Bringing more than 20 years of luxury hospitality experience to idyllic South Florida, the Grand Dame of Miami, Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rhys O’Connell as General Manager of the newly renovated hotel. O’Connell brings an extensive resume spanning more than two decades with some of the world’s most recognized hotel brands. Most recently, O’Connell served as General Manager of The Surf Lodge in Montauk, New York where he managed daily operations of the $30 Million topline revenue hotel including improvement strategies and guest experience. Beginning his career in food and beverage in South Australia, he has spent time in roles across various departments, allowing him to bring a well-rounded vision to his role at Mayfair House Hotel &Garden. O’Connell joins the team at Mayfair House Hotel & Garden on the heels of them receiving three of the most coveted travel industry accolades of the year–Travel + Leisure’s2023 It List, Conde Nast Traveler’s2023Hot List, andConde Nast Traveler’s2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Camelback Resort appoints VP of Operations
Camelback Resort, a year-round recreational destination nestled in the Pocono Mountains, has named Terry Bechtold its new vice president of operations. In his new position, Bechtold will oversee and direct all resort departments, including its lodge, housekeeping, front desk, retail, Camelbeach and all recreational activities, including skiing, snowtubing, mountain coaster, summer tubing, ziplines and more.
Chris Bancroft announced as GM of the Future 2023
Chris Bancroft, Operations Manager at The Newt in Somerset, has been named the winner of the Master Innholder’s GM of the Future award at The Independent Hotel Show 2023.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi announces new General Manager George Koumendakos
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has appointed George Koumendakos as its new General Manager. The Dutch national brings 37 years of experience including 15 years as General Manager in multiple 5-star hotels around the world.
Auberge announces Vivianne Garcia-Tunon as global vice president of wellbeing
Auberge Resorts Collection has named Vivianne Garcia-Tunon as the company’s new role of global vice president of wellbeing, affirming its commitment to offering impactful wellness experiences to guests and building the world’s most innovative spas and wellbeing destinations. Garcia-Tunon brings to Auberge a career characterized by more than 25 years of experience creating forward-thinking, holistic health solutions in the hospitality industry. As global vice president of wellbeing, she will develop and deepen the experience across Auberge Resorts Collection’s portfolio, keeping sacred the properties’ individual personalities and distinctive approaches to wellness while connecting the brand’s overall philosophy to offer opportunities to decompress, reflect and reconnect to health. With 20 spas currently in the brand’s portfolio and nine in the pipeline, Garcia-Tunon arrives at a key moment to lead the developments and oversee all pre-opening elements including conception, design and operations.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives welcomes new General Manager
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is delighted to announce the appointment of Francesco Pompilio as the new General Manager of Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, a vibrant adults-only playground renowned for its intimate private villas, adventurous water activities, and exquisite dining offerings.
Pietro Addis has been appointed General Manager at The Nautilus Maldives
The Nautilus Maldives, the ultra-luxury private island resort located in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has announced Pietro Addis as its new General Manager. Bringing over 20 years of experience in high-end luxury operations, Pietro will focus on continuing to deliver exceptional guest service, whilst building a work environment that encourages engagement and growth.
Elizabeth Kumbhari joins CIBT Global, Inc. as VP for Client Relationship Management
CIBT Global, Inc. (“CIBT” or the “Company”), a leading provider of global mobility services, is pleased to announce Elizabeth Kumbhari has joined the company as Vice President for Client Relationship Management, Americas Immigration.
Larry Costakis appointed to Vice President of Construction and Development at First Hospitality
David Duncan, president and CEO of First Hospitality, a national hotel management and development company, announces the appointment of Larry Costakis as vice president of construction and development. Costakis brings over 25 years of experience in construction to this leadership position.
Sarah Churchill of Benjamin West receives the ISHC Lori Raleigh Award
The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) has named Sarah Churchill of Benjamin West as the recipient of the annual Lori Raleigh Award for Emerging Excellence in Hospitality Consulting. Churchill was honored at the ISHC annual conference held October 5-7 at the Park Hyatt in Washington, D.C. As the winner, Churchill received a one-year associate membership to the ISHC to further professional relationships and experience all that the Society has to offer through planned events and networking with top hospitality industry consultants from around the globe.
