Executive moves: Ashford, Coast Hotels, Mandarin Oriental, Urban Rest

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.