Insider Stories

Effective July 1, 2024, Florian Augustin, the current Chief Commercial Officer and member of the executive team at HotelPartner Revenue Management, will assume the role of Deputy CEO. This strategic decision aims to fortify the leadership team, broaden service offerings, and drive further growth. Having joined HotelPartner Revenue Management in 2017, Florian Augustin has been instrumental in the company's positive trajectory over recent years. Rainer M. Willa, CEO of HotelPartner Revenue Management, remarked, "Florian's expertise and dedication have been crucial to our evolution into becoming the leading service provider for revenue management and distribution in Europe. In his new role as Deputy CEO, Florian will not only bring his extensive knowledge but will continue to collaborate closely with me and the leadership team to further enhance the success of our partners and our company." Rainer M. Willa, who began his career at HotelPartner Revenue Management as Deputy CEO over a decade ago, has significantly contributed to the company's success. The founder and Chairman of the Board, Oliver Meyer, has consistently leveraged in-house talent and their continuous development since the company's inception. This is exemplified by the "TET-Synergy" of HotelPartner Revenue Management, which stands for qualified teams (T), proven expertise (E), and the use of the latest technology (T). In his new position, Florian Augustin will act as a direct deputy to Rainer M. Willa, managing operations across countries. While Rainer M. Willa will concentrate on quality management, Florian Augustin, with nearly 20 years of experience in international hospitality, will focus on sales and marketing. HotelPartner Revenue Management, a Swiss company with offices in Vienna, Salzburg, Hamburg, and London, currently supports over 500 hotels across Europe.

Tina Heyl has assumed the position of Director of Marketing at Ruby as of July 1. She brings impressive expertise in brand management and content creation. Prior to her role at Ruby, she was Head of Marketing at ROECKL Gloves & Accessories, where she was a board member responsible for strategic brand management and the development of campaigns and content. She previously held successful C-level positions at APRICOT GmbH and SOUL ZEN, where she applied her experience in branding, content, public relations, and social media. These roles were preceded by further leadership positions at well-known companies in the German fashion industry. In her new position, Heyl will use her extensive experience to drive strategic brand management, campaign and content development, social media marketing, and public relations.

In her new role, Felicity will lead Hyatt's growth initiatives across the EAME region, overseeing a diverse and growing team of subregional developers. Latest additions to her team include Anna Corkill as Regional Vice President of Development for the UK and Ireland, Gabriela Basovska as Director of Development for Northern Europe, and Carlos Paredes as Director of Development for Southern Europe, who previously focused on Hyatt"s all-inclusive portfolio. Briana Swift, recently awarded with the ISHC Young Leader Award, has been promoted to Regional Vice President Western Europe earlier this year. In 2023, Hyatt had created a new regional transactions role and appointed Jaime de la Mata as Vice President Portfolio Development and Transactions EAME to drive inorganic asset light growth throughout Europe, Africa and Middle East.

Bruce Grosbety, president of the Woodstock Inn & Resort, announces the appointment of Christy Patterson to director of sales. Patterson brings more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality sales to her new position. In her new role, Patterson will lead and oversee all group, transient, and catering/banquet sales endeavors, develop, implement, and manage the objectives and policies governing the sales and reservations department, encompassing corporate and social sales, weddings, leisure guest reservations, and more. “We are thrilled to welcome Christy to the Woodstock Inn & Resort as the new director of sales. Her wealth of experience and proven track record in the industry, especially luxury hospitality, make her an invaluable addition to our team. We are confident that her innovative approach and dedication will continue to drive our sales strategies team,” said Bruce Grosbety. Prior to joining the Woodstock Inn & Resort, Patterson served as the director of sales, leisure at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills from 2022 – 2024. Previously, Patterson was the director of sales, leisure for Auberge Resorts Collection, in locations such as Anguilla, Costa Rica, New Mexico, and Utah. Patterson served as the global membership manager at Club Quarters Hotels and held multiple positions at Ritz-Carlton, including director of leisure and business travel sales (Laguna Niguel, CA, and Marina del Ray, CA) and senior travel industry sales manager (Naples, FL). Patterson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in telecommunications and film broadcast production from the University of Alabama. She has received numerous awards from the Ritz-Carlton company, including the Golden Circle Incentive Trip and Ritz-Carlton Transient Team of the Year Western Region (Laguna Niguel), Five Star Leader of the Quarter Nominee and Golden Circle Incentive Trip (Marina del Ray), Five Star Leader of the Quarter Nominee, and Five Star Nominee (Naples).

Mark Jacob, a seasoned hospitality professional and former Managing Director of Dolder Hotel AG, will take over as General Manager of the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel on 1 September 2024. Mark Jacob (aged 49) is a proven leader with over two decades of experience in the luxury hospitality industry. He spent a great part of his career at Dolder Hotel AG in Zurich, where he served as Managing Director with overall responsibility for The Dolder Grand (5 stars), the Dolder Waldhaus (4 stars) and Dolder Sports from 2013 to 2020. His subsequent roles included Head of Brand Culture & Design at InterGlobe Enterprises, where he was responsible for the strategic repositioning of an international hotel portfolio. Mark Jacob, who graduated from the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, is delighted to be returning to a direct operational role in the hotel industry: "The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois embodies the spirit of Basel, while simultaneously commanding a strong global presence. It expresses pure joie de vivre and radiates an aura of timeless elegance, all underpinned by an unwavering commitment to detail. These values resonate deeply with my own vision of an inclusive and welcoming hospitality experience. I am thrilled, alongside an exceptional team, to guide the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois into a vibrant future."

The former head chef of L’Ortolan joins the Pembrokeshire hotel alongside fellow L’Ortolan alumnus Walter Cheung and sous chef of the Hide and Fox in Kent, Adam Ashley.  

UMusic Hotels announced the appointment of Iñigo Sánchez-Crespo as General Manager of UMusic Hotel Madrid. Saìnchez-Crespo will be instrumental in reinforcing the company’s culture, strengthening core values, and enhancing leadership development and team cohesion across all levels of the organization. Other duties will include consolidating the unique value proposition UMusic Hotel Madrid brings to the city, enhancing customer satisfaction, and continuously improving the Hotel’s culinary offerings. Under his leadership, UMusic Hotel Madrid will continue to provide unparalleled service and exceptional experiences to guests and visitors. A hospitality veteran with 20+ years of experience, Sánchez-Crespo is a passionate leader excelling in hotel operations. He has a proven track record of maximizing profits in international markets, including Europe, the Caribbean Islands, and the United States. Before taking on this new position at UMusic Hotel Madrid, he was General Manager at Hotel Montera Madrid, Curio Collection by Hilton. His extensive experience in the hospitality industry stems from his time as Chief Operations Officer at Axel Hotels, Cluster General Manager at Fontecruz Hotels – an Autograph Collection by Marriott, and Husa Hotels Barcelona General Manager. 

Dusit International has appointed Mr. Rami Massoud as Vice President of Development for the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Rami Massoud will be based in Dusit’s regional office in Dubai. Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, he is an Egyptian national with over 25 years of experience in hotel development, real estate investment, and asset management. During his career, Massoud has worked for hotel brands such as Marriott, Starwood, and Four Seasons and spearheaded projects for top developers including Dubai Holding, Power Holding, and Shuaa Capital across the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Most recently, he served as the Managing Director of Hotel Assets Acquisition Consultants. He holds a bachelor’s degree in hotel management and advanced certification in hotel real estate investment & asset management from Cornell University. Massoud said, “Joining Dusit International is a remarkable opportunity to contribute to a brand with a rich heritage and an incredibly bright future. I am excited to help drive Dusit’s expansion in the EMEA region by identifying new growth opportunities and fostering relationships that will enable us to bring our distinctive Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to more guests around the world.” Massoud is now responsible for the growth of Dusit’s unique portfolio of Dusit Hotels and Resorts across key existing and emerging destinations in the EMEA region.

He will take charge of the five-AA-red-star Gilpin Hotel and Lake House and the Michelin-starred Source restaurant.

Hotel Co 51 is promoting experienced hospitality professional Wayne Androliakos as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Wayne Androliakos took over the CEO reins on 1 June, succeeding Tobias Linder who stays within the Vastint Group as the new Head of Asset Management for Vastint Holding B.V. With over 25 years of hands-on hospitality expertise, Wayne brings his track record of building high-performing teams to the top role. Since joining Hotel Co 51 as UK Regional Director of Operations in summer 2022, Wayne has demonstrated his commitment to driving guest satisfaction by boosting feedback ratings across the 17 Marriott-branded properties in the UK region. This includes increasing food and beverage scores by 18.1%, intent to recommend by 14.4% and staff service by 12.7%. Prior to joining Hotel Co 51, Wayne led the global operations for Generator and Freehand Hotels, and spent 14 years with Cycas Hospitality, where he played a strategic role in the group’s European expansion. Having progressed from General Manager of Cycas’s first hotel to Chief Operating Officer for its European portfolio, Wayne is passionate about developing talent from within. Announcing the appointment, Tobias said: “Hospitality is all about human connections, and Wayne’s ability to create happy teams that deliver exceptional service shines through his leadership approach. I’m delighted that Wayne has agreed to take on his new role and consolidate Hotel Co 51’s position as one of Europe’s most successful hotel operators.” Reinforcing Hotel Co 51’s sustainable credentials, under Wayne’s stewardship the company is on target to secure Green Key certification across each of its European hotels by the end of 2024. Speaking of his focus on delivering sustainable hospitality with purpose, Wayne said: “Since joining Hotel Co 51 in 2022 I’ve been struck by the company’s genuine commitment to putting people and the planet first, and it’s an honor to become CEO of a company with such strong cultural values. “The Green Key process is an important step as we continue identifying new ways for us to break new ground in hospitality and ensure our hotels have a positive impact on our employees, guests and communities. I’m looking forward to harnessing my experience of working across multiple international brands, accommodation styles, cultures and markets to enhance Hotel Co 51’s reputation as an employer of choice as we focus on training and retention programs that help our people grow.”

We are delighted to announce that Stuart Procter has been announced as the new CEO of The Beaumont at an exciting time in the hotel’s history, having just completed a multi-million pound refurbishment and the addition of 29 new rooms and suites, as well as two private dining rooms. The seasoned and highly experienced, award-winning hotelier brings unrelenting passion for our industry, a wealth of experience and an abiding love of service. He is also very much involved in a variety of social responsibility and charity projects. Stuart works tirelessly to encourage, motivate and mentor young people to succeed in a career within the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry, and works with Hospitality Action, the Hospitality Industry Benevolent Organisation, which offers vital assistance to all who work or have worked within the hospitality sector in the UK and who find themselves in crisis. He is also Vice-President of DEBRA UK, a national charity that supports people living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), their relatives, partners and carers, and has been instrumental in raising awareness and funds to support the EB community. Commenting on his appointment, Stuart said, "I am delighted to be joining the team at The Beaumont and look forward to building our focus around creating unique guest experiences, rooted in the very best of British hospitality.” We could not be more thrilled.

Andrew will oversee the iconic Edinburgh hotel, boasting 167 rooms and 20 suites as well as a comprehensive spa and fitness centre and a diverse culinary offering. This encompasses two restaurants: the acclaimed fine dining restaurant, Number One, Brasserie Prince and its bar, Bar Prince. Additionally, the Palm Court is known for its celebrated afternoon-tea experience and the prestigious world-class whisky destination, SCOTCH. The only Forbes Five Star hotel in Scotland is delighted to welcome Andrew, who formerly ran Grantley Hall, located near the Yorkshire Dales. Andrew oversaw Grantley Hall's development and debut as General Manager, shaping it into the renowned hotel it is today. Under his direction, the newly opened Grantley Hall was transformed into an award-winning hotel, earning the AA Hotel of the Year for England 2022-23, a Michelin Star, and five AA Red Stars. Andrew has also formerly worked as General Manager at Lucknam Park, Skibo Castle, and Swinton Park Hotel. The new General Manager has extensive experience in the hospitality business, which dates back to his teenage years, when he worked as a kitchen porter at the Countryman pub on the Isle of Wight. During his time working at the Countryman, he developed a significant interest in hospitality and decided to enrol in a course at Bournemouth University to learn the trade, with the dream of one day working as a General Manager at one of the UK’s most luxurious hotels. Andrew McPherson commented: "I am delighted to be appointed to the position of custodian of Edinburgh’s most iconic hotel, The Balmoral, and very much looking forward to leading such an incredible team. I have long admired The Balmoral for not only its architecture, history, and incredible restaurants and bars but also for the world class hospitality delivered every day. The walls of The Balmoral hold a century of stories, from its opening in 1902 to now. It is wonderful to see how many people hold a special place in their hearts for this hotel, and I am honoured to now be in charge of so many cherished memories." Andrew’s new role is a return to the Forte family; after graduating from university, he completed his management trainee scheme as part of the Forte Group. He then went on to work at numerous properties throughout the UK and Europe including The Penina Golf Resort in the Algarve, The Beach Plaza in Monaco, Grosvenor House in London and The Bath Spa Hotel in Bath. The Balmoral’s General Manager will report to Richard Cooke, Cluster Managing Director at Rocco Forte hotels. Richard was the General Manager at The Balmoral for over six years and will now head Brown’s, a Rocco Forte hotel in London. Richard Cooke said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew McPherson to Rocco Forte hotels. Andrew joins us with a vast wealth of experience working with luxury hotels and will be a wonderful asset to The Balmoral. I very much look forward to working directly with Andrew as we ensure the continued success of two of the world's greatest hotels." For more information about Rocco Forte hotels please visit: www.roccofortehotels.com