Insider Stories

MIAMI, Dec. 15, 2022 – Silversea Cruises President and CEO Roberto Martinoli has elevated the brand into the industry’s leading ultra-luxury cruise line. On January 1, 2023, Martinoli will assume the role of senior advisor to Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) President and CEO Jason Liberty. Barbara Muckermann, currently Chief Commercial Officer, will become Silversea’s next president and CEO, and will join Royal Caribbean Group’s Executive Committee. “Roberto has built Silversea Cruises into the category leader that it is today, 11 ships strong with more on the way,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “He is one of the most innovative and knowledgeable leaders in the maritime industry. As senior advisor, Roberto will continue to provide strategic guidance that further cements Royal Caribbean Group’s status as a leader in the travel and hospitality industry. Barbara is the ideal executive to succeed Roberto. Her global perspective and team-first leadership style are a recipe for success for both the Silversea Cruises brand and Royal Caribbean Group.” Under Martinoli’s leadership since 2016, Silversea’s fleet has grown to include 11 ships. In summer 2023, it will welcome Silver Nova, the first hybrid luxury cruise ship utilizing fuel cells and emitting zero harmful emissions while in port, an industry first. In 2024, Silversea welcomes Silver Ray, the second ship in the Nova Class. Martinoli also led the acquisition in 2022 of Silver Endeavour to help enable the company to access both polar regions. The ultra-luxury cruise line now sails to over 900 destinations across all seven continents each year, more than any other cruise line. Muckermann brings more than 25 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry, with an emphasis on creating truly exclusive high-end vacations. She first joined Silversea Cruises in 2001, and held several roles at other luxury and cruise brands from 2005 to 2016 before returning. In her current post as Silversea’s Chief Commercial Officer, she oversees all aspects of sales, marketing, revenue management and guest relations, as well as strategic communications and brand and product strategy. Muckermann is a Doctor in Political Sciences and Economics, and holds a joint MBA from London Business School and Columbia University. “This is an exciting moment for Silversea as we continue to add new ships and return to the Asia market,” Muckermann said. “I am thrilled to build on our achievements under Roberto and focus on growth in the years ahead.” Muckermann becomes the second woman to lead one of Royal Caribbean Group’s three wholly-owned brands, and joins Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley. She will oversee all of Silversea’s employees and crew, and will report to Jason Liberty.

Elizabeth Uber will join the company as Chief Operating Officer, effective mid-December. In this position, she will be responsible for all company Operational and Asset Management functions. Liz most recently served as Senior Vice President of Operations at Aimbridge Hospitality, where she oversaw a portfolio of 70 hotels. She previous served as a VP of Asset Management at BRE Hotels & Resorts and as SVP, Revenue, Sales, and eCommerce at Pillar Hotels. Mike Moore comes to Extended Stay America as Chief Human Resources Officer, overseeing all aspects of human capital including compensation, systems and programs. Mike joins the company from G6 Hospitality, where he served as CHRO and in other human resources functions over a 12-year span. He also spent 13 years at FedEx/Kinkos, where he led Human Resources for 900 retail stores and more than 9,000 team members in its Eastern Division. John Laplante, Extended Stay America’s new Chief Information Officer, also joins the company from G6 Hospitality, where he served as CIO and in other IT leadership roles for more than 10 years. John’s experience includes nine years in Hospitality IT at Accor North America. He will be responsible for all technology-related functions. “There are few things more important than deploying the right executive team to lead our growing company into its bright future,” said Greg Juceam, President & CEO, Extended Stay America. “Not only do these individuals bring decades of technical knowledge and experience, they are dedicated, high integrity, collaborative players that will enhance our already talented Executive Leadership Team. These new additions make Extended Stay America an even stronger brand — and I couldn’t be more excited about where we are collectively headed from here,” he said.

Arch Amenities Group, a full-service global provider of amenity management and consulting services for commercial and residential properties, including spas, fitness centers, meetings and events spaces, pools and private clubs, today announced the appointment of Susan Grey as senior vice president of spa. Grey, a global operations leader with more than 20 years' experience in the health, beauty and wellness industry, will be responsible for leading the creation of wellness programs within Arch's Spa Division and across the organization. She also will collaborate with the senior leadership team on long-term strategic planning to further enhance Arch's financial performance, guest experiences and operational excellence of its wellness services. The expansion of Arch's executive team comes on the heels of the company's acquisition of three new wellness business: Innovative Spa Management, Privai and Spa Space. Grey formerly was vice president of operations for The Well, an integrated wellness center in New York City, where she managed the launch of its flagship location and development of four additional sites. Prior to that, she served private equity firm L Catterton and its portfolio company, Steiner Leisure Limited, in roles of increasing responsibility leading to regional vice president, spa operations. Among her accomplishments, she led the growth of Bliss Spas, from three locations in New York City and London to 26 global locations, launched a Bliss Spa membership program, managed the Bliss brand's relaunch and was responsible for conceptualizing the Remède Spa brand, a spa exclusive to St. Regis Hotels and Resorts. Earlier in her career, Grey worked as a general manager of the Bliss Soho Spa in New York before becoming an area manager and director of spa operations for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history at Binghamton University, New York.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jamari Douglas as Vice President, Marketing, PR, and Communications. In this newly created role, Douglas will lead the BTA’s efforts in promoting Bermuda as a world-class and welcoming destination for all. Born and raised in Bermuda and from Deepdale Pembroke, Douglas is no stranger to the BTA, beginning as the organization’s Sales and Marketing Intern and rising through the ranks to serve for several years as the organization’s Digital Marketing Manager. During that time, he managed the BTA’s website, content, and digital media distribution, working closely with all teams and partners to ensure success. “We feel extremely fortunate to have Jamari back with us at the Bermuda Tourism Authority,” said BTA Interim CEO, Tracy Berkeley. “His deep knowledge of our island and its offerings, along with his proven leadership skills and marketing expertise, will give Bermuda a major boost in the years to come.”  Douglas obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga.  He also has several Google Training Certifications, a project management certificate from Pace University, and is currently an NYU Stern School of Business MBA Candidate. Most recently, Douglas worked as Marketing Director at the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA), where he developed and launched a new brand and facilitated media partnerships along with a robust content strategy.  Additional responsibilities include branding and messaging of Work from Bermuda Programme, Climate Risk Finance, and the development of Bermuda’s Climate Hub on the BDA website. He has served on committees: BOPP, Our World Too, and ILS Bermuda. Douglas spearheaded the BTA’s groundbreaking collaboration with Google, which made Bermuda the first island destination to have its entire jurisdiction on Google Street View. The project won a Platinum Adrian Award for digital marketing innovation from the Hotel Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) in 2018, one of the travel world’s most prestigious honours. “I’m thrilled to be back at the BTA, where my career began 13 years ago, and I’m honored to take on the role of Vice President, Marketing, PR, and Communications,” Douglas said. “My extensive experience and expertise in the tourism landscape coupled with my hard work and unwavering commitment to Bermuda guided me to this position. We have a dedicated team of passionate and diverse people. I am also looking forward to re-engaging with local and international partners to grow tourism in Bermuda delivering against our National Tourism Plan.” Douglas’ role will focus on honing the strategic direction of the BTA’s global marketing and communications programs, including oversight of all international agency partners. He has also headed up the roll-out of a refreshed brand, and the new Lost Yet Found campaign which has been featured in publications in North America, the UK, and Europe and has had impressions of 89.2 million so far. Douglas will be responsible for ensuring that all marketing and communications programs follow the direction of Bermuda’s National Tourism Plan. About the Bermuda Tourism Authority The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) is an independent, non-government, entity and the official destination marketing organization for the island country. The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) promotes Bermuda globally as a world-class destination for leisure and group travel and tourism investment. For more information visit: www.gotobermuda.com/bermudatourism.

Bridgeton Holdings has named Teach Mayer as general manager for Dawn Ranch after the property’s acquisition by Bridgeton earlier this spring. Dawn Ranch, which operated as a wedding venue since its cabins closed their doors three years ago due to a flood, has now reopened as a full service luxury resort under Bridgeton’s operation. Located on the banks of the Russian River in Sonoma County’s artistic enclave, Guerneville, Calif., the historic property previously had played host to vacationers from San Francisco and around the globe for over 100 years since its original opening in 1905. Today, Dawn Ranch’s 15 acre-property offers an escape to the old-school magic of the Golden State, a riverfront resort is a virtual natural preserve with 53 cedar-topped individual cabins with access to wide open meadows, wooded nature trails and lush gardens that supply on-site restaurant, Agriculture Public House, as well as wedding and event spaces for up to 300 guests. Mayer, who helped to open Bridgeton’s Marram Montauk as general manager, has been tapped to lead the reopening of this Sonoma County gem. “We’ve created an experience where guests seeking an escape from their busy lives, whether nearby in the Bay Area, or joining us from afar, can reconnect with nature and their own creativity to embrace slow-paced luxury,”  said Mayer. “Personally, I enjoy the more laid back, rustic, grounding spirit that Sonoma County offers in contrast to nearby Napa. Each guest is invited to curate their own perfect stay, with majestic redwoods and private river access onsite, the Sonoma Coast just 20 minutes away and passionate winemakers nearby, there’s simply so much to choose from.” “Mayer has been an integral part of the Bridgeton Holdings team, helping to shape the guest experience at Marram Montauk,” said Atit Jariwala, CEO of Bridgeton Holdings. “His enthusiasm for each property and destination is invaluable, and we are thrilled to have his energy and professionalism at Dawn Ranch.” Mayer has more than 30 years of experiential resort hospitality and management experience. She has been with the Bridgeton Holdings brand since 2019, playing an integral role in the pre-opening and opening of Marram, Montauk’s beachfront barefoot luxury resort, where he led high level operations with a focus on guest experience. Previous to joining Marram and Dawn Ranch, Mayer served as general manager of Sound View in Greenport, N.Y., under the Filament Hospitality brand. He began his career with Club Med Resorts in 1991, holding numerous hospitality management positions across Asia, Europe, the Caribbean and the Middle East for close to 15 years.

Four Seasons Resort Nevis has named Karen Mcfarlane as its new spa director. A spa and wellness hospitality veteran with more than 20 years of experience, Mcfarlane most recently served at Jumby Island Resort, a member of the Oetker Collection, in Antigua, where she spent the last 11 years. “I am pleased to welcome Karen to the Four Seasons Resort Nevis family,” said Yvette Thomas-Henry, regional vice president and general manager for Four Seasons Nevis. “Her passion for excellence and her commitment to training and development is sure to enhance and elevate the spa, wellness and fitness offerings at our Resort. I’m excited to see what her fresh perspective will bring to our unique Nevisian offerings.” In her new role as spa director, Mcfarlane will oversee both the resort’s spa and fitness operations, which include a 12,000-square-foot spa facility, featuring 11 treatment rooms, six of which are located in private Nevisian huts. The spa is set in a garden amid lush greenery and flowers, surrounded by tropical plants and flora native to the island. “It is truly an honor to be joining the Four Seasons Resort Nevis family,” said Mcfarlane. “I am looking forward to developing the Spa's wellness experiences while infusing the rich natural elements of Nevis so that our visiting guests can experience the authenticity of the island.” Originally from Jamaica, Mcfarlane comes to Nevis having worked in several Caribbean resorts, including  Carlisle Bay, Blue Waters Hotel, Sandals Resort and Spa and, most recently, Jumby Island. She began her career as a nail technician and massage therapist and transitioned through several learning and development programs, including a scholarship through the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association to study Spa & Hospitality Management at the University of California.

The St. Regis Mexico City has appointed Rodrigo Rizzi as general manager. Rizzi is an veteran hotelier with more than 22 years of experience in hospitality with such luxury brands as JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton Company. In his career at Marriott International, Rizzi has worked in 10 countries, participated in four hotel openings, and was recognized as the “Best General Manager of the Year” in Caribbean and Latin America. In his most recent role, Rizzi served as general manager of the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco for four years, leading the hotel to its recognition as a number one brand and winner of the “Best Luxury Hotel in the Caribbean and Latin America.” With vast experience in operations, finance and business development, Rizzi has positioned himself as an innovative leader in the luxury hospitality industry. “I am very excited to be part of The St. Regis Mexico City family and the legacy and modern sophistication evoked by the brand, which has defined the art of luxury hospitality in Mexico City,” said Rizzi. “I feel honored to join a team of talented professionals and continue strengthening the House of Astor by offering a unique, innovative and exquisite travel experience for our guests.”

The Schoolhouse Hotel, a newly opened full-service boutique hotel in White Sulphur Springs, Va., with 30 guest rooms, a rooftop bar, and flexible ballroom space, has named its culinary team for its flagship Varsity Club restaurant and grill. The Varsity Club offers upscale southern staples such as crab cakes with lobster corn chowder, and shrimp and grits. Leading the culinary team are father-son duo, Executive Chef Adeyemi Allen and Sous Chef Corte Allen. Chef Adeyemi Allen comes to White Sulphur Springs from the Ballantyne Luxury Hotel in Charlotte, N.C., where he served as the executive banquet chef since 2018. Chef Allen is no stranger to White Sulphur Springs or The Schoolhouse Hotel. He walked the halls of the school as a student years ago, and graced its basketball court in league games. After touring The Schoolhouse Hotel and the fond memories it brought him, Chef Allen was excited about the opportunity to come home and do creative things with the hotel. He has also worked under Chef Peter Timmins at The Greenbrier and served as lead chef at The Greenbrier for four years. Sous Chef Corte Allen grew up in Staunton, Va., before graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. After graduation, Corte worked the country club scene in Baltimore, Md., before departing to The Grand Floridian at Walt Disney World. He later cooked at the Bay Colony golf and Country Club before joining the opening team at Rosendale Events in Atlanta, Georgia, where he worked under Certified Master Chef Rich Rosendale, as well as Steven Halliday, CEC. Sous Chef Allen brings a modern twist to southern comfort foods and is excited to bring his vision to The Varsity Club, as well as The Rooftop.