Appointments

Joanna Kurowska has been appointed as Vice President, Middle East and Africa Development at IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has announced the appointment of long-standing IHG leader Joanna Kurowska as Vice President, Middle East and Africa Development. The move reflects IHG’s strategic focus on placing seasoned internal leaders in priority growth markets to strengthen owner partnerships, accelerate development, and drive sustained business performance across the region.

Disha Gulati has been promoted to Rooms Division Manager at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center is pleased to announce the promotion of Ms. Disha Gulati as Rooms Division Manager. She will now oversee Front Office and Housekeeping functions, with a focus on optimizing operations management, vendor coordination, and team efficiency to further strengthen the hotel’s commitment to operational excellence and elevated guest experiences.

Chris Ryan has been appointed as General Manager at L’Auberge Del Mar

L'Auberge Del Mar, the oceanfront Noble House Hotels & Resorts property standing in the heart of Del Mar, Calif, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Ryan as General Manager. A seasoned hospitality leader with more than 15 years of luxury hotel and resort experience, Ryan brings a dynamic operational background, deep food and beverage expertise, and a proven track record of elevating guest experiences across some of the industry’s most respected hospitality brands. In his new role, Ryan will oversee all operations for the iconic coastal resort, guiding the property’s continued evolution as one of Southern California’s premier luxury lifestyle destinations.

Gavin Burns has been appointed as Vice President of Business Development & Acquisitions at Gravity Haus

Gravity Haus, the award-winning adventure-lifestyle hospitality brand and membership club, today announced the appointment of Gavin Burns as Vice President of Business Development & Acquisitions. Burns joins the company following Gravity Haus’ recent acquisition of management agreements for three former LOGE properties — Westport, Washington; Missoula, Montana; and Alta Crystal Resort near Mount Rainier — further accelerating the brand’s strategic growth across the American West.

Noelle Gonzalez has been appointed as Director of Marketing at InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG

The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile is pleased to announce the appointment of Noelle Gonzalez as its new Director of Marketing. An expert digital strategist with more than 10 years of experience directing multi-million-dollar marketing operations across Major League Baseball franchises and hospitality brands, Gonzalez steps into the role during a pivotal period of growth for the historic property. Her appointment reflects a strategic blend of large-scale audience engagement expertise and luxury hospitality marketing as she oversees the hotel’s full-funnel marketing initiatives, performance advertising, brand positioning and cultural partnerships.

Rolland Vaughn has been appointed as Golf General Manager at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Rolland Vaughn as Golf General Manager. Palm Desert’s largest resort is known for its two 18-hole championship style courses set against the towering backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Both the Palm and Valley courses were designed by acclaimed architect Ted Robinson, “King of Waterscapes.” Each par-72 golf course is over 6,500 yards, catering to golfers of all levels and the Desert Springs Golf Club offers daily golf clinics, private lessons, group and event packages.  As an industry veteran, Vaughn brings a wealth of leadership experience in golf operations across premier resort, private club, and Troon-managed properties. Most recently, he served as Head Golf Professional at Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club in Palm Desert. Prior to that, he held the same role at Desert Island Country Club in Rancho Mirage.His extensive background also includes serving as General Manager at Torreon Golf Club in Show Low, Arizona - a Troon Privé property - as well as nearly six years as General Manager at Shadow Hills Golf Club in Indio. Earlier in his career, Vaughn was Director of Golf at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, Arizona. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to operational excellence, team development, and delivering elevated guest experiences.Vaughn’s golf expertise is poised to drive ongoing success at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. He oversees full P&L responsibility for golf operations, including 36 holes, the practice facility, retail, and food and beverage touchpoints.  Under Vaughn’s guidance, the property continues to enhance its renowned golf offerings and guest experience.Vaughn holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Ferris State University, where he specialized in Marketing with a concentration in Professional Golf Management. A Michigan native, Vaughn enjoys spending time with his wife, Alison, their daughter, Sawyer Grace, and their two dogs, Moose Tracks and Bear Paws. In his free time, he enjoys home improvement and landscaping projects and is a devoted fan of Detroit professional sports teams and the University of Michigan. For more information or to book, visit: Jwdesertsprings.247activities.com

Richard Evanich has been appointed as General Manager at Cavallo Point Lodge

Cavallo Point, the historic luxury resort at the end of the Golden Gate Bridge, is proud to announce the appointment of Richard Evanich as General Manager. A hospitality veteran with over 20 years of experience leading four- and five-star properties, Evanich brings a distinguished background of operational excellence and a deep-rooted passion for the guest experience to the iconic Sausalito retreat.

Scott Eddy has been appointed as Director of Hospitality Storytelling and Brand Strategy at GAIN - Growth Advisors International Network

GAIN Advisors (Growth Advisors International Network), the leading global travel, hospitality, and MICE advisory firm for growth, innovation and engagement, today announced the appointment of Scott Eddy as Director of Hospitality Storytelling and Brand Strategy. The appointment signals a deliberate and strategic expansion of GAIN's advisory capabilities into the communications, brand positioning, and guest/passenger and consumer engagement disciplines that are increasingly defining competitive advantage across the overall hospitality sector.

Jonathan Rivard has been appointed as Executive Chef at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa

The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa proudly announces the appointment of Jonathan Rivard as the new Executive Chef. In his role, Rivard will lead the award-winning resort's culinary program and oversee operations of its distinct dining venues, including the AAA Four Diamond Beach House, Tortuga Beach Grill & Bar, and Ferdinand's, as well as catering services for weddings, events, groups, and special occasions. Rivard will also spearhead the culinary program at The Sunshine Hotel and Suites.