Read the latest roundup of U.S.-based hires and promotions in the hotel industry.
Executives
Scott Williams
Chief development and brand officer
Main Street Hospitality
June 20, 2024
Promotion
Experience: Williams joined Main Street Hospitality in 2021, and in his tenure, has successfully transformed and strengthened the brand’s identity and market positioning. Williams was the president of The Nantucket Project and has also led marketing and creative initiatives for renowned global brands including Commune Hotels & Resorts, Morgans Hotel Group and Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Ron Phifer
Vice president of business development
Dreamscape Hospitality
June 13, 2024
New hire
Experience: Phifer joins the Dreamscape Hospitality team after a decadeslong tenure at Aimbridge Hospitality undertaking various roles, most recently serving as vice president of business development.
Robert Arigo
Chief executive officer
LuxUrban Hotels
June 11, 2024
Promotion
Experience: Arigo joined LuxUrban in March 2024 as chief operating officer and brings more than 35 years of relevant experience to his new role.
Aik Hong Tan
Chief investment officer
Hotel Equities
June 11, 2024
Promotion
Experience: Tan serves as a principal for Greenwood Hospitality, which joined Hotel Equities through a strategic partnership in March 2022.
General Managers
Ebrahim Ansari
Dual general manager
Le Méridien and AC Hotel Denver Downtown
Denver, Colorado
June 19, 2024
New hire
Experience: Ansari held roles at Marriott and Hilton properties, including SpringHill Suites Salt Lake City Airport, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown and Denver Marriott Westminster.
Stefan Gruvberger
General manager
InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk
San Antonio, Texas
June 18, 2024
New hire
Experience: Gruvberger has held numerous leadership positions at properties in Lake Tahoe, San Jose, San Francisco and Chicago, including opening general manager of The Lasalle Chicago.
Kimberly Brown
General manager
Hampton Inn Memphis/Southaven MS
Southaven, Mississippi
June 17, 2024
New hire
Experience: Brown started her hotel career in sales with Marriott International and Hilton, eventually serving as director of sales and general manager at multiple IHG properties. Most recently, Brown served as centralized sales lead executive for HEI Hotels & Resorts.
Raj Mohan
Managing director
Saddlebrook Resort
Wesley Chapel, Florida
June 11, 2024
New hire
Experience: Mohan's background includes overseeing operations at establishments such as PARQ Vancouver, where he managed Canada’s largest integrated hospitality complex and casino; The Ritz-Carlton Aruba, where he directed food-and-beverage operations and oversaw the launch of new restaurants and convention spaces; and held key roles at Marriott International properties across the globe, including China, Aruba, Jamaica and Hong Kong.
Sales and Marketing
Stacy Seaborn
Director of sales and marketing
InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk
San Antonio, Texas
June 18, 2024
New hire
Experience: Seaborn previously worked at the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, first as director of catering and conference services and later as director of sales and marketing.
Food and Beverage
Reda Kolta
Food and beverage director
Le Méridien Fort Worth Downtown
Fort Worth, Texas
June 20, 2024
New hire
Experience: Kolta brings more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry and is known for his dynamic leadership style and innovative approach.
Damian Lopez
Executive chef
Le Méridien Fort Worth Downtown
Fort Worth, Texas
June 20, 2024
New hire
Experience: Lopez brings a wealth of culinary expertise to Le Méridien Fort Worth Downtown, with a deep appreciation for innovative cuisine developed during his five years of tenure in the food-and-beverage industry.
Peter Chea
Chef de cuisine
Fenway Hotel
Dunedin, Florida
June 17, 2024
New hire
Experience: Chea brings more than a decade of culinary experience to Fenway Hotel, including roles as executive chef at The Chateau Restaurant Group and chef de cuisine at Simply Gourmet Caterers.
Isai Xolalpa
Director of bars and lounges
W Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
June 13, 2024
New hire
Experience: Most recently, Xolalpa served as the manager of beverage and food for W Aspen, supervising the hotel's food-and-beverage program and helming activations during marquee events.
Harry W. Siebert
Director of restaurants
Tampa Marriott Water Street
Tampa, Florida
June 12, 2024
New hire
Experience: With a career spanning notable establishments such as North Country Brewing Company, Crown Plaza South Hill and The Meritage Resort and Spa, Siebert is well-versed in overseeing diverse operations. Most recently, Siebert worked for Omni William Penn and The US GRANT.
Bob Bracy
Director of food and beverage
InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco
San Francisco, California
June 11, 2024
New hire
Experience: Prior to his appointment at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, Bracy had his own food-and-beverage consulting company. The experiences he brought to that role included five years as general manager of food and beverage at Blackstone, an Autograph Hotel.
Stevie-Ray Walker
Executive pastry chef
Hotel Wailea
Wailea, Hawaii
June 11, 2024
New hire
Experience: Prior to joining Hotel Wailea, Walker served as executive pastry chef of the Stein Collection, where he transformed the pastry program by expanding the team and elevating the culinary experience with his signature desserts, including custom wedding cakes and innovative confectioneries.
To be included in an upcoming Hotel News Now U.S. Hires and Promotions List, email Associate Editor Trevor Simpson here.