World Hospitality Appointments

Jocelyn Whiteside has been appointed Director of Sales & Marketing at the InterContinental in Koh Samui, Thailand

InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam, in Koh Samui, Thailand is delighted to announce the appointment of Jocelyn Whiteside as Director of Sales and Marketing. Ms Whiteside has joined the team and brings with her a wealth of experience and an impressive skillset.

She joins the team from Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa where she was Director of Sales and Marketing for three years and managed the pre-opening, the launch in April 2015 and led the team through the first and second years of operation with impressive year on year revenue growth, multiple awards and highly engaged social media channels.

Ms Whiteside was previously at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa in her native Fiji and prior to that Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa and Yasawa Island Resort. Ms Whiteside works across the wholesale, leisure and the MICE sectors.

She studied for a Bachelor of Arts at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji and a Masters of Ecotourism at The James Cook University in Townsville in Australia. In her downtime, Ms Whiteside enjoys photography, reading, cooking and music.

Benchmark names Rubin Sabater Director of Operations at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa, Miami Beach

Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading US-based hospitality management company, has appointed Rubin Sabater Director of Operations for ONE Bal Harbour Resort and Spa, a personal luxury resorts and hotels property located in Miami Beach.

Rikki Boparai, General Manager for Benchmark Hospitality at the resort and Managing Director for the Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels of Florida, made the announcement.

“It is with the greatest pleasure that I congratulate Rubin on his new position with our resort and Benchmark Hospitality,” said Mr Boparai. “With this he assumes responsibility and ownership for the total guest experience here at ONE Bal Harbour, leading the day-to-day operations of our spectacular oceanside resort. This is a well-deserved promotion!”

In his new role as Director of Operations, Mr Sabater will oversee ONE Bal Harbour’s engineering security, housekeeping and front office departments. He originally joined the resort in 2012, serving as Director of Facilities. Mr Sabater was remarkably successful in this role, reorganizing and strengthening the resort’s engineering team, and implementing initiatives that had a transformative effect on the property.

Prior to joining Benchmark at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa, Mr Sabater held leadership roles with the Mandarin Oriental Miami as well as the Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Tower. He brings this wealth of experience and knowledge to his new role at ONE Bal Harbour. Mr Sabater resides in Miami.

Stephen Batta appointed General Manager at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

The Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel has named Stephen Batta as General Manager. A 25-year veteran of the hotel industry, Mr Batta brings strong leadership experience and extensive knowledge of the New York City tourism market to his third hotel General Manager role.

Mr Batta has held senior roles in large New York hotels for more than two decades, most recently as General Manager of JW Marriott Essex House New York and Renaissance New York Hotel, and as Assistant General Manager of New York Marriott Downtown. Prior to his general manager roles, he served as Director of Food and Beverage at New York Marriott Marquis, the former RIHGA Royal New York, Seaview Marriott in Absecon, N.J., and Sheraton New York Hotels and Towers.

A leader in New York City’s hotel industry, Mr Batta is active in several organizations, including the New York Hotel Trade Council and Hotel Association of New York City, New York Hotel Trades Council Employee Benefits Funds, Food and Beverage Association of America, Les Amis dEscoffier Society Foundation, National Association of Catering Executives in New York City, and La Confrrie de la Chane des Rtisseurs. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing from Marist College and resides in Freehold, N.J., with his wife and three children.

Thomas Agar named Vice President of Operations at LBA Hospitality in Dothan

LBA Hospitality, a full-scale hotel management, development and consulting firm, is pleased to announce Thomas Agar as its Vice President of Operations. In his new role, Mr Agar will oversee operations, total quality management, sales, associate development, financial controls and guest satisfaction for more than 60 properties across the southeast.

Mr Agar, who has more than more than 30 years of expertise in the hospitality industry, worked with the Marriott brand for 24 years and until joining LBA, ran his own hospitality consulting firm.

Throughout his career, Mr Agar has received numerous accolades for his exceptional work as a general manager and regional director for numerous hotel brands.

Hotel Andaluz appoints Marc Quiñones as new Executive Chef

Hotel Andaluz, a leading lifestyle boutique hotel in Albuquerque, has hired Chef Marc Quiñones as its new Executive Chef. Mr Quiñones joins the Hotel Andaluz with more than a decade of culinary experience.

“We are thrilled to announce Marc Quiñones as Executive Chef at Hotel Andaluz,” said Chris Jacoby, Marketing Manager at Hotel Andaluz. “He brings a tremendous amount of talent and experience to the culinary team, and we are very excited to see his vision for the hotel’s food offerings come to life.”

As Executive Chef, Mr Quiñones will oversee all of the culinary operations at Hotel Andaluz, downtown Albuquerque’s only four diamond-rated hotel, including banquets, catering, and the hotel’s two restaurants MAS Tapas y Vino and Ibiza Rooftop Restaurant and Bar.

“I am honored to be a part of the Hotel Andaluz team,” said Marc Quiñones, Executive Chef at Hotel Andaluz. “The property is stunning and I look forward to reflecting the hotel’s Spanish culinary style.”

Mr Quiñones has more than 10 years of experience in the restaurant and food industry and began his career in New York City. He relocated to New Mexico in 2007 where he has held various positions from Chef de Cuisine at Bien Shur in Sandia Resort and Casino to Executive Chef at the Inn and Spa at Loretto in Santa Fe. Mr Quiñones graduated from Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Mr Quiñones has been recognized for his culinary expertise throughout his career including being named “Best Chef” for two consecutive years in Albuquerque the Magazine. He was also a finalist on Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen” and a contestant on Food Network’s “Chopped.”

Mr Quiñones will manage and oversee a team of 30 employees at the hotel. “As Executive Chef, I look forward to leading a team of incredibly talented people and help them thrive in their careers,” said Mr Quiñones.

Trump Hotels names Suzie Mills as Area Managing Director

Trump Hotels has named Suzie Mills as Area Managing Director for Trump Hotels in the New York region, which includes Trump International Hotel & Tower New York (Central Park) and Trump SoHo New York. With a career spanning two decades—much of it at Trump Central Park—Ms Mills will be now responsible for the high-level operations, performance, and strategic direction of both hotels, as well as the day-to-day operations of Trump SoHo.

“Suzie Mills has had an outstanding career with Trump Hotels, and we are thrilled to promote her to this well-earned, new position,” said Eric Danziger, CEO of Trump Hotels. “She has been at Trump Central Park since its opening, and her work there has helped position Trump Hotels as one of the leading brands in luxury hospitality.”

A hospitality veteran, Ms Mills has been at the helm of the Trump Central Park for nearly a decade. She was born into a career in hospitality with her first job at the young age of 10, working for her parents’ Hotel in Wales, United Kingdom. She eventually landed a position at the Savoy Hotel in London where she spent five years working both front-of-house and in banquet sales.

Ms Mills came to the United States to work at The Mayfair Hotel on Park Ave., before joining the Trump Hotel team in 1997 during the hotel’s pre-opening phase. She began as front office manager, moving up the ranks to rooms divisions manager, assistant GM, and then to GM. Ms Mills has steered Trump Central Park through multiple renovations, including a massive $30-million renovation in 2010, followed by a complete renovation of the on-site Trump Spa in 2012. Ms Mills was also the first female GM for a five-star hotel in New York City.

Jale Hashimi named Vice President of Operations and General Manager Luxury Division for Remington Hotels

Remington has announced a new Vice President and General Manager within the Operations Luxury Division, Jale Hashimi. In addition to her continued role as General Manager of Melrose Georgetown Hotel in Washington DC, Ms Hashimi will oversee the strategic direction of Silversmith Hotel in Chicago, One Ocean Resort and Spa in Atlantic Beach, Fla. and Churchill Hotel in Washington DC. Ms Hashimi was just announced the 2016 ‘General Manager of the Year’ for 2016 by Remington Hotels from more than 90 hotels for her performance and leadership.

“We are honored to have Jale lead this group of hotels as she is a dedicated, key member of Remington and has shown strong leadership and motivation in every position,” said Mark Sharkey, President of Remington. “I look forward to seeing her continued success among the hotels.”

Since joining Melrose Georgetown Hotel in 2013, Ms Hashimi has enhanced profitability of the art-deco inspired, boutique hotel and built a team committed to the guest experiences. Under Ms Hashimi’s leadership, the hotel’s farm-to-fork restaurant, Jardenea, has flourished delivering decadent food and service in a refined intimate setting. Recently recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as the number two hotel in Washington DC and conveniently located in the heart of the nation’s capital, Melrose Georgetown Hotel defines distinct, innovative service in a stylish, chic ambiance.

“I am humbled by this promotion and grateful for the many opportunities that Remington has provided me,” said Jale Hashimi, Vice President and General Manager Luxury Division, Remington. “I have had the opportunity to work with passionate associates who make an incredible team and I am honored to work with the additional hotel teams and together push their success to new heights.”

Ms Hashimi has held various positions as general manager among locations like Churchill Hotel, Embassy Suites Dulles Airport in Herndon, Va., Melrose Georgetown Hotel, Hilton Singer Island in Riviera Beach, Fla. and Four Points by Sheraton in downtown Washington DC.

Ms Hashimi produced immediate and substantial increases in revenues and gross operating profit and developed key internal talent while she has been responsible for stabilizing the sales efforts and receiving several recognition awards.

Stephen Batta appointed General Manager at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

The Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel has named Stephen Batta as General Manager. A 25-year veteran of the hotel industry, Mr Batta brings strong leadership experience and extensive knowledge of the New York City tourism market to his third hotel General Manager role.

Mr Batta has held senior roles in large New York hotels for more than two decades, most recently as General Manager of JW Marriott Essex House New York and Renaissance New York Hotel, and as Assistant General Manager of New York Marriott Downtown. Prior to his general manager roles, he served as Director of Food and Beverage at New York Marriott Marquis, the former RIHGA Royal New York, Seaview Marriott in Absecon, N.J., and Sheraton New York Hotels and Towers.

A leader in New York City’s hotel industry, Mr Batta is active in several organizations, including the New York Hotel Trade Council and Hotel Association of New York City, New York Hotel Trades Council Employee Benefits Funds, Food and Beverage Association of America, Les Amis dEscoffier Society Foundation, National Association of Catering Executives in New York City, and La Confrrie de la Chane des Rtisseurs. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing from Marist College and resides in Freehold, N.J., with his wife and three children.

Lyle Lewis has been appointed General Manager at Conrad Koh Samui, Thailand

Lyle Lewis has moved from Conrad Maldives Rangali Island where he was previously the General Manager for the property located in the Indian Ocean and will now be responsible for overseeing of management and operations at Conrad Koh Samui. With a career spanning more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, Mr Lewis brings with him a wealth of experience to Conrad Koh Samui.

Mr Lewis joined Hilton in 2014 as General Manager for Conrad Maldives Rangali Island following an impressive career in hotel and regional level management. He has worked for many world-renowned hospitality brands assuming numerous positions including the Vice President of Operations in Asia Pacific with Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific.

Peiris takes up senior marketing role with Hilton

Hilton has announced Sumindi Peiris will take up the role of vice president of global marketing, luxury and lifestyle brands.

A senior marketing professional, Peiris brings more than 20 years of international experience to the role, where she will lead all luxury marketing, digital and public relations initiatives as well as oversee the strategic development of global positioning for Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and Canopy by Hilton.

“We are thrilled that Sumindi has joined our brands, supporting our journey of becoming the fastest growing, most innovative luxury hotel brands in the world,” said John Vanderslice, global head, Luxury and Lifestyle Brands, Hilton.

“Her track record of success showcases a proven ability to create meaningful and unique experiences for the luxury consumer.

“We are confident she will serve as an invaluable resource and addition to our team.”

Prior to joining Hilton, Sumindi most recently served as vice president, global director Johnnie Walker Reserve in Singapore.

During her tenure with the brand, Peiris successfully launched global campaigns centred on storytelling, experiential programmes and influencer advocacy using multi-media, digital platforms to expand awareness and strengthen the luxury portfolio globally.

She brings strong brand management capabilities with her international career in FMCG at Unilever to luxury spirits marketing at LVMH.

Hilton appoints first area president for Greater China

Hilton has named Qian Jin as the company’s first area president for Greater China and Mongolia.

It comes at a time when Hilton prepares to celebrate its 100th hotel opening in Greater China, with more than 230 hotels in the pipeline.

Beginning this week, Qian Jin brings with him extensive experience in the hospitality industry, having most recently served as president of Wanda Hotels & Resorts, one of Hilton’s largest owners in Greater China.

He reports to Martin Rinck, area president of Asia Pacific Hilton, and serves on the regional executive committee.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Qian Jin, one of the hospitality industry’s great leaders in Asia Pacific,” said Rinck.

“The elevation of this position to area president recognizes the rapid growth we have achieved in recent years and our future intentions, as we embark on an exciting new chapter in our history in Greater China and Mongolia.”

Hilton’s goal is to be the hospitality company of choice for Chinese travellers, when staying both domestically and overseas.

With six brands already trading in market, it will soon add several more as it builds out its portfolio.

“In the months and years ahead we will be creating thousands of new jobs in Greater China, while needing many more Chinese speaking Team Members to serve guests travelling internationally,” added Rinck.

“Our focus is on attracting the very best people and Qian Jin is the latest addition to, and now leader of, a world class group of talent in the expanding Hilton team.””

A Chinese native, Qian Jin studied in Australia and has worked in Fiji, Malaysia and Singapore.

Spending the majority of his career at Starwood, he ultimately became president for Greater China, before taking on his most recent position at Wanda.

Based in Shanghai, he will now be responsible for taking Hilton forward in what is already the company’s second largest market in terms of hotels open and under development.