Hotel executive moves: Hotel Equities, Marriott Vacations, Peachtree, Peregrine

Here is a compilation of the most important executive moves of the past week in the hotel investment world, alphabetically (by company):

Hotel Equities names executives. Atlanta-based Hotel Equities has made a series of strategic executive appointments across its full-service, focused-service, and lifestyle divisions. The appointments include Peter Tziahanas, president, full-service division. Tziahanas joined Hotel Equities in 2021 and previously served as executive vice president of operations. Before joining HE, Tziahanas held several multi-unit leadership positions with prominent management groups, including Pivot Hotels at Davidson Hospitality Group. David Rosenberg has been named, president, focused-service division. Rosenberg joined Hotel Equities in 2020 and most recently served as executive vice president of operations. Becky Vealey has been named senior vice president of sales, full-service and lifestyle division. Vealey was previously HE’s vice president of revenue generation. Carol Lobaito has been named senior vice president of sales, focused service division. She was formerly vice president of sales and marketing.

KAJ names new execs. Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based KAJ Hospitality has appointed Mike Bonasera as director, construction and renovations and Peggi Monico as regional director, sales. Bonasera began his hotel career in 2001 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomington, Minnesota, and has since led numerous renovation and new-build projects across the region, including eight resorts along Minnesota’s North Shore. Monico's background includes leading sales and marketing efforts for a major downtown Minneapolis hotel, overseeing a diverse portfolio for a Minnesota-based ownership group and implementing brand-level revenue strategies across a regional hospitality brand.

Kempinski adds for China. Kempinski Hotel has appointed Alan Chin as managing director for Greater China and Mongolia and general manager of Key International Hotels Management Co. Ltd, in a move to strengthen the group’s presence and accelerate growth in China. Chin will join Kempinski’s Group Executive Committee and oversee the brand’s operations and development across the region. Prior to joining Kempinski, he held senior roles at Accor and the China Hospitality Fund, where he led product and project development and investment site sourcing. He joined Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts in 2010 and, over 15 years with the group, held several leadership roles.

CEO for Marriott Vacations. Orlando-based Marriott Vacations Worldwide (MVW) has appointed Matthew Avril, an independent director of MVW, as interim president and CEO, effective immediately. This appointment follows John Geller’s departure as president and CEO of MVW and as a director of the company. The board has commenced a search for a permanent president and CEO. Avril joined MVW’s board in March and has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality and vacation ownership industry, most recently serving as CEO of Diamond Resorts International. He also worked for Vistana Signature Experiences and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.

Peachtree adds Chandler as SVP. Atlanta-based Peachtree Group has appointed Zach Chandler as senior vice president, strategy, government lending. He will lead strategic initiatives and business development for the company’s expanding government lending platform. He joins Peachtree from Thomas USAF Group, one of the nation’s largest originators of USDA and SBA loans, where he most recently served as senior vice president, government-guaranteed lending. In September, Hotel Investment Today talked to Chandler about the USDA program and California investments made by Castle Peak Holdings.

Peregrine names CFO. Denver-based Peregrine Hospitality has named Stacy Galligan as CFO. Tom Barber, Peregrine Hospitality’s previous CFO, will remain with the firm to support a transition and provide ongoing strategic advisory services. Galligan joins Peregrine Hospitality from Embark, where she served as managing director and practice leader, overseeing finance and accounting consulting services for clients across multiple industries. Her prior experience includes Punch Bowl Social, Pure Barre and Smashburger.

Remington promotes VP. Dallas-based Remington Hospitality has promoted Johnathan Kennedy to vice president of operations. His hospitality journey began in 2008 as an assistant housekeeping manager at the Sheraton Indianapolis and he has had a 17-year tenure with Remington.