Appointments

Vern Lakusta has been appointed as General Manager at The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton, is pleased to announce the appointment of Vern Lakusta as general manager. Bringing more than two decades of experience across luxury hotels and resorts throughout North America, Lakusta will oversee all facets of hotel operations, including guest experience, food and beverage, team development, financial performance and strategic initiatives.

Kieran Cain has been appointed as Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Stonebridge Companies

Stonebridge, the privately owned, nationally recognized hotel management company, has announced that Kieran Cain has joined the company as Vice President of Marketing & Communications. In this role, Cain will lead the company's brand strategy, communications, and property-level commercial marketing initiatives, strengthening Stonebridge's market presence while supporting revenue growth and long-term value creation across its portfolio.

Federico Daniele has been appointed as Bar Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest announces the appointment of Federico Daniele as Bar Manager of MÚZSA. With more than 15 years of hospitality experience across Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Spain, Federico combines an appreciation for classic cocktail heritage with a curiosity for contemporary techniques and a guest-first approach to service.

Carissa Giliam has been appointed as General Manager at The Wildbirch Hotel - JDV by Hyatt

The Wildbirch Hotel, the first upscale boutique hotel in Anchorage and Alaska’s first JdV by Hyatt property, is proud to announce the appointment of Carissa Giliam as general manager. In her new role, Giliam oversees hotel operations, guest experience, commercial strategy, food and beverage, and team development at the 252-room hotel in the heart of downtown’s Mushing District. She steps into the role from within, having served as The Wildbirch Hotel’s director of sales and commercial affairs since August 2025, where she led the hotel’s commercial strategy through its first full year of operation, before moving into an interim GM role and now the official title. 

Vaishali Bali has been promoted to Director of Marketing at Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh

Hyatt Centric Sector-17 Chandigarh announces the elevation of Vaishali Bali to Director of Marketing, from her previous role as Marketing & Communications Manager. In her elevated role, Vaishali will lead the hotel's overall marketing and communications strategy, brand positioning, digital initiatives, public relations, and strategic partnerships, with a continued focus on driving business growth, strengthening market presence, and enhancing the hotel's positioning as a vibrant lifestyle destination in the heart of Chandigarh.

Phil Vigil has joined Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa as Country Club General Manager

Phil Vigil joins Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa as a “Quarter Century” PGA Professional with more than 30 years of experience in resort golf and club operations. Most recently, he served at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, where he led golf and private club operations, golf course agronomy, and member services. Phil focuses on associate development and training, steady operational improvement, and elevated course playing conditions. He also builds a highly member- and guest-focused service culture through hands-on mentorship and servant leadership. In his new role, Phil will spearhead new programming at Rancho Las Palmas Country Club as its clubhouse undergoes a locally-inspired renovation. As a longtime Coachella Valley resident with a passion for creating an exceptional club experience, he is well positioned to serve the club’s members and the resort’s guests.

Karen Hedden has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Omni La Mansion Del Rio and Mokara Hotel & Spa

The award-winning Omni San Antonio properties, including the Four-Diamond luxury Omni La Mansión del Rio and Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Mokara Hotel & Spa in San Antonio, Texas, are delighted to announce the appointment of their new Director of Sales & Marketing, Karen Hedden. Hedden joins the Omni San Antonio family with more than 30 years of hospitality experience and a proven track record of driving revenue growth, building high-performing sales teams, and fostering strong client and community relationships.

Jasmin Schubert has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Fairmont Breakers Long Beach

Fairmont Breakers Long Beach, Southern California’s MICHELIN Key-rated historic landmark, has appointed Jasmin Schubert as Director of Sales & Marketing. An accomplished hospitality sales leader with experience spanning luxury and lifestyle hotels, commercial strategy, hotel openings and brand positioning, Schubert will oversee the landmark’s sales and marketing efforts, with a focus on strengthening its position within the Long Beach market, cultivating meaningful local relationships and further establishing the hotel as part of the fabric of the local community.

Alejandro Gallegos has been appointed as General Manager at Kimpton El Castelar Polanco by IHG

Kimpton El Castelar, the newly opened 34-room boutique hotel in Mexico City's Polanco neighborhood, announces the appointment of Alejandro Gallegos as General Manager. Gallegos will oversee all aspects of the hotel's operations within the historic Roel Building, guiding its positioning in Mexico City's luxury lifestyle segment. He continues in his role as General Manager of sister property Kimpton Virgilio, giving him leadership across both Kimpton hotels in Polanco and reinforcing the brand's growing presence in the region.

Alexander Dale has been appointed as General Manager at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle and InnVest Hotels LP are proud to announce Alexander Dale as General Manager, bringing his guest-first approach and culinary background to the hotel following its transformative 2025 renovation. With his culinary roots, Alexander is excited to work alongside the team at Marin, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, as part of elevating the overall guest experience at the Monaco. 

Giorgio Di Pietro has been appointed as General Manager at Planters Inn

Planters Inn, a crown jewel of Charleston's Historic District, is pleased to announce the appointment of Giorgio Di Pietro as General Manager. Bringing more than two decades of international luxury hospitality experience, Di Pietro will lead the iconic property into a new chapter as it embarks on a landmark renovation designed to honour its storied legacy and shape its future for years to come.