Insider Stories

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is delighted to announce the appointment of Shivam Singh as the new Marketing Manager. With a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, Shivam will spearhead integrated marketing and communication initiatives, strengthen brand strategies, and enhance guest experiences at the property. His expertise will be pivotal in leading promotional campaigns, implementing innovative marketing strategies, driving digital engagement, and elevating the brand positioning of Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar. Prior to this role, Shivam played a key role at Renaissance Lucknow by Marriott Hotels, where he successfully led the marketing communication vertical for two years. His tenure saw the execution of strategic marketing plans, efficient resource utilization, and the successful launch of ZAFFRAN, an Awadhi fine-dining restaurant. His efforts in creating pre-opening buzz, hosting exclusive HNI events, and securing extensive media coverage contributed significantly to the restaurant’s success. Shivam was also instrumental in the pre-opening phase of Holiday Inn Lucknow Airport, the first-ever IHG property in Lucknow, further showcasing his expertise in brand launches and strategic marketing. Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Shivam shared, "I am thrilled to join Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar. This opportunity aligns perfectly with my aspiration to expand my expertise into the leisure and destination hospitality segment after working with three city hotels. With the start of this journey, I look forward to strengthening the hotel’s market position by leveraging my experience in marketing and communications." Known for his unwavering dedication, strategic mindset, and passion for the hospitality industry, Shivam is committed to delivering exceptional brand value and guest engagement. Beyond his professional pursuits, he enjoys exploring global cuisines through cooking and traveling the world. We extend a warm welcome to Shivam Singh and look forward to the innovative vision and expertise he brings to Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort & Spa has announced Laura McIver as their new Managing Director. With over three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, McIver will lead the award-winning resort best known for its storied history, world-class spa and outdoor programs, exceptional dining experiences and more. Throughout her long standing career, McIver has held the General Manager position for over fifteen years at several highly acclaimed hotels and resorts spanning across California and Arizona. These include El Encanto in Santa Barbara, Miraval Resort in Tucson, Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe and, most recently, Stanly Ranch in Napa. McIver's deep industry knowledge and commitment to deliver unparalleled guest experiences have earned her recognition as a distinct leader in the industry and Sanctuary's team could not be more excited for McIver's return to Arizona. As the Managing Director of Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, McIver will oversee the daily operations of the resort's management team; ensure successful execution of resort experiences and activities; lead and manage efficient workplace culture; and maintain the highest standards of guest service that has earned the resort its acclaimed reputation over the years as a Gurney's property.

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is pleased to announce the appointment of Zsuzsa Nagy as Hotel Manager. With an impressive career spanning multiple continents and more than two decades of hospitality leadership, Nagy brings a wealth of global expertise and an innovative approach to the opulent Caribbean resort. Originally from Hungary, Nagy began her hospitality career as a Resident Services Supervisor in Budapest, quickly advancing through front-of-house roles before rising to Assistant General Manager and later General Manager in the greater Atlanta area. Throughout her career, she has held key leadership positions with renowned hospitality brands across the U.S.—including Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown, Hyatt House Atlanta Perimeter Center, Residence Inn by Marriott Seattle Downtown Convention Center, Courtyard by Marriott Vanderbilt, and Courtyard Atlanta Airport South, overseeing full-scale operations, financial performance, and fostering both guest and employee engagement. In 2022, Nagy rejoined Marriott International’s Global Headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, as Senior Director of Global Operations, where she spearheaded innovative initiatives in platform experience and property management systems. Her forward-thinking leadership earned widespread recognition, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in the industry. “We are thrilled to welcome Zsuzsa Nagy to The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas family,” said Clifford Brutus, Director of Sales & Marketing. “Her global perspective, operational expertise, and passion for creating exceptional guest experiences make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team. We are confident that Zsuzsa’s vision will elevate the resort to even greater heights.” “I am honored to join The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas team and contribute to the incredible legacy of this resort,” said Zsuzsa Nagy. “I look forward to working with our talented ladies and gentlemen to deliver unforgettable experiences that highlight the natural beauty, culture, and warmth of St. Thomas. Together, we will continue to set the benchmark for luxury in the Caribbean.” In her new role, Nagy will work closely with General Manager Laura Jarvinen to focus on enhancing operational excellence, introducing elevated programming, and embedding local Caribbean influences throughout the guest experience to offer an authentic sense of place. When she’s not leading the charge at the resort, Nagy enjoys hiking—something she’s eager to explore on the island. Traveling solo to St. Thomas, she is excited to immerse herself in the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Remington Hospitality, a leading hotel management company, has appointed Brian Ehrlich as Senior Vice President of Business Development. In his role, Ehrlich will support the company's strategic growth by identifying new market opportunities, strengthening key partnerships, and continuing to expand the company's presence across the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America. Ehrlich joins Remington Hospitality with over 30 years of diverse experience in the hospitality industry. His background spans broker, investment banker, developer, acquirer, manager, and brand creator roles, he has worked across a broad spectrum of properties, ranging from select-service to full-service, branded to lifestyle and independent, and from three-star to five-star establishments. For Remington Hospitality, Ehrlich will support the development and execution of strategies to drive business growth and operational excellence. He will focus on securing strategic partnerships and expanding the organization—both asset by asset and through larger portfolios and platforms. With an emphasis on passion, connection, and teamwork, Ehrlich is committed to fostering a culture of hard work and paying it forward. Notable milestones include leading the $180-million development of Hotel Nia, Autograph Collection near Meta's campus in Menlo Park, California, where his persistence and innovative approach secured the deal and exceeded partners' expectations. He also acquired and repositioned Bernardus Lodge & Spa in Carmel Valley, California, transforming it from a $700K per room valuation to over $1.8 million per room through strategic programming and operational excellence highlighting his ability to drive success across diverse projects and fostering strong partnerships.

Jayden Blashinsky has joined Hilton West Palm Beach as general manager of Galley, the award-winning signature grill house and bar located inside Hilton West Palm Beach. Blashinsky comes to West Palm Beach from Key West, where he served as restaurant manager for Casa Marina Resort, a Curio Collection by Hilton resort. Previously, he was Task Force manager for Hilton Orlando and assistant general manager for The Boca Raton Beach Club. Blashinsky earned a Bachelor of Business Management from Florida Atlantic University and holds a number of specialized industry certifications.

Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Suman Gulia as the Director of Sales and Marketing. With an impressive 17-year track record in the hospitality industry, Suman brings a deep understanding of sales dynamics and strategic marketing to her new role. Having honed her expertise with prestigious hospitality brands, Suman has contributed to diverse roles across multiple cities in India over the past decade. Prior to joining Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, she served as the Cluster Director of Sales at Taj Holiday Village and Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa in Goa, where she played a pivotal role in driving revenue and market expansion. In her new capacity at Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, Suman will focus on spearheading innovative sales and marketing strategies to drive revenue growth, identify new business opportunities, and ensure the seamless execution of annual budgets and revenue forecasts. Her collaborative approach will see her working closely with various departments to implement impactful initiatives and elevate the hotel's market position. Commenting on the appointment, Sita Lekshmi, General Manager, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, said, "We are delighted to welcome Suman Gulia to our leadership team. Her extensive experience, strategic vision, and passion for excellence align perfectly with our brand ethos. We are confident that her dynamic leadership will further strengthen our market presence and create exceptional value for our guests and stakeholders alike." Suman's appointment underscores Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel's commitment to excellence and innovation in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape.

The Lowell Hotel, the luxury landmark address located in New York’s prime Upper East Side, is excited to announce the appointment of its new Director of Sales and Marketing, Julian Alden. An accomplished luxury hospitality leader, Julian boasts 20+ years of successfully driving revenue and brand awareness for some of New York City’s most prestigious properties and international resorts. From building and sustaining client relationships with key high-net-worth individuals and accounts worldwide, Julian brings a wealth of knowledge into his new role. Most recently, he served as the Director of Sales & Marketing for the opening team of Six Senses La Sagesse Grenada, leading the team from pre-opening to a successful launch in the international and local market. His new role at The Lowell marks his return to the New York hospitality scene, where he has an extensive history of working with the city’s most renowned properties. Prior to his work in Grenada, he served as Sales & Marketing Director for the opening of The Fifth Avenue Hotel, following positions as Head of Business Development for The Mark Hotel, Director of Sales for the Park Hyatt New York, Director of Sales at The Pierre, and Associate Director of Sales at The St. Regis New York. A native of Malta, Alden attended the island republic’s Institute of Tourism Studies – St. George’s Bay, St. Julian’s, where he received a Diploma in Hotel Management awarded with Distinction and was recognized with the “Management Student of the Year” by the Malta Hotel and Restaurant Association. Enthusiastic about his new role, Julian states, “I am thrilled to join The Lowell team as the new Director of Sales and Marketing. It’s an honor to contribute to the legacy of this iconic property, and I look forward to collaborating with the team to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests.”

The luxurious urban retreat Hotel Arts Barcelona is proud to announce the appointment of Renato De Oliveira as General Manager. With an impressive career spanning two decades in the hospitality industry, De Oliveira brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. De Oliveira's career began at Hotel Arts Barcelona in 2004, where he started as an intern and swiftly progressed to Assistant Director of the Rooms Division. Embracing his desire for new opportunities and growth, De Oliveira moved to Asia in 2011, where he assumed the role of Executive Assistant Manager, Rooms Division at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong. He later held various senior leadership positions at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, The Ritz- Carlton, Santiago, and The Ritz-Carlton Millenia. Most recently, De Oliveira served as the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, where he successfully led the resort through a critical phase of its ramp-up. In 2023, Renato De Oliveira was awarded General Manager of the Year for APEC, a testament to his exceptional leadership and performance as an expert in managing complex and high- performance hotels and results-driven leader. In his new role, De Oliveira will oversee all aspects of the property, including maintaining and further enhancing the level of service and product quality to ensure that Hotel Arts Barcelona continues to be the benchmark in the hospitality industry. “I am thrilled to be back where it all started. My goal is to focus on maintaining and further enhancing — through complete re-imagination of the guest's journey — the level of service and product quality to ensure that Hotel Arts Barcelona continues to be a benchmark in the hospitality industry, resonating with both today's and future travellers,” said Renato De Oliveira. Renato De Oliveira holds a diploma in Tourism Studies from Brazil's Anhembi Morumbi University and a graduate degree in Hotel Management from the Swiss Hotel Association Hotel Management School in Switzerland. De Oliveira is excited to return to Barcelona, where his journey in hospitality began. For more information about Hotel Arts Barcelona, please visit www.hotelartsbarcelona.com.

Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Ho Chi Ming as its new Executive Chef. With a wealth of experience spanning over 16 years in the hospitality industry, Chef Ming will lead the hotel’s culinary operations, introducing his signature style and innovative approach to international cuisine. Chef Ming brings an impressive background in Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and broader Asian cuisines, making him a valuable addition to the hotel's diverse culinary team. His extensive experience includes working with luxury hotels and prestigious pre-opening projects over the past decade. His participation in renowned culinary events, such as the Asian Food Festival at Marriott properties, further highlights his dedication to excellence. His commitment to culinary excellence is reinforced by numerous accolades, including the "Awarded Certificate TAP series" and a Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene certification from EICH UK. Commenting on Chef Ming's appointment, Sita Lekshmi, General Manager of Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, said, "We are thrilled to welcome Chef Ming to our team. His exceptional culinary skills, combined with his passion for creating memorable dining experiences, align perfectly with our commitment to providing outstanding hospitality. We are confident that his expertise will bring a fresh perspective and elevate our culinary offerings to new heights." Chef Ho Chi Ming is set to introduce a range of exciting culinary experiences at Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, ensuring that guests enjoy an exquisite blend of flavors and innovative presentations.

The globally acclaimed chef brings innovation, storytelling, and a fresh perspective to South Mumbai’s beloved restaurant.  

Nearly a year after leaving his position as CEO of Aimbridge Hospitality, Mike Deitemeyer is joining Rockbridge Holdings as executive vice president, where he will guide the company's luxury lifestyle development. In addition to his role as EVP, Deitemeyer will serve as president of Rockbridge's development division and oversee strategic affiliates, beginning with Rockbridge's latest acquisition, ZaZa Hotels and Resorts. Deitemeyer has played a key role in significant public-private partnerships in the U.S. hospitality sector, including initiatives that integrated experiential travel into large-scale hotels in urban centers. He also helped lead Omni's expansion into the resort market, facilitating more than $1 billion in investment. "When I think about people in this industry who are forward-thinking and share my perspective," Deitemeyer said in a statement, "Rockbridge was an obvious choice." Rockbridge describes Deitemeyer's arrival as a pivotal point in its growth. "Mike is exceptionally talented and a perfect cultural match," said Jimmy Merkel, Rockbridge CEO and co-founder. "He and I have been close for a long time, so we share mutual trust, a common vision, and deep respect. I couldn't be more optimistic."

ibis India, a prominent part of the global Accor network, proudly announces the appointment of Vivek Agarwal as Director of Finance. With over two decades of financial expertise in the hospitality industry, Agarwal is poised to drive operational excellence and set new standards in financial efficiency for ibis and ibis Styles India. A Proven Track Record in Hospitality Finance Agarwal’s illustrious career includes leadership roles at top international and Indian hospitality companies, where he consistently achieved outstanding results by streamlining operations and enhancing financial frameworks. A Vision for Financial Excellence Sharing his excitement, Vivek Agarwal stated, “I am honoured to join ibis India at such a pivotal time in its journey. This role provides a unique opportunity to build a resilient and forward-looking financial framework that not only supports the brand’s growth but also redefines financial excellence in the hospitality sector. I look forward to working closely with the team to achieve sustainable and impactful results.” Leadership Endorsement and Strategic Direction Welcoming Agarwal, Tejus Jose, Director of Operations at ibis & ibis Styles India, said, “Vivek’s deep understanding of financial systems and his exceptional leadership acumen make him a valuable addition to the ibis family. His strategic insights will be instrumental in aligning our financial goals with our broader vision for growth. We are confident that Vivek will drive financial innovation that strengthens our foundation and propels ibis to greater heights.” Driving Financial Innovation and Growth With Agarwal’s proven expertise and leadership, ibis India is confident in charting a path of financial innovation and robust growth. His vision will not only refine the brand’s financial operations but also contribute to its mission of delivering world-class hospitality experiences. The ibis team eagerly anticipates the milestones ahead under his guidance.