Insider Stories

Renan Astolpho was recently appointed as the new General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires. In this new role, assumed in July, Renan is in charge of a great team that will seek to continue offering the best experiences to those who visit the Hotel. Renan was born in Brazil and is a graduate of Bournemouth University in International Hospitality and Tourism Management. His interest in hospitality comes from family tradition and especially from his father, who taught him to be disciplined and to work hard to achieve what he wants. At the beginning of his career, he worked at restaurants, where he understood the importance of hospitality and, at the same time, he continued his studies to obtain his degree before embarking on a cultural trip around the world. In September 2018, Astolpho joined the Four Seasons family, first in Dubai at Jumeirah Beach as Director of Food and Beverage, then he was appointed Hotel Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre, and in 2022, General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Seychelles. After six years of experience with Four Seasons, Renan Astolpho starts this new stage as General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires. Renan considers that "guests are never right or wrong, they are unhappy or happy, and it is our job to make them happy while they feel at home with us." With this new appointment, Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires seeks to continue offering a quality service for all those guests who choose it.

Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale announces that Mali Carow is appointed General Manager, bringing two decades worth of world-class experience to the vibrant shores of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Since joining Four Seasons in 2000, the Minnesota native has garnered international expertise in both the Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East, Africa regions before returning home to the Americas where she most recently led the opening of Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans during her first term as General Manager. Celebrated for its rich food culture, the “Big Easy” is no stranger to exceptional dining concepts, however under Mali’s leadership, the team at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans was named “Best Hotel for Foodies” by Food & Wine for two consecutive years and was quoted by Esquire for housing the best martini in the country. The successful opening in New Orleans earned a reputable report as the property quickly achieved AAA Five Diamond recognition, being the first in the state of Louisiana with the title. With a robust roster of award-winning Four Seasons properties, Mali boasts hotelier experience from Four Seasons Chicago, Washington DC, Four Seasons Hotel Amman, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, and Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, where she celebrated the Forbes 5-star hotel’s 50th anniversary as Hotel Manager before returning state-side to New Orleans. Carow’s career with Four Seasons is a testament to the global company’s commitment to nurture the next generation of hospitality talent as she represents one of many female leaders shaping the industry today. Her in-depth experience across diverse cities, cultures, and areas of focus have revealed new dimensions of hospitality that deepened her love for the industry. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support and guidance of confident, empathetic women who helped me along the way. Now, I am fortunate to be in a position where I can pay it forward by mentoring other women in emerging leadership positions, sharing the lessons I have learned, and helping to shape the future of the industry,” says Mali Carow. Now arriving to one of the world’s top yachting locales, Mali is thrilled to be back by the ocean, contributing to the ongoing growth and success of the team at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, owning the distinction of being the city’s first and only Five Diamond hotel. With a husband who is an avid diver, and a young son who loves the beach, the family is looking forward to enjoying everything this next-generational city has to offer.

SH Hotels & Resorts, the hotel brand management company that operates 1 Hotels & Homes, Baccarat Hotels & Residences, and Treehouse Hotels, announces the appointment of Jonathan Heath as Executive Vice President of Food & Beverage and Hotel Operations. Heath will collaborate with operational leaders across the company and contribute to all facets of SH Hotels & Resorts operations, enhancing both hotel and dining experiences as the brand continues its global expansion. With over two decades of international hospitality experience, Heath is an expert in hotel openings, critical path timeline management, concept and service flow design for hotels, F&B outlets, and spas. Most recently, he was Corporate Head of Food & Beverage at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, where he managed operations and pre-openings across 20 countries. Previously, as COO of F10 Creative, he integrated food, art, and design into unique guest experiences. His career also includes senior roles at W Hotels, ACE Hotel, Viceroy Hotel Group, and Soho House UK. “Jonathan’s background in managing complex, global hotel operations and his ability to integrate unique guest experiences into hotel environments make him an exceptional addition to our team,” said Raul Leal, CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts. “His leadership will be vital as we continue to expand our hotel operations and food & beverage offerings worldwide.” “I am excited to join SH Hotels & Resorts at such an important time in the company’s growth,” Heath said. “I look forward to working with the team here to further elevate our operations and deliver extraordinary experiences that align with our brand’s vision and values.” SH Hotels & Resorts is rapidly expanding its global presence, with projects underway across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. Building on its portfolio of ten luxury, mission-driven 1 Hotel properties, the brand is developing new locations in Melbourne, Copenhagen, Seattle, Austin, Elounda Hills (Crete), Paris, San Miguel de Allende, Cabo, and Riyadh. Baccarat Hotels & Residences, renowned for its iconic flagship in New York, is planning to debut in Rome, Florence, Dubai, Riyadh, Brickell (Miami), and the Maldives. Following the success of Treehouse Hotel London, Treehouse Hotels is set to open in Silicon Valley and Manchester this year, offering guests a nostalgic and playful experience. Additional projects are also planned for Brickell (Miami), Adelaide, and Riyadh.

Hotel Haya, Aparium Hotel Group’s award-winning property located in the historic heart of Ybor City is delighted to announce the appointment of Laura Maldonado to General Manager. The Puerto Rico native brings a wealth of knowledge, extensive ideas and outstanding hospitality experience to the culturally rich property. Most recently Maldonado served as the General Manager for the iconic four-star Heathman Hotel and restaurant in downtown Portland, Oregon, where she oversaw a complete overhaul of the property including food and beverage, and the sales and operating departments. There, she also developed a company-wide action plan to ensure sustainable growth. “I am honored to join Hotel Haya. My focus has always been on building strong, collaborative teams that blend seasoned expertise with fresh perspectives, ensuring an exceptional experience for both our associates and guests,” said Laura Maldonado, General Manager at Hotel Haya. “I am passionate about fostering talent within the hospitality industry and creating memorable, nostalgic events that resonate with our community. At Hotel Haya, I look forward to reintroducing cherished traditions while also showcasing local businesses, strengthening our ties with the community and creating a welcoming environment for all.” Captivated by the art of hospitality service early on, Maldonado furthered her passion at the University of Puerto Rico with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree, she worked alongside world-renowned hotel brands including Wyndham and Hilton where she led property initiatives, extended exceptional guest experiences, partook in operations and revenue management and curated innovative ideas. Maldonado’s outstanding hospitality background and her commitment to excellence and commendable service will lead her to flourish at Hotel Haya. “We are elated that Laura is taking the helm at Hotel Haya, she has been a fearless leader during her time with Aparium Group,” said Javier Egipciaco, RVP of Hotel Operations at Aparium Group. “Her extensive experience and remarkable leadership in guest services are invaluable assets. It is an honor to collaborate with someone of Laura’s caliber, and we are confident she will bring extraordinary growth and innovation to Hotel Haya.”

MGM Resorts has appointed Keith Barr, former CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), to the company's Board of Directors. Barr becomes the 12th member of the board. “Barr is a globally recognized leader in the hospitality industry, with more than 30 years of experience,” says MGM. He served as the CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts between 2017 and 2023 and as IHG's Chief Commercial Officer between 2013 and 2017.  In that time, according to MGM, Barr successfully drove innovation and internal changes that increased revenues, improved operational efficiency, and built a more customer-centric culture at IHG.  "Keith's tremendous career is a testament to his leadership skills and eye for innovation," said Paul Salem, Chair of the MGM Resorts Board of Directors. "His experience in hotel operations, technology, sales, and marketing will be an incredible asset as he offers valuable guidance to MGM Resorts." MGM Resorts CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle added: "We welcome Keith to our Board and are excited to tap into his deep knowledge and insights as we continue to focus on providing world-class experiences for our guests. "Keith has spent decades driving innovation and growth in the hospitality industry, and his expertise in building a highly successful international business will be invaluable as we drive our own international growth strategy." Barr built his hospitality executive career with roles as CEO of Greater China, COO of Australia and New Zealand, and multiple roles in the Americas with IHG. He has served on the World Travel and Tourism Council, British American Business Council, and WiHTL. Barr also contributes his time to multiple advisory leadership roles at Cornell University, his alma mater. "It's an honor to serve in this leadership role as MGM Resorts continues to lead in hospitality experiences throughout the entire world," said Barr. "I'm looking forward to bringing my global hospitality expertise to the table as our leadership team continues to build MGM's reputation worldwide as the premier gaming and entertainment company."

Aspen One, the parent company of Aspen Hospitality, Aspen Skiing Company, and Aspen Ventures is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Toscano as Chief Executive Officer of Aspen Hospitality. Toscano is a veteran hospitality leader perfectly suited to lead the next phase of Aspen Hospitality’s rapid growth. Toscano will join the team in a transition from current leader Alinio Azevedo starting on September 16th. Jeff brings three decades of experience in the luxury lifestyle market and is known for his ability to create, manage, and scale a variety of assets. He has worked deeply with hotel management teams, ownership groups, and developers to innovate and execute unique premium hotel concepts and experiences. An entrepreneurial executive, Jeff has a proven track record of transforming organizations and growing properties into top-rated brands known for exceptional customer experiences and strong operational performance. Toscano has experience leading at all levels—from his early days within properties, as a general manager of several hotels, to opening a number of hotels, to building and leading broad portfolios of assets. Most recently he served as EVP of Luxury & Lifestyle Hotels at Highgate. In that role Jeff managed the strategy and operations for 31 hotels with 8,000+ rooms, generating ~$1 billion in annual revenue. Jeff has also held executive roles at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Davidson Hotels & Resorts, Two Roads Hospitality, Denihan Hospitality Group, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. He has led a number of high-profile projects such as The Surrey NYC, The Beekman NYC, Ventana Big Sur, and Carmel Valley Ranch. Jeff holds a General Managers Program certification from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Institutional Management from Purdue University. “We are excited to welcome Jeff to the Aspen One family of companies and brands,” said Dave Tanner, CEO of Aspen One. “Jeff’s vision and leadership are precisely what Aspen Hospitality needs as we embark on the next chapter of this exciting journey. His extensive property and industry experience as well as his passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence align with Aspen One’s values and our long-term growth strategy. Importantly, we also want to thank Alinio Azevedo for his vision and dedication in building the Aspen Hospitality portfolio to where it is today and wish him well in his next endeavor.” Toscano joins Aspen Hospitality at an exciting juncture, with several new properties under construction including the Limelight Boulder, Limelight Mammoth, and a new Nell property in New York City. Jeff’s expertise in fostering a culture of service, innovation, and collaboration will ensure the company’s success as it continues to lead the growth of the Aspen One portfolio. “I am honored to join Aspen Hospitality and to have the opportunity to lead these amazing brands and properties,” said Jeff Toscano. “Aspen One’s reputation for delivering exceptional guest experiences is well known, and I am eager to work with such a talented team to build on that legacy and explore a range of new growth opportunities.”

A pioneer in the wellness industry, Aman has always delivered a holistic and integrative wellness experience, designed to take care of mind, body and spirit. While firmly rooted in the notions of peace and privacy, and integrating local healing traditions, this approach is ever-evolving, with the brand now pleased to introduce one of the world’s greatest tennis players, Novak Djokovic, as its first Global Wellness Advisor. Entering a multi-year partnership, the highly decorated sportsman will bring his decades of success to the fore, enhancing Aman’s guest wellness offering through exclusively designed programmes and events that draw on his mental and physical wellbeing experience both on and off the court. Aligning with Aman’s wellness philosophy and the notion of longevity that rests at its heart, Djokovic is an athlete whose resilience and adaptability have allowed him to stay at the pinnacle of the sport for over a decade. With 24 Grand Slam titles to his name, Djokovic’s pursuit of excellence sets him apart as a true icon with a trajectory that extends far beyond tennis success; his dedication having inspired countless professional athletes. “Over the years, I have cultivated a comprehensive daily wellness routine, combining mental health, nutrition and fitness, that has enabled me to achieve sustained success both on the global stage and in my personal life. Sharing those learnings with Aman guests will be both a privilege and a pleasure.”  Novak Djokovic The partnership will grow and develop year-on-year, with early plans across the Aman globe including hosted wellness retreats and specially curated programmes available to guests year-round.

Chef Orli del Angel steps into his role as Executive Chef having left an indelible mark on the culinary team at Chileno Bay after joining the resort in 2021 as Executive Sous Chef. He began his culinary journey in Mexico City and brings with him an impressive career working with notable chefs in esteemed kitchens around the world including Mauro Colagreco, Martin Berasategui, Alex Atala, Guillermo Gonzalez, and recently at The French Laundry in Napa. He honed his leadership skills as head chef at Jorge Vallejo's acclaimed restaurant Quintonil, leveraging his experience at Chileno Bay and contributing to COMAL earning a mention in Michelin's first-ever Mexico Guide.

Crescent Hotels & Resorts proudly announces the appointment of Vanessa Claspill as its new Chief Commercial Officer. Vanessa will spearhead the Commercial Division, including Sales, Marketing + Digital, and Revenue Strategies. Vanessa brings over 20 years of leadership experience across a broad range of hotel categories from luxury and lifestyle to large convention properties. Prior to her new role with Crescent, Vanessa served as Senior Vice President of Sales at Pivot Hotels & Resorts, where she led the top-line revenue strategy for the lifestyle division within Davidson Hospitality Group. Vanessa has also held senior leadership positions at W Austin, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Sydell Group. Within her roles, her hands-on approach focuses on developing and implementing strategic initiatives to drive total revenue generation, with a strong commitment to culture and retention. Vanessa's appointment, in concert with Dawn Gallagher's recent promotion as President of Hospitality, underscores Crescent's steadfast commitment to attracting, promoting, and retaining top talent. With women comprising over 60 percent of Crescent's leadership team, the company continues to champion the advancement of women in the industry.

Don Dennis, president of operations for Noble House Hotels & Resorts announced the appointment of veteran hotelier Shane Pappas as managing director of the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort, and its oceanfront boutique sister, the Jekyll Ocean Club. Pappas rejoins Noble House following his tenure as opening general manager of the Southall Farm and Inn near Nashville TN. “Shane has an outstanding resume that includes some of the most renowned luxury resorts in the country,” said Dennis.  “He’s perfect to lead this beloved resort at this stage of it’s history; fresh from an extensive renovation and earning well-deserved accolades.” Pappas’ began his hotel career as a night bellman at the Four Seasons Aviara after college.  “I was looking for a job, and I found a career,” Pappas noted, crediting the experience as a proving ground with exceptional training.  From there, he climbed the sales and operations management ranks of southern California luxury hotels, including posts at Rancho Valencia, Estancia La Jolla and ultimately general manager posts at the boutique Pantai Inn, the Keating Hotel and San Diego’s Kona Kai Resort and Spa. “The Jekyll Island Club and Ocean Club are absolute treasures where guests have made memories for generations,” said Pappas. “I’m relishing the opportunity to expand upon their traditions of authentic Southern Hospitality and see what we can grow from an experiential point of view.  There are endless opportunities to intertwine the island and its natural gifts with our resorts.” “We were recently recognized in two important Readers’ Choice award programs from USA Today and Travel+Leisure,” Pappas added. “Those awards don’t happen just because your hotel is historic and recently refreshed.  That recognition happens because guests are served by a team that takes pride in the service they offer and feels valued for their contributions.  Together, we’re going to elevate that culture of service and recognition, build careers and make more memories for the next generations of guests.”

Megan Pierce, who has been with The Curtis Hotel for 4 years, will now oversee revenue-generating and relationship building initiatives for both hotels as Area Director of Sales and Marketing. Her expertise in driving growth and her innovative approach to marketing will be key in enhancing the visibility and appeal of The Curtis and Hotel Teatro in a competitive market.

Lauded Luxury Hotelier to Lead Auberge’s Internationally Acclaimed Portfolio