Appointments

Travis Murray has been appointed as Executive Vice President, Operations at MXR Hospitality

Extended stay hotel developer and property management firm MXR Hospitality (MXR) today named industry veteran Travis Murray, currently President for McNeill Hotel Company, as its inaugural Executive Vice President, Operations. MXR is a strategic partnership of RREAF Holdings, a privately held, vertically integrated real estate investment and development firm, and renowned hospitality investor Phillip McNeill, Sr.  MXR Hospitality CEO Brent McDowell and President Eric Watts made the announcement. In this role, Murray will provide strategic oversight and day-to-day leadership for the company’s hotel portfolio, including in the areas of brand and owner relationships, operational efficiencies and guest satisfaction, as well as a focus on growing the Company’s third-party hotel property management portfolio.  Prior to joining MXR Hospitality Murray worked at McNeill Hotel Company since 2018, where he was instrumental in facilitating multiple acquisitions during a period of robust growth for the Company; and, further, helped it achieve excellent brand relationships, performance metrics and staff development. Overall, Murray has nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality field. Prior to joining McNeill Hotel Company, he spent 14 years with Marriott International in numerous roles including General Manager, Dual General Manager and Corporate General Manager Specialist. He is a graduate of Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality focused on finance.

Igor Bornosus has been appointed as Director of Operations at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach has announced the appointment of Mr. Igor Bornosus as Director of Operations. In this position, he supports the General Manager in leading daily operations of the largest Ritz-Carlton Residences in the brand’s global portfolio with 552 rooms and suites, and more than 250 Ladies and Gentlemen in the areas of Front Office, Housekeeping, Guest Services, Guest Relations, Spa and Recreation, Loss/Prevention and Food & Beverage.

Stephen Nickerson has been appointed as Vice President, Operations – The Americas at Outrigger Hospitality Group

OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group today announced the appointment of Stephen “Steve” Nickerson as Vice President, Operations – The Americas, effective March 16, 2026. In this role, Nickerson will oversee hotel operations across the Americas, ensuring consistent service excellence and strong financial performance while aligning property-level activities with company goals and brand standards.

Andrew Hougton has joined Davidson Hospitality Group as Senior Vice President, Luxury Operations

Houghton most recently served as Task Force Managing Director and General Manager at various resorts in the Davidson portfolio, from Baker’s Cay Resort to Buoy Haus Beach Resort St. Thomas, Autograph Collection and The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa. Previously, he was Managing Partner at Mainsail Vacation Rentals, where he developed a vacation rental division within the company, utilizing Homes & Villas by Marriott, Airbnb, and all distribution channels focused on the luxury and premium segments. Prior to that, he spent more than 20 years with Marriott International in various executive and leadership roles, including General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, the flagship of the luxury portfolio in China under Marriott brands.

Michael Hoe Knudsen has been appointed as Managing Director for Mexico, Latin America & the Caribbean (MLAC) at IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the appointment of Michael Hoe Knudsen as Managing Director for Mexico, Latin America & the Caribbean (MLAC), following the retirement of long-standing former region leader Jorge Apaez. Michael brings three decades of global hospitality experience across the Americas, Europe and Greater China, and will lead the region with a strong focus on future growth, operational excellence, and deepening owner and stakeholder relationships.

Ani Gujrathi has been appointed as Chief Technology & Product Officer at Otelier

Otelier, a hospitality data platform powering the future of hotel operations, has announced the appointment of Ani Gujrathi as Chief Technology & Product Officer. In this executive role, Gujrathi will lead Otelier’s unified technology and product organization, overseeing engineering, product management, data, UX, and cloud operations as the company accelerates its next phase of innovation.

Ted Knighton has been appointed as Managing Director at Thompson Palm Springs, by Hyatt

Thompson Palm Springs, one of California’s most prolific new hotels and a celebrated staple of Palm Springs’ Palm Canyon Drive, welcomes Ted Knighton as Managing Director. In his new role, Knighton is responsible for the daily operations and commercial strategies of Thompson Palm Springs, with a focused effort on crafting the next chapter for the hotel’s sustained success and developing engaging guest experiences for new and returning travelers to immerse into a chic, resort atmosphere in the heart of Southern California’s most buzzing desert destination.

Jessica Nalley has been appointed as Regional Senior Vice Presidents of Operations at InnVentures

Jessica Nalley joins InnVentures from Highgate Select, where she provided oversight for nearly 30 hotels across California and Washington. Under her leadership, the region consistently exceeded financial targets, achieved guest satisfaction scores above brand benchmarks, and delivered strong quality assurance and audit results. She also played a pivotal role in developing regional talent and fostering cross-functional collaboration to support long-term success.

Kevin Kelly has been appointed as Managing Director at The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale

The Phoenician Scottsdale, a Luxury Collection Resort, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Kelly as Managing Director, effective March 7, 2026. A veteran of the luxury hospitality sector with more than 27 years of transformative leadership at Marriott International, Kelly arrives at a pivotal moment as the iconic 200-acre resort expands its ultra-luxury footprint with the recent debut of The Villas at Canyon Suites.