Appointments

Axel Gasser has been named President at Equinox Hotels

Equinox Hotels, the category-defining leader in luxury high-performance hospitality, today announced the appointment of Axel Gasser as President of the hospitality brand. The appointment comes as Equinox Hotels accelerates a growing global pipeline, with upcoming properties in Amaala, Anguilla, Abu Dhabi, and additional urban and resort destinations worldwide to be announced.

Marie Douroux has been appointed as Executive Chef at Virgin Hotels New Orleans

Virgin Hotels New Orleans is proud to announce Marie Douroux as Executive Chef, leading the hotel's entire culinary program. In her new role, Douroux will oversee Commons Club, the hotel's signature restaurant, as well as The Pool Club, banquets, catering, and in-room dining. Drawing from her extensive experience across some of New Orleans' most acclaimed kitchens, Douroux will bring a thoughtful, service-driven approach to the hotel's culinary offerings, blending refined technique with the bold, vibrant flavors that define the city.

Matt Scully has been promoted to Executive Chef at The Westin Nashville

Scully has been promoted to executive chef following his role as executive sous chef, bringing more than a decade of experience leading culinary operations within luxury hotels and high-volume food and beverage environments. With a proven track record overseeing multi-outlet operations, banquet and catering programs, and large-scale events, he has consistently delivered exceptional quality while maintaining strong financial performance.

Jamal Massengale has been appointed as General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Jersey City

With more than 20 years of hospitality leadership experience, including 12 years with Hilton, Massengale has extensive expertise in hotel operations, food and beverage management, revenue strategy and talent development. Most recently, he served as general manager of Embassy Suites by Hilton Parsippany. Prior to that, he was director of operations at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Boston-Cambridge and assistant director of food and beverage at New York Hilton Midtown. Throughout his career with Hilton, Massengale has demonstrated a strong commitment to guest satisfaction, operational excellence and developing high-performing teams.

Jaime Olivares has been appointed as Executive Chef at Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark

Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark is pleased to announce the appointment of Jaime Olivares as Executive Chef, where he will lead the hotel’s dynamic culinary program across its three distinctive dining venues. A San Diego native with nearly three decades of culinary leadership experience, Olivares brings a guest-first philosophy rooted in seasonal ingredients, bold regional flavors, authentic hospitality, and a deep commitment to sustainability. In his new role, he will lead the hotel’s culinary vision across the property’s three distinctive dining outlets, Tortuga Pool & Rooftop Bar, Ace Porter, and Fres.co, through innovative menus and elevated dining experiences that celebrate Southern California’s rich agricultural heritage and vibrant culinary identity.

Erich Michael has been appointed as Director of Food and Beverage at SkyBeach Resort

SkyBeach Resort, the 113-room beachfront hotel located on the southern tip of St. Petersburg, Florida, proudly announces the appointment of Erich Michael as director of food and beverage. In this role, Michael will oversee all catering, culinary and beverage operations across the resort, including LUMA, the new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant overlooking the marina, and SkyBar + Grille, the two-story beachfront bar and restaurant known for its creative cocktails and sweeping views of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. He will also lead the expansion of the resort’s culinary programming through seasonal events, waterfront activations and community partnerships.