Appointments

Preston Paine has been appointed as Food & Beverage Director and Executive Chef at Keswick Hall

Keswick Hall, the esteemed luxury resort set in the heart of Virginia’s wine country, is pleased to announce the appointment of Preston Paine as Food & Beverage Director and Executive Chef. A Dallas-born chef, restaurateur, and hospitality leader, Paine brings a globally informed perspective shaped by world-class kitchens and a deeply intuitive approach to the guest experience.

Nicolas Schell has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at The Savoy

In his role, Schell will oversee all F&B operations at the legendary luxury hotel, including all-day dining restaurant, Gallery, the American Bar, the Beaufort Bar, In Room Dining, Banqueting and Scoff, The Savoy’s dedicated scone shop. Schell will also work closely with partners including Gordon Ramsay Restaurants – which operates the Savoy Grill, the River Restaurant, and Restaurant 1890 at the property.

Scott Berger has been appointed as General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

Today, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announces the appointment of Scott Berger as general manager of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, effective April 6, 2026. A seasoned hospitality leader with more than two decades of global luxury experience, Berger will oversee all aspects of the hotel, further elevating the property’s reputation as one of the city’s premier luxury destinations.

Tristan Dowell has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer at Virtuoso

Virtuoso, the leading global network specialising in luxury and experiential travel, has announced a key C-suite appointments as part of an evolved leadership structure designed to further its continued global growth. Tristan Dowell joins the organisation as Chief Commercial Officer. The newly established role within the executive structure reflect Virtuoso’s ongoing progression as it scales for continued global growth, while reinforcing its commitment to delivering maximum value for its members, partners and travellers worldwide.

Brad Bourland has been named President at Virtuoso

Virtuoso, the leading global network specialising in luxury and experiential travel, has announced a C-suite appointment as part of an evolved leadership structure designed to further its continued global growth. Brad Bourland, who has been serving as Virtuoso’s Chief Operating Officer since 2020, assumes the role of President. The newly established role within the executive structure reflect Virtuoso’s ongoing progression as it scales for continued global growth, while reinforcing its commitment to delivering maximum value for its members, partners and travellers worldwide.

Alfonso Perez-Vega has been appointed as Cluster GM at The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa and Holiday Inn Express Downtown Denver

The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa and Holiday Inn Express Downtown Denver, sister properties managed by Highgate, announce the promotion of Alfonso Perez-Vega to general manager. In this role, Perez-Vega will oversee operations across both properties, bringing extensive expertise in hotel operations, guest experience and team leadership to two of Denver's most historic addresses.

Shanawaz Basheer has joined ENVI Lodges as Director of Operations

Shanawaz Basheer joins as the Director of Operations, a seasoned hotelier with more than 20 years of international experience in luxury hospitality, lodge operations, and pre-opening projects across Africa and Asia. Shanawaz has held senior operational and general management roles at distinguished safari lodges and hotels including AMAN, and most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of Wildplaces Africa – The Uganda Safari Company. He has built a strong track record in delivering operational excellence across remote, ecologically sensitive destinations across Ghana, India, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, while developing high-performing teams that deliver a balance of exceptional guest experiences and responsible tourism. 

Lianne Kelly-Maartens has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing – Africa at ENVI Lodges

Joining as Director of Sales & Marketing – Africa, Lianne Kelly-Maartens brings in over 20 years of experience within the global luxury travel and hospitality industry in Africa. She has held senior commercial leadership roles at a number of renowned hospitality brands and properties, including Cape Grace – a Fairmont managed hotel, Matetsi Victoria Falls, Sun International, and most notably, We Are Africa, the premier luxury African travel trade show. Lianne has built a strong track record in driving revenue growth and positioning brands across key international markets, including Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.