Appointments

Adam Ponce has been appointed as General Manager at Kona Kai San Diego Resort

Kona Kai San Diego, the iconic waterfront retreat on San Diego’s Shelter Island,  announced the appointment of Adam Ponce as General Manager. A seasoned hospitality leader with nearly two decades of experience across California’s most competitive gateway markets, Ponce oversees all resort operations, guest experiences, and strategic initiatives as Kona Kai continues to elevate its position as one of San Diego’s premier coastal destinations.

Jordan Economy has been appointed as Executive Chef at The Pearl Hotel

The Pearl Hotel, the luxury boutique hotel and crown jewel of the Rosemary Beach® community, announces the appointment of Executive Chef Jordan Economy to lead the culinary program at its signature restaurant, Havana Beach Bar & Grill. Bringing more than two decades of culinary experience and a passion for global cuisine, Chef Economy will oversee the restaurant's evolving food and beverage offerings while honoring the flavors that have made the eatery a favorite along 30A.

Lisa Jackson has been appointed as General Manager at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

Sunway Hospitality Group has announced the appointment of Lisa Jackson as the new General Manager of The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat. Her appointment marks a new chapter for this multi-award-winning wellness resort, which set amid the ancient limestone hills and natural geothermal hot springs of Ipoh, Malaysia. With more than 20 years of experience in luxury resorts across Africa and Asia, Lisa brings an accomplished track record spanning operational excellence, commercial performance, financial management and guest experience. Having begun her career as a Revenue Manager in her native South Africa, she quickly established herself as a strategic and commercially astute hospitality professional, with an ability to interpret market trends, implement effective strategies and optimise resort performance. Having joined Minor Hotels in 2018, Lisa was appointed Cluster Director of Revenue Management for a trio of luxury resorts in Zambia and Mozambique. It was here that she introduced personalised VIP services to enhance guest satisfaction while simultaneously boosting revenue. Lisa’s success did not go unnoticed; she was promoted to the role of Hotel Manager by Anantara in 2021, and just two years later in 2023 she achieved her first General Manager’s appointment at Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar, a 15-villa ultra-luxury retreat under the Minor Hotels portfolio. During her tenure, Lisa led a resort refurbishment, advanced its wellness programs and personalised butler service, positively impacting the property’s performance. She then moved to Malaysia as Resort Manager of the 117-key Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas. Lisa has now been entrusted with the leadership of one of Malaysia’s most acclaimed five-star resorts, where she will guide its continued evolution as one of Malaysia’s premier luxury wellness destinations. The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat was named as the country’s No.1 Best Hotel Spa in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026 - the third consecutive year it has achieved this accolade. It was also voted as the No.2 Best Beach, Island & Upcountry Resort in Malaysia. Set across 22.7 acres and framed by ancient limestone hills, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is a haven of luxury and tranquility. With its stunning collection of pool villas, natural healing hot springs pool, forest trails and secluded caverns, this is a truly unique place to stay. Beyond its holistic wellness experience, it is also a culinary destination with one of Malaysia’s most sought-after restaurants, Jeff’s Cellar, which promises world-class fine dining in a softly-illuminated cavern. To book your stay at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, please email [email protected], call +605 210 7777, or visit www.thebanjaran.com.

Thomas Mauman has been appointed as General Manager at Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, Margaritaville’s only ski destination and South Lake Tahoe’s only all-suite resort, announces the appointment of Thomas Mauman as General Manager. Mauman is a seasoned hospitality executive who brings more than 20 years of leadership experience at notable hotel brands to his new position, naturally embodying the Margaritaville spirit and bringing positivity and creativity along with an impressive track record of driving performance and fostering strong team culture.

Jisun Song has been appointed as Director of Operations at Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour

Jisun Song joins Park Hyatt St. Kitts with more than 15 years of international luxury hospitality experience spanning Europe, the United States, and Asia. Most recently, she served as Director of Operations at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, where she led resort operations and helped the property achieve Park Hyatt's highest customer service scores globally for three consecutive years while driving strong business performance.

Jon Stein has joined Smith Hill Capital as Principal

Smith Hill Capital, the dedicated private credit and commercial real estate debt investment management business of Procaccianti Companies, announced today that Jon Stein has joined the firm as Principal. In his new role, Stein will focus on originating, structuring, and executing commercial real estate debt investments while helping expand the firm's lending platform and institutional relationships.