Appointments

Richard Cooke has been appointed as General Manager at Hotel Bel-Air

Dorchester Collection has announced the appointment of Richard Cooke as general manager of its legendary Los Angeles hideaway Hotel Bel-Air, effective January 1, 2027. He joins from Rocco Forte Hotels, where in his role as managing director, UK & Northern Europe he led the operations at London’s Brown’s Hotel as well as overseeing the company’s hotels across UK, Belgium and Germany. 

Dustin Kovats has been appointed as General Manager at The Atterbury Hotel, Autograph Collection

The Atterbury, Autograph Collection, announces the appointment of Dustin Kovats as General Manager. Bringing nearly two decades of hospitality experience to the role, Kovats has held senior positions at full-service hotels across the country, with an extensive background in hotel management, guest relations and team leadership.

Charles James has been promoted to Hotel Manager at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa

HM Alpha Hotels & Resorts announces the promotion of Charles James to Hotel Manager at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, a AAA Four-Diamond resort tucked against the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The promotion strengthens the resort’s executive leadership team with a seasoned hospitality professional who has played an integral role in its operations and guest experience.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Deep Vahi has been appointed as Multi-Property General Manager at Courtyard and Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Outer Ring Road

Courtyard and Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Outer Ring Road are delighted to welcome Deep Vahi as Multi-Property General Manager. Bringing nearly two decades of experience across Sales, Marketing and Operations, Deep joins the properties following a career that has taken him through diverse commercial and operational leadership roles.