Hotel executive moves: Kessler, Practice Hospitality, Resorts World

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

AAHOA promotions. The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) has promoted Geetika Rana to executive vice president of membership and events and Dennis Smith to executive vice president of business development. Rana has been with AAHOA since 2012, most recently serving as senior vice president of membership. She has extensive hotel experience, including prior roles as GM of two properties. Smith joined AAHOA in 2022 and most recently served as vice president of business development.

Kessler Collection names VP. Orlando-based The Kessler Collection has named Brian McCormick as vice president of people and culture. McCormick has over 20 years of experience in talent management and employee relations for luxury hotel brands. Before joining The Kessler Collection, he was vice president of human resources at The Broadmoor, leading HR initiatives for more than 2,200 employees. He also held leadership roles at Kohler Hospitality and Hyatt Hotels Corp.

Practice Hospitality promotes 3. Dallas-based Practice Hospitality has promoted three to leadership roles. Holly Landry has been promoted to vice president of accounting. Landry has over 20 years of experience in financial management in the hospitality industry and previously served as corporate director of finance. She previously worked at Provenance Hotels. Jillian Loughlin has been promoted to director of commercial services. With experience in sales, marketing and revenue management, Loughlin previously served as corporate director of sales. Ana Connolly has been appointed regional director of revenue management. She joined Practice Hospitality as area director of revenue management and also served as complex director of revenue for Hilton Hotels.

New COO, CFO for Resorts World Las Vegas. Las Vegas-based Resorts World Las Vegas has appointed Carlos Castro as COO and CFO. Castro will oversee strategic planning and direction, investment activities and operational efficiencies. He has extensive experience in hospitality finance and operations, having held senior leadership positions at Hilton, Caesars Entertainment, and MGM Resorts International. Castro was most recently senior vice president and CFO at Aria Resort and Casino.

Stafford Collection promotes executive. London-based The Stafford Collection has promoted John McLean to managing director following his appointment as general manager last May. In his new role, McLean will helm the entire portfolio, which includes The Stafford London, Northcote and Norma. McLean brings more than 20 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry. He has held several leadership roles, including interim general manager at The Cadogan Hotel in Chelsea, hotel manager and interim general manager of Brown’s Hotel London and executive head of F&B at The Lanesborough.