Here’s
a roundup of the top hotel executive moves of the past week.
Here is a
compilation of the most important executive moves of the past week in the hotel
investment world, alphabetically (by company):
Ashford
hires new president. Ashford Inc. has filled a role that has been vacant since 2022 by appointing
Hector Sanchez as president. At the same time, Eric Batis has been named chief
operating officer, with both roles taking immediate effect. Ashford said these
moves are intended to strengthen the company’s executive team and support
long-term growth. Monty Bennett will continue as chairman and chief executive
officer. Sanchez most recently served as CEO of Ashford Inc.’s subsidiary,
Premier, and as head of real estate development for Ashford Inc. Before joining
Premier, Sanchez held senior leadership roles in the energy sector. Batis
brings more than 15 years of experience in real estate, valuation, and
investment. He joined Ashford in 2013 and most recently served as executive vice
president of operations. Before joining Ashford, he was vice president in the
real estate valuation and advisory services group at Houlihan Lokey.
Coast
Hotels announces promotions. Coast Hotels Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of APA Hotel
Canada Inc., has made three internal promotions. Nooshi Akhavan has been
promoted to vice president, commercial strategy. She has been with the company
for nine years, most recently serving as director, revenue performance and
distribution. Glen Merx has been promoted to vice president, people and
culture. Merx, who has been with the company for more than nine years,
previously served as director, people and culture. Amin Himani has also been promoted
to director, revenue performance and distribution. In addition to the
promotions, Brigitte Diem-Guy has decided to step down from her role as vice
president, revenue strategies and communication, effective December 1. She will
remain with the company as brand and communications consultant.
Mandarin
Oriental adds execs. Hong Kong-based Mandarin Oriental has added two leaders to its operational team
in newly created regional vice president operations roles. Flavia Daudan Caponi
will lead Mandarin’s hotels in Europe and the Americas. She gas more than 30
years of luxury industry experience, having played roles in the
transformation of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, and has led operations in Prague and Miami. Greg Liddell will oversee Mandarin’s
hotels in Asia and the Middle East. With over 25 years of luxury hospitality
experience, he has held key roles across Mandarin Oriental’s flagship
properties in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Barcelona and Madrid.
Urban
Rest names APAC exec. Sydney-based flexible living operator Urban Rest has appointed Jip Van Driest
as head of real estate for APAC. Van Driest brings more than a decade of
experience within the property sector to her role. She joins
from Frasers Hospitality, where she served as director of development and
investments for New Zealand. Van Driest also worked for Seibu Prince Hotels and
Resorts, Elanor Investors Group and JLL.