Pendry West Hollywood is pleased to announce the appointment of Mgeni Mpolo as the new director of sales and marketing. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, Mpolo brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role where he will oversee all aspects of sales and marketing, while heightening brand awareness and driving revenue goals across guestrooms, banquets and catering.
“Mgeni’s impressive background, coupled with his proven leadership and commitment to guest satisfaction, makes him the ideal candidate to spearhead our sales and marketing efforts,” said Anne Marie Doyle, general manager of Pendry West Hollywood. “We are excited to welcome him to our team and look forward to the innovative strategies and contributions he will undoubtedly bring to the hotel.”
In his most recent role as managing director at The Brilliant Advice Company in Zanzibar, Mpolo orchestrated the company’s successful market entry while developing guest experiences that drove profitability. Prior to this, he held leadership positions at W San Francisco and The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. His experience also includes a successful tenure with Marriott International.
Mpolo earned a degree in business administration with a concentration in organizational leadership from Fresno Pacific University.
For more information on Pendry West Hollywood, visit www.pendry.com/west-hollywood/ or follow @pendryhotels and @pendrywesthollywood.
Leading hospitality management company Davidson Hospitality Group announces the appointment of Brad Barnett as Senior Vice President, Sales, for its lifestyle operating vertical, Pivot, and the elevation of Michael Yousif to the role of Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Business Development.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of the Davidson family and we are delighted to continue strategically enhancing our corporate team,” said Thom Geshay, CEO & President. “True to our core values, we remain confident that in their roles, both Brad and Michael will create exceptional value in all that they do in order to bolster and drive superior performance while also serving their teams with love.”
A hospitality sales executive with more than 25 years of experience, Brad Barnett previously served as Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for HRI Lodging, where he oversaw sales, marketing, and revenue management strategies for a $230M portfolio consisting of 25 hotels. He also held leadership positions at Dream Hotel Group and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. His expertise in the implementation of profitable revenue strategies, development and execution of sales initiatives, and strategic market segment penetration have assisted in the generation of over $1 billion in rooms, banquet, and catering revenue throughout his career. He earned a B.A. in General Studies with a minor in Marketing from Northern Arizona University.
Since joining Davidson’s acquisitions and business development team in 2010 as an analyst, Michael Yousif has played a critical role in the growth and evolution of the company’s portfolio, investment management and owner relations, in addition to the development and leadership of the acquisitions and business development team. During his tenure, he has supported $3.5 billion in transaction/development volume and signed more than 40 management contracts. Michael is a board member of the Atlanta Hospitality Alliance and holds a B.A. in Hospitality Business from Michigan State University, where he is an active member of The School of Hospitality Business’ Alumni Association Appointed Board of Directors and Real Estate Investment Management (REIM) Advisory Council.
Reside, a global leader in residential hospitality management, has today announced the appointment of Walter “J.R.” Dembiec, Jr., as Brand President of ‘Reside, a Wyndham Residence’.
Dembiec is tasked with spearheading Reside’s flagship branded residences offering, which includes the newly-launched ‘Reside, a Wyndham Residence’. He will be responsible for the line’s expansion in the upscale extended-stay segment through a 10-year tie-up with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchisor.
Dembiec, who joined Reside in 2018 as Executive Vice President and General Counsel, brings over three decades of legal and business expertise to his new role. During his tenure, Dembiec has been instrumental in Reside’s success, forging strategic alliances with leading hospitality organizations, strengthening corporate governance, and driving the company’s growth into new markets.
As Brand President, Dembiec will lead the evolution of the flagship ‘Reside, a Wyndham Residence’, focusing on scaling the business in premier urban destinations and delivering professionally managed, residence-style accommodations tailored to both business and leisure extended-stay guests.
The launch of ‘Reside, a Wyndham Residence’ earlier this year reflects rapidly growing demand for extended-stay accommodations that offer the comfort and convenience of home with hotel-like amenities. Designed for mid to long-term travelers, families, and groups, the new residences bridge the gap between traditional hotels and residential living.
Through an alliance with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, five residence-style hotels are currently open or under development, in locations including Seattle, Houston, Washington, D.C. and New Orleans. Expansion is planned across top urban markets with a focus on the top 50 U.S. markets. The launch of this deal also marked the debut of the Wyndham Residence tier in the U.S.
Lee Curtis, CEO of Reside, said: “I am thrilled to announce J.R. Dembiec’s appointment as Brand President of ‘Reside, a Wyndham Residence’. J.R. has been absolutely instrumental in driving the vision and strategy for our extended-stay offerings and alliance with Wyndham, bringing a keen understanding of market trends and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
“In his new role, he will lead the development and growth of our flagship branded extended-stay offering, ensuring we continue to set the standard for professionally managed, residence-style accommodations. J.R.’s leadership, insight, and dedication make him the ideal leader to drive this next chapter for our branded residences program.”
Walter “J.R.” Dembiec, Jr., Brand President of ‘Reside, a Wyndham Residence’, said: “I’m truly excited to take on this role and help shape the future of our branded residences offering, in particular our strategic tie-up with Wyndham. Extended-stay travel is rapidly evolving, and our goal is to create spaces that feel like home while offering the reliability and quality our guests expect.
“I’m looking forward to collaborating with our valuable stakeholders and incredible team to deliver thoughtful, comfortable solutions that meet the real needs of today’s travelers, whether they’re staying for a week or a year.”
Stonebridge Companies, LLC (“Stonebridge”), a Denver-based innovative, privately-owned hotel management company boasting a diverse range of full-service, select-service, and extended-stay properties, announced today the appointment of Marco Selva as Senior Vice President of Business Development & Operations, Luxury & Lifestyle. With a strong track record of success in the Luxury and Lifestyle segment, Selva will focus on expanding Stonebridge’s luxury, lifestyle, and resort portfolio in the Southeastern United States, Caribbean, and Latin America.
Based on Stonebridge’s strategy for growth in these markets, Selva will open a Miami office and leverage his extensive expertise to target high-end projects across the region. His appointment is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its presence in these dynamic markets. The company is currently working on five projects in the Caribbean and has been recently approved by Marriott as a JW Marriott franchisee operator for an upcoming project in Atlanta, Georgia, further expanding its luxury portfolio.
“Marco’s appointment marks a significant step forward for Stonebridge as we continue to expand our footprint in the luxury, lifestyle, and resort segments in the region,” said Rob Smith, CEO & President, Stonebridge Companies. “With my background in the Caribbean and Aruba combined with Marco’s extensive experience and focus on these key markets, we are well-positioned to drive growth in the Caribbean and Latin America. We look forward to building a strong team around Marco in the Miami office to support this exciting new phase of expansion.”
Before joining Stonebridge, Selva held senior roles in business development, operations, and strategy at top-tier hospitality firms, including SH Hotels & Resorts, Highgate, Ennismore, and renowned Luxury brands such as St Regis and Ritz Carlton. His deep understanding of the global luxury and lifestyle segments and extensive experience in the Caribbean and Latin America will assist in growing Stonebridge’s portfolio.
“I am thrilled to join Stonebridge and work alongside Rob and the rest of the Stonebridge team to lead and execute the strategic growth in these exciting regions that I know well,” said Marco Selva, Senior Vice President, Business Development & Operations, Luxury & Lifestyle, Stonebridge Companies. “The Caribbean, Latin America, and Southeastern United States represent some of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving markets in the hospitality industry. With my deep experience in these regions, I look forward to leveraging Stonebridge’s expertise and innovative approach to build on existing relationships, identify new opportunities, and deliver extraordinary value for our ownership groups.”
Selva will spearhead the company’s strategic initiatives and business development efforts in his new role, focusing on identifying new opportunities and expanding existing relationships within the luxury, lifestyle, and resort segments.
Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton, a landmark seaside property located in the heart of scenic La Jolla Shores, has appointed Ernest Lopez as its new Executive Chef. In his new role, Chef Lopez will oversee the hotel’s culinary program, including banquets and catering for the property’s 1,600 square feet of events space, as well as its penthouse level restaurant and lounge, Sea & Sky, a restaurant celebrated for its breathtaking ocean views and elevated California coastal cuisine. The appointment arrives on the heels of a 2024 multi-million-dollar renovation of the hotel, encompassing all 110 guestrooms and suites, and 11th floor dining and private events rooms.
With more 25 years of culinary leadership experience at esteemed luxury hotel properties and restaurants, deep Southern California roots, and relationships with the area’s most prominent farmers and fisherman, Chef Lopez brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and creativity to his new role. His expertise in crafting innovative, seasonal menus and leading diverse culinary teams aligns perfectly with Hotel La Jolla’s commitment to providing guests with unforgettable dining experiences that celebrate the flavors of the region.
“With abundant experience at luxury coastal resorts and restaurants where sustainable seafood is a key focus, Chef Lopez is a perfect fit for Hotel La Jolla,” said Adam Lund, general manager at Hotel La Jolla. “We look forward to seeing how his vision will enhance our culinary offerings and continue to catapult Sea & Sky to the upper echelon of La Jolla dining in its first full fiscal year of operation.”
Chef Lopez joins Hotel La Jolla from Water View Restaurants, operators of several key outlets in San Diego’s acclaimed Seaport Village waterfront shopping and dining complex. During his tenure with Water View, he served as Executive Chef, overseeing multiple outlets, including most recently, Edgewater Bar & Grill. Prior to that role, he helmed the kitchen of the Auberge Resorts Collection’s Five Star Mauna Lani, named the number one resort in Hawaii by Travel + Leisure magazine. Additionally, he previously served as Executive Chef at Malibu Farm, at the chain’s original Malibu outpost, while opening four additional restaurants across several states and was also a member of the culinary team at Four Seasons Lana’i City. Chef Lopez was also part of the opening culinary team at the acclaimed Grand Del Mar resort.
At Sea & Sky, Chef Lopez plans to evolve the existing menu built on fresh, locally sourced ingredients highlighting the unique coastal flavors of La Jolla and surrounding areas. Guests can expect vibrant new dishes and a continued focus on sustainability, seasonality, and exceptional service.
Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton is located at 7955 La Jolla Shores Drive in La Jolla and is managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, a leading global hospitality management company and the world’s largest third-party hotel operator. For more information visit www.hotellajolla.com.
Otelier, a leading SaaS provider transforming the hospitality industry with its suite of innovative solutions, is excited to announce the appointment of Rob Lawrence as its new Chief Executive Officer. Lawrence, a highly accomplished software executive, will lead Otelier through its next chapter of growth and customer-centric innovation. Ali Moloo will remain the Executive Chairperson of Otelier and will continue to play an active role with the Company.
Otelier is known for empowering hospitality brands with comprehensive technology solutions that drive operational efficiency, enhance guest experiences, and unlock revenue growth. Otelier continues to be a trusted partner for hotel, resort, and vacation property operators globally with products like Intellisight for data-driven insights, as well as DigiPay, DigiAudit, Rec, and TruePlan for streamlined financial and operational management.
Rob joins Otelier with a proven track record of scaling SaaS companies and leading organizations to achieve exceptional results. He has held executive leadership roles across both publicly-held and privately-held software businesses, where he has driven significant revenue growth, product innovation, and customer delight. Lawrence’s strategic vision, combined with his deep understanding of the SaaS landscape, positions him well to accelerate Otelier’s mission of delivering unmatched value to its customers in the hospitality industry.
“I am honored to join Otelier at this pivotal time,” Lawrence said. “Otelier’s commitment to redefining hospitality technology and enhancing operational excellence is truly disruptive. I look forward to working with the talented team here to build on our successes, deliver transformative solutions to our customers, and set new benchmarks for innovation in the industry.”
The appointment of Lawrence as CEO comes as Otelier continues to experience strong growth, fueled by the increasing demand for technology that optimizes hospitality operations and guest engagement. His leadership will further enhance Otelier’s ability to deliver seamless solutions that empower hotels to navigate the complexities of a dynamic industry landscape.
“Rob Lawrence’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Otelier,” said Ali Moloo, Founder and Executive Chairman of Otelier. “Rob’s expertise in driving growth, along with his passion for customer success, aligns perfectly with Otelier’s vision to become the industry leader in hospitality technology. We are confident that under his leadership, Otelier will achieve new levels of impact and growth.”
As the hospitality sector embraces digital transformation, Otelier remains dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable clients to thrive in a competitive marketplace. With Rob Lawrence at the helm, Otelier is poised to expand its product offerings, enhance customer partnerships, and continue leading the industry with innovative, value-driven technology.
Officials of Five Star Group, a private commercial real estate investment, development and management firm focused on Southeastern hospitality projects, today announced that Kimberly Rowell has been named executive vice president of Five Star Hospitality Management.
Rowell joined the organization in February 2023 and has spent the past 20 months making a transformative impact, culminating in today’s formal announcement of her role.
With over 35 years of hospitality leadership, Rowell has worked for such leading industry organizations as Blackstone, Winegardner & Hammons, ZMC Hotels, HP Hotels while driving operational excellence across a diverse portfolio of Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Wyndham and Choice Hotels.
Her expertise spans operations, finance, accounting, revenue management, human resources, sales, marketing, quality control and franchise and owner relations.
A Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) and Certified Hotel Owner (CHO), Rowell is a founding board member of the Extended Stay Lodging Association and an active advocate for Women Leading Hospitality.
Pendry Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Katherine “Kati” Gregory as the new Director of Sales and Marketing of Sagamore Pendry Baltimore. Kati has recently relocated to Baltimore and 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.
With over 17 years of diverse experience in the hospitality industry, Kati brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her new role. She began her career with Hilton, representing five Chicago hotels, and went on to lead the sales team for W Hotels Chicago, where she played a pivotal role in the transition from Starwood to Marriott. Kati later introduced Convene to the Chicago market as Area Director of Sales, guiding the team through the successful opening of four properties. Most recently, she served as Director of Sales and Marketing at the Thesis Hotel Miami in South Florida.
“Kati’s extensive background in sales leadership, combined with her strategic approach and passion for hospitality, make her the perfect fit for Sagamore Pendry Baltimore,” said Parag Athavale, General Manager at Sagamore Pendry Baltimore. “We’re excited to welcome her to the team as we continue to elevate our guest experience and expand our presence in the Baltimore market.”
Originally from California, Kati earned her degree in Communications and Public Relations with a minor in Hospitality from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma. In her free time, Kati enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, and supporting her favorite Chicago sports teams. She and her husband are raising three daughters, including a set of identical twins, and enjoy spending time with their two French Bulldogs.
For more information about Sagamore Pendry Baltimore, please visit https://www.pendry.com/baltimore or visit @sagamorependrybaltimore.
The Central Romana Corporation announces its appointment of Jason Kycek to Chief Marketing Officer of its Hospitality, Tourism, and Real Estate Division. In this new capacity, Kycek will oversee the corporation's brand, communication, and marketing strategies, while continuing his role as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.
Since joining Casa de Campo in January 2017, Kycek has led the company to consecutive record-breaking sales years. He has facilitated the company's growth and overall sales as well as marketing and revenue strategies with a profound commitment to excellence, elevating the guest experience, and securing ongoing profitability for shareholders. Kycek has worked tirelessly to bring new and exciting offerings to the resort such as the new Premier Club & Suites, which sets a new standard for luxury accommodations in the Dominican Republic, the opening of a new state-of-the-art destination spa and wellness center, and the introduction of the annual Casa de Campo Food & Wine Festival, turning La Romana into a culinary hot spot in the Dominican Republic.
Kycek has also expanded the resort's network of trusted partners in several key areas such as transportation, golf, and apparel:
In the aviation realm, Kycek created the Casa de Campo private jet program, which provides guests the opportunity to fly private through Wheels Up, Vista Jet/XO, and Sentient Jet. Kycek's work has also ushered new flights into La Romana Airport by forging alliances with American Airlines. To better serve one of the resort's key markets in South Florida, Kycek developed a collaboration with Braman Motorcars to offer exclusive perks to their loyalty members and gain guests of the resort specialty access to the luxury dealership. He also facilitated the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover featuring Martha Stewart which became the publications most sold edition in history.
In the golf sector, Kycek has fostered several strategic partnerships to improve awareness and visibility for the resort's championship golf courses with partners such as Five Iron, Invited Clubs, and Thousand Greens, while also working with tech brands such as EA Sports and Golfzon/Trackman to get Casa de Campo golf courses added to their online programs.
Kycek has worked to add several new likeminded retail partners to the resort's shopping options, with recently added brands including Ala von Auersperg and Namoia.
Kycek has also rounded out the resort's events and programming offerings, bringing several new events to Casa de Campo such as Oktoberfest, Cigar & Rum Tasting Nights, Farmer's Markets, and art exhibitions.
Kycek brings over 15 years of executive experience as a global hotelier to this new role. Previously, Kycek served as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Occidental Hotels and Resorts, overseeing the U.S. sales and marketing initiatives for the company's Caribbean, Mexican, and Latin American properties. Kycek spent the majority of his career with KSL Resorts in their La Quinta, CA corporate headquarters working with some of the greatest golf, spa, & historical hotels and resorts in the U.S. Kycek is a native of Wisconsin, where he earned his degree from the University of Wisconsin and his family still resides.
As Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage at Atlantis Paradise Island, Anthony Hannan brings over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Hannan has served as Director of Operations, Restaurants & Kitchens at Harrods London, Vice President Food & Beverage at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore, and helmed operations at internationally acclaimed hotels and resorts including Crown City Melbourne, City of Dreams Manila, Resorts World Singapore, Raffles Singapore, and Fairmont Dubai, Peace Hotel Shanghai and Capella Sanya.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Tiffany Cooper as Head of Development, Americas. Tiffany 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 for the Group.
With more than 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, operations and development, Tiffany brings exceptional industry insight and strategic expertise to Mandarin Oriental. Most recently, she served as Chief Development Officer for the Americas and Caribbean at Aimbridge Hospitality, where she led the development team in executing growth initiatives across the region.
Tiffany began her career with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in 1995, where she later advanced to Head of Development for North America and the Caribbean, playing a key role in expanding the brand through new hotel projects. She went on to hold leadership positions with Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International, making significant contributions to the development and growth of several distinguished brands.
Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Public Relations from California State University, East Bay, and an MBA from Johnson & Wales University.
Commenting on the appointment, Francesco Cefalu, Chief Development Officer, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Tiffany to Mandarin Oriental. Her deep expertise and strategic approach perfectly complement our dedication to developing exceptional experiences. We are confident that Tiffany’s leadership will be a valuable asset as we drive our brand’s expansion throughout the Americas.”
This appointment emphasises Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to growth and excellence, with Tiffany set to play a key role in advancing the Group’s ambitions in the region.
The Cove Eleuthera is proud to announce the appointment of Nicholas Cooper and Sally Cooper to Managing Director and Resort Manager, respectively, of the Bahamian resort. Together, the duo brings over 30 years of management experience in tourism and hospitality.
Most recently at Gibbs Farm Safari Lodge in Tanzania, Sally and Nick, as co-general managers, oversaw this five-star resort with a working farm and coffee plantation. Prior to Gibbs, they worked in unison managing other luxury resorts on the Cook Islands in the South Pacific and in Belize.
For over a decade in Fiji, they held numerous leadership roles, including general managers for Fiji Residences, a luxury villa management company. Sally held various project management, event design and tourism positions, including National Director of Operations at Cure Kids Fiji and Director of Conferences & Events at Tourism Fiji. As owner of Ocean Charters Fiji, Nick organized exclusive sailing charters, managed operations for an online reservations service for South Pacific travel and was a marine and leisure manager at an island resort.
Prior to Fiji, the duo was based in Australia, where they honed their management skills in travel and tourism. Sally and Nick both hold Master’s Degrees in Tourism Management from University of Canberra, and Nick has an MBA from James Cook University (Australia).
The unique beauty of the Bahamas and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture attracted the Coopers to The Cove. Having met over 30 years ago as scuba instructors in Tahiti, the pair have developed an affinity for aquatic adventure and island life, which they are looking forward to reflecting in their work for The Cove.
“The soft white sand and clear waters of Eleuthera paired with the gentle rhythm of life that comes from living near the ocean entices us,” said Sally Cooper. “We are excited to learn more about The Bahamas and its people, culture and history.”
For more information about The Cove Eleuthera, please visit www.thecoveeleuthera.com or call (242) 335-5141. To engage with the resort socially, find us on Instagram at @thecove_eleuthera.
