Shane Husband joins Groups360 as senior vice president of technology, leading the company’s technology and operations forward at its corporate headquarters. The hire follows Groups360’s launch of real-time group rates and GroupSync™ Instant Booking across nearly 8,000 hotels, including Hilton Hotels, Omni Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International, and selected IHG Hotel properties.
Dorchester Collection appoints Arabella El Barkouki as Global Director of Sales
Dorchester Collection has announced the appointment of Arabella El Barkouki as global director of sales, effective immediately.
Thatcher Dilley takes charge of development for Western properties
Expanding its executive team, KSL Resorts has named longtime hospitality industry professional Thatcher Dilley its senior vice president, development west. In this newly created role, Dilley is charged with overseeing all capital planning and development for the company’s western properties.
Songtsam appoints celebrity chef Qisheng Su
Songtsam, an award-winning luxury boutique hotel collection and DMC located in the Tibet and Yunnan Provinces of China, announced the appointment of the renowned Celebrity Chef Qisheng Su, as Food and Beverage Consultant, bringing new inspiration to the culinary offerings of the Group’s properties. Chef Su has already curated a new menu for the recently opened Padma Pu’er Hotel in Yunnan, the first hotel of Songtsam’s new sub-brand, Padma.
Marco Selva as Executive Vice President of Operations in SH Hotels and Resorts
SH Hotels & Resorts, a sustainable hotel brand management company that operates 1 Hotels, Treehouse Hotels & Baccarat Hotels & Resorts, today announced the hiring of Marco Selva as Executive Vice President of Operations. In this role, Marco will lead all operations for the company’s current portfolio consisting of three brands and a current total of 12 properties. He will also oversee operations for the robust pipeline of soon-to-open hotels, with 10 new openings expected over the next 3-5 years. Marco will be responsible for financial performance across the SH Hotels portfolio and will work closely with the Executive Team to maximize performance across the board.
Jason Franey as Executive Chef in The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts
The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, the award-winning, nature-immersed retreat outside of Park City, today announces that Jason Franey joins the luxury resort as Executive Chef. Chef Franey, who has more than 30 years of exceptional fine dining restaurant experience and three James Beard Award nominations, will usher in a new era at the property’s beloved signature restaurant, Yuta, as well as create new inventive, immersive culinary experiences to be had across its 3,500 private acres. Inspired by Blue Sky’s deep reverence for the land, Chef Franey will seamlessly fuse his passion for cooking with the seasons and cultivating relationships with local farmers and purveyors to create of-the-moment menus that vary day to day and season to season.
Ernesto Osuna Lopez as General Manager at Gran Meliá Nha Trang
As Meliá Hotels International prepares to launch the first Gran Melia resort in Southeast Asia in 2023, Ernesto Osuna Lopez is stepping up to the helm as general manager. In his new role the Spaniard will oversee both the flagship Gran Meliá Nha Trang and Meliá Nha Trang, a sister property that will open by 2025.
FTI GROUP presents itself empowered and confident at WTM
The FTI GROUP stands out with concentrated competence for the Orient tourism business. Fabio Prestijacopo moves from Destination Management to Tour Operating as new Strategic Destination Officer. His former position as COO at MP U.A.E. is taken over by John Taker. In Munich, Christian Schulz heads the product team and Christian Schellinger joins on a secondment basis.
James R. Hedges, IV pointed Curator of the Arts for The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air
With storied histories in the arts and cultural arenas, both The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air continue to offer guests the opportunity to discover art in an unexpected and intimate setting. In addition to seven planned exhibitions in 2023, Hedges will oversee a series of educational artist-focused events and will organize art experiences in partnership with local galleries and museums.
Ron Mays as Executive Chef in The Westin Riverwalk
San Antonio’s luxury landmark, The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio, proudly announces the appointment of Ron Mays as Executive Chef, adding to its distinguished dining team. In this role, Mays will utilize his wealth of knowledge, creativity and enthusiasm to oversee all culinary direction and operation for the hotel and its refined eateries, Zocca Cuisine D’Italia, Cafecito Café, the Pool Bar, In-Room Dining,and a robust banquet and catering program.
