Appointments

Samata Danday Chand has been appointed as Hotel Manager at Courtyard By Marriott Tirupati

Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati, which opened its doors in April 2026, has announced the appointment of Samata Danday Chand as Hotel Manager. The appointment signals a strong leadership intent from the outset, as the property positions itself as a premier destination for pilgrims, leisure travellers, and corporate guests visiting one of India's most revered spiritual destinations.

Monika Henry has been appointed as General Manager at The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue

The Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort Lihue is pleased to announce the appointment of Monika Henry as general manager. A seasoned hospitality executive with more than two decades of experience leading luxury, lifestyle, and resort properties across the United States, Henry brings a strong track record of operational excellence, service innovation, and people-first leadership to one of Kaua’i’s premier beachfront destinations.

NJ & Mettie van der Merwe has been appointed as Managing Director & General Manager respectively at Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve

Cheetah Plains, South Africa’s premier eco-luxury safari lodge nestled within the celebrated Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, is thrilled to announce the appointment of NJ van der Merwe as its new Managing Director, supported by his wife Mettie in the expanded role of General Manager. This leadership decision marks an exciting new chapter for the brand as it continues to elevate its world-class safari offerings and reinforce its commitment to sustainable tourism, personalised hospitality and luxurious, exclusive-use experiences.

Anna Contreras has been appointed as General Manager at The Kimpton Pittman Hotel

The Kimpton Pittman Hotel, the 165-room boutique landmark at the edge of Downtown Dallas and the Deep Ellum Cultural District, is pleased to announce the appointment of Anna Contreras as General Manager. A 15-year industry veteran known for transforming hospitality spaces and fostering high-performance teams, Contreras joins the Pittman with a focus on strengthening local partnerships and delivering guest experiences that feel distinctly Deep Ellum. As one of the most historically rich and creatively-vital spots in the city, the hotel is a tribute to the surrounding community’s past and present.

Scott Berger has been appointed as General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

Today, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announces the appointment of Scott Berger as general manager of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, effective April 6, 2026. A seasoned hospitality leader with more than two decades of global luxury experience, Berger will oversee all aspects of the hotel, further elevating the property’s reputation as one of the city’s premier luxury destinations.

Alfonso Perez-Vega has been appointed as Cluster GM at The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa and Holiday Inn Express Downtown Denver

The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa and Holiday Inn Express Downtown Denver, sister properties managed by Highgate, announce the promotion of Alfonso Perez-Vega to general manager. In this role, Perez-Vega will oversee operations across both properties, bringing extensive expertise in hotel operations, guest experience and team leadership to two of Denver's most historic addresses.

Shanawaz Basheer has joined ENVI Lodges as Director of Operations

Shanawaz Basheer joins as the Director of Operations, a seasoned hotelier with more than 20 years of international experience in luxury hospitality, lodge operations, and pre-opening projects across Africa and Asia. Shanawaz has held senior operational and general management roles at distinguished safari lodges and hotels including AMAN, and most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of Wildplaces Africa – The Uganda Safari Company. He has built a strong track record in delivering operational excellence across remote, ecologically sensitive destinations across Ghana, India, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, while developing high-performing teams that deliver a balance of exceptional guest experiences and responsible tourism. 

Tauseen Malik has been appointed as Senior Vice President of Operations at Charlestowne Hotels

Charlestowne Hotels, a leading hospitality management company, announces the appointment of Tauseen Malik as Senior Vice President of Operations. Malik will oversee operational strategy, performance optimization, and the evolution of Charlestowne’s food and beverage platforms across its expanding national portfolio. He will work closely with ownership groups and on-property teams to drive profitability, strengthen market positioning, and enhance long-term asset value.

Julia Harripaul has been appointed as General Manager at Sapphire Sands Villas by Bay Gardens Resorts

Bay Gardens Resorts, Saint Lucia’s premier locally owned and operated hospitality group, today announced that Ms. Julia Harripaul has assumed the role of General Manager of Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa and the newly opened Sapphire Sands Villas. This leadership appointment underscores the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional Caribbean hospitality and supporting the continued growth of its portfolio.