Appointments

Suzanne Saunders has been appointed as Senior Vice President of Design and Construction at Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG)

As senior vice president of design & construction, Saunders is responsible for the team leading the execution of HVMG's many renovations and development projects, as well as project management and CapEx processes, working closely with owners, the HVMG business Development team, external consultants and the company's investor and brand partners.

Julie Yurasek has been appointed as International Director of Interior Design at Michael Graves Architecture

Michael Graves Architecture (MG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Julie Yurasek as International Director of Interior Design, driving the firm's growth and innovation across projects worldwide. With a prior tenure at MG, which commenced in 1996, Yurasek held the positions of Senior Interior Designer and Director. This valuable context provides her with a distinct perspective and firsthand knowledge that will undoubtedly pave the way for success in her new position. In returning to the firm, Yurasek brings a plethora of experience and a profound comprehension of the hospitality sector that will propel MG into a new era of global market influence.

Suphaporn Tripitak has been appointed as Deputy Vice President of Technical Services at Absolute Hotel Services (AHS)

Ms. Suphaporn Tripitak (Gung) brings diverse skills and a wealth of experience to her new role. Known for her strong negotiation abilities, independence, teamwork, and client management skills, Suphaporn excels in project management, presentations, and leadership. Her attention to detail, creativity, and multitasking skills make her a valuable asset to the team. With an extensive background in interior design, she has worked on notable projects with Kristina Zanic Consultants (Bangkok, Thailand) and SPG Invest (China & Vietnam).

Athena Christodoulatos has been appointed as Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Premier

Premier, an end-to-end architecture, design, procurement, and project management and development firm, is pleased to announce that Athena Christodoulatos has joined the team as Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. With over 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Christodoulatos delivers extensive strategic planning and relationship building to Premier's growing team. Her expertise in driving growth and creating new business opportunities serves as a key driver to Premier's expansion in the hospitality sector.

Casey Scalf has been promoted to Director at The Society

The Society, an independent interiors-led hospitality design collective, is pleased to announce the appointment of Casey Scalf to Director. In his new role, Casey will embrace a significant shift in responsibility, with a primary focus on strategic leadership. He will also shape the future vision of the organization, determining key partnerships, selecting project types, and ensuring the execution of projects at an exceptional level. Casey recognizes the motivating weight of being in control of The Society's destiny and approaches this responsibility with utmost dedication.

Laila Gohar has been appointed as the brand’s newest Global Explorer at The Luxury Collection

The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announces chef and artist Laila Gohar as the brand's newest Global Explorer. In her role as a brand ambassador, Gohar has collaborated with The Luxury Collection to create a globally inspired barware collection with complementing cocktail recipes drawing from her travels with the brand. Gohar marks The Luxury Collection's first epicurean Global Explorer, underscoring the power of cultural discovery through food and drink.

Chris Lizotte has been appointed as Vice President Architecture at PROCON

Christopher J. Lizotte, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, is Vice President of Architecture at PROCON and entering his 12th year with the company. He is known for his ability to multi-task complex, multimillion-dollar projects with an eye toward the crucial details that contribute to project excellence. His accomplishments include successful and award-winning designs for hotels, office buildings, and manufacturing facilities. Some of his notable projects include the multi-use Portwalk Place Lot 3, and the Class A office building at 145 Maplewood Avenue, both in Portsmouth, NH, and the 9-story Station Landing Dual Brand Hotel in Medford, MA.

Jaimie Skriba has been appointed as Director of Lifestyle at Detroit Foundation Hotel

Joining Dannecker is Jaimie Skriba, the property's new Director of Lifestyle. Skriba started her hospitality career in Michigan working across the art and beverage industries. Skriba then moved to France, where she traveled the country studying wine and working with various hospitality groups on photography and marketing. Since moving back to Michigan Skriba has held various production roles with brands including Skymint Brands, Capitol Records and The Sundance Institute and has continued her work as a freelance marketing consultant and photographer. In her new role, Skriba plans to further integrate the Motor City community into the Detroit Foundation Hotel's events and programming, uplifting those who make up the expansive culture while providing guests the opportunity to experience a slice of Detroit.

James R. Hedges, IV has been appointed as Curator of the Arts at The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air

With storied histories in the arts and cultural arenas, both The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air continue to offer guests the opportunity to discover art in an unexpected and intimate setting. In addition to seven planned exhibitions in 2023, Hedges will oversee a series of educational artist-focused events and will organize art experiences in partnership with local galleries and museums.

Kate Pittman has been appointed as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships of Hospitality at Premier

Premier, an Architecture, Interior Design, Procurement, Capital Management, and Project Management firm, is pleased to announce that Kate Pittman has joined the team as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships of Hospitality. Pittman brings over 15 years of AEC industry experience as an architectural designer, marketing, and business development professional. Her ability to formulate and systematically execute strategic business development plans will be integral to Premier's growth within the hospitality sector. In her new role, Pittman will oversee all client relationships, partnerships for the firm, and explore new opportunities within the hospitality sector. Her goal as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships of Hospitality is to present Premier's team of talented designers, procurement agents, and project managers as the best option for hospitality developers. Premier offers turn-key services for developers when they identify their design and construction team for a hotel renovation, Property Improvement Plan (PIP), or ground-up hospitality development. 

Linh Tran has been appointed as Director of Architectural Design at Premier

Premier, an architecture, design, procurement, capital management, and project management firm, is pleased to announce that Linh Tran, AIA, IIDA, has joined the team as Director of Architectural Design. As a licensed architect and interior designer, Tran will provide invaluable master planning expertise to Premier's multi-family, hospitality, and student housing developments.

Brad Wilkins has been appointed as Design Leader at HKS

Brad Wilkins will serve as the studio design leader for the Austin office and brings an extensive portfolio of more than 100 projects that span 20 countries. While skyscraper design - specifically Supertall and mixed-use skyscrapers - are a specialty of his, Wilkins' passion for urban planning, energy efficiency, resiliency master planning, clean technology, and transit-oriented design are all key factors in harnessing the energy of the new office.