, and property rebranding.

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