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Frank Cavella has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach

At the helm of the city's resurgence of luxury tourism,Conrad FortLauderdale Beachhas announcedFrank Cavella as director of sales and marketing of the 290 all-suiteoceanfrontoasis. With more than25years of experience inhospitality, Cavella willleadthe sales, marketingand catering effortsfor the resort.Drivenby a strong passion for hospitality,Cavellajoins the sophisticated beachfront resort from NaplesGrand Beach Resort where he served as director of sales and marketing. During his 14-year tenureat thehotel, he transitioned the property through severalownership changes and rebrandings. Prior to joining Naples Grand Beach Resort, Cavella spent 11 years with The Ritz-Carlton brand, holdingsignificant roles including regional vice president of sales and marketing for Florida and the Caribbean aswell as corporate director of sales in the corporate officeinwhichhe launched 13 pre-opening properties.He has also held leadership positions at Exclusive ResortsandAbercrombie & Kent, in addition to TheWorld of ResidenSea-a luxury 288-unit private residential cruise ship that circumnavigated the globe.A native of Miami, Cavellagraduated from Florida State University witha bachelor's in hospitality businessmanagement. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his two children and traveling, from boating inthe Gulf of Mexico to snowboarding in Aspen.

Donelle Zunker has been appointed as General Manager at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa announces the appointment of Donelle Zunker as general manager. With nearly 30 years of experience, Zunker will be responsible for overseeing the distinguished hotel's 650 guestrooms, pool and beach amenities, various dining outlets, and lively programming. A Marriott International team member for 28 years, Zunker joins the refined oceanfront resort from the Renaissance and Marriott Atlanta Airport Gateway where she served as dual manager of the properties. In this role, she recently broke all-time records in total revenue, profit and profit margin for Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway while the Renaissance exceeded expectations in all areas. Prior to joining Renaissance and Marriott Atlanta Airport Gateway, Zunker served as regional senior director of sales on Marriott International's Central Regional team. Working closely with 83 hotels, she developed strategies to grow revenue and market share across the region. This position led her to her role as area director for South/West Florida select service, Extended Stay and AC Hotels where she was responsible for $90 million in sales while overseeing 16 hotels. A Midwest native, Zunker realized her passion for hospitality while attending Purdue University, where she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Restaurant, Tourism and Institutional Management. She later earned a Master's in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Key International Breaks Ground on AC Hotel by Marriott in Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida

Prominent, Miami-based real estate investment and development company Key International has broken ground on an AC Hotel by Marriott, the design-led lifestyle hotel brand by Marriott International. The property, which was acquired in 2016 as three adjoining land parcels that span more than a half-acre, is located in prime Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fla., and will feature 171 guest rooms amidst 10 stories.

Pelican Grand Beach Resort Debuts $7 Million Dollar Guestroom Renovation

As one of the only true beachfront, boutique hotels in Fort Lauderdale, Pelican Grand Beach Resort, managed by Noble House Hotels & Resorts, Ltd. and owned by Jefast Hotels, LLC, today proudly announces the completion of its $7 million dollar guestroom renovation. Providing a tranquil yet elite vacation experience, the eight-month transformation honors the existing property's old Floridian charm while introducing modernized design and boho-inspired elements.

Brooke Mallory has been appointed as Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

Brooke Mallory has taken the position of Chef de Cuisine of Burlock Coast at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. Hailing from the Midwest, Mallory began her life in the culinary industry working at a seafood restaurant in Northern Michigan. It was during this time that she decided to pursue a career in the culinary arts and enrolled in the Great Lakes Culinary Institute. After attaining a culinary degree, Mallory (30) accepted a position at 3030 Ocean in Fort Lauderdale where she honed her skills under acclaimed chefs Dean James Max and Paula DaSilva. Looking for a change in scenery, Mallory packed her knives and moved to Ohio where she introduced South Florida-inspired cuisine at another Dean Max destination restaurant, AMP 150 in Cleveland. Later, she worked side-by-side with Chef Brad Phillips at Asador Restaurant in Dallas. The duo collaborated on a menu that combined the styles and flavors of the Midwest, the South, and the Southwest before returning to 3030 Ocean where she became Sous Chef under executive chef Adrienne Grenier. Mallory now joins Burlock Coast at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, working once again under the direction of Paula DaSilva, the property's executive chef. Mallory works with the culinary team to create inventive, refined farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on local seafood. A self-described "drink nerd" and cocktail enthusiast, she finds there is beauty and charm in the art of mixology. In fact, in the past, Mallory has jumped behind the bar from time-to-time to concoct her own creative libations to pair with some of her delectable dishes.

Matthew S. Cohen has been promoted to Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Playa Hotels en Resorts Corporate Office

Playa Hotels & Resorts, N.V. (NASDAQ: PLYA) ("Playa" or the "Company"), the owner and operator of all-inclusive resort brands such as Hyatt, Hilton, Jewel Resorts and Panama Jack Resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, announced today the promotion of Matthew S. Cohen to Executive Vice President and General Counsel. Mr. Cohen is based in Playa's corporate offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and will report directly to Bruce Wardinski, Playa's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Driftwood Breaks Ground on Dual-Branded Tru by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton Hotel in Fort Lauderdale

Driftwood Acquisitions & Development (DAD), an innovative hospitality industry leader with decades of experience and a strategic focus on hotel and resort acquisitions, has celebrated the groundbreaking of its $50M+ dual-branded Tru by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Located at 315 NW 1st Avenue, the property will be managed by DAD's North Palm Beach management arm - Driftwood Hospitality Management (DHM) - and is expected to open in early 2020, merging two of Hilton's popular brands in the vibrant Flagler Village neighborhood in downtown Fort Lauderdale. A festive groundbreaking event took place, welcoming more than 60 attendees, including representatives from Hilton, Merrimac Ventures (Driftwood's co-developers and GP partners), as well as local dignitaries and special guests.

Four Seasons Breaks Ground on New Hotel and Private Residences in Fort Lauderdale

Positioned along the Atlantic Ocean and the beaches of Fort Lauderdale, Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Fort Lauderdale, developed by Fort Partners, breaks ground today to become the newest iconic global destination for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. The development will offer unmatched access to a lifestyle of leading amenities, services and design and will include 90 Private Residences and 130 guest rooms.

Tim Arnold has been appointed as General Manager at Auberge Beach Residences & Spa Fort Lauderdale

Drawing on more than a decade of experience in hospitality operations, Arnold will apply his expertise to deliver a full suite of lifestyle enhancing amenities and services to the new ultra-luxury beachfront condominium development. Anticipated to be the most refined high-rise and only on-the-sand luxury residential offering in Fort Lauderdale, Auberge Beach Residences & Spa will be home to 171 residences across two light-filled glass towers with a resort-like ambience and an unmatched level of casual sophistication.

Richard Goldberg has been appointed as Executive Chef at Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

Chef Rich, overseeing all aspects of the property's culinary experiences, is focusing on fresh, localingredients and unique flavor palettes for Bahia Mar's new culinary program. His approach draws inspiration from the property's prime location between the Intracoastal and the Atlantic Ocean and willspeak to the city's nautical ambiance. At Waves, Chef Rich will offer a unique "Floribbean" cuisine that isaccentuated by items like the quinoa and roasted vegetable burger and the Key West conch fritters.Breezes, however, will maintain its classic American bistro feel with savory fare like barbecue baby backribs, seared salmon and the "Bahia Burger." Chef Rich will ensure that all of the hotel's culinary outpostsserve the highest-quality seafood, poultry and meat-- from prime steaks to burgers-- and he will work toonly source these cuts locally.

Lisa Namour has been appointed as General Manager at Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach – a DoubleTree by Hilton, announces the promotion of Lisa Namour to General Manager, where she will oversee all operations and continue rolling out the property's new programs and offerings. Namour first joined Bahia Mar as its sales and marketing director in 2015 and has since been integral to the property's repositioning and redesign. She will be responsible for elevating guest experiences and plans to take the 296-room hotel to the next level in terms of service and programming.

David Goette has been appointed as Executive Chef at Pelican Grand Beach Resort

Noble House Hotels & Resorts, Ltd. (NHHR), a collection of luxury hotels and resorts, proudly announces the appointment of David Goette as executive chef of Pelican Grand Beach Resort, located just steps from the Atlantic Ocean in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. With more than 30 years of industry experience, Goette will oversee all culinary operations including the signature waterfront restaurant, OCEAN2000, O2K Lounge, as well as in-room dining, banquets and special events. Before taking the helm at Pelican Grand, Goette was the Group Executive Chef/Operations Officer at Old Town Italy, a boutique chain of authentic Italian markets based in South Africa, where he led and mentored a staff of over 570 employees. Previously, Goette served as the National Culinary Arts Executive for South Africa at the International Hotel School and also held various executive positions with a number of notable companies such as Lupa Osteria Restaurants, Hilton Durban, andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and the Five-Star Fairmont Zimbali Lodge, to name a few. His culinary stories are rich and adventurous, having taken him around the globe to please the palates of royalty, celebrities and dignitaries throughout his seasoned career.

Brigette Bienvenu has been named Director of Sales & Marketing at W Fort Lauderdale

W Fort Lauderdale has appointed Brigette Bienvenu as the new Director of Sales and Marketing. In the role, Bienvenu’s overall responsibility is to manage the property’s reactive and proactive sales efforts in order to achieve booking goals and drive revenue. Specific duties include implementing the brand’s initiatives and service strategy, managing the marketing budget, building long-term, value-based customer relationships, and providing day-to-day leadership to sales associates.

Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach Opens October 10

Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach will be opening its doors this month as the second Conrad property to open in Florida. The 290 all-suite oceanfront resort situated on Fort Lauderdale"s exclusive North Beach will offer four dining and bar experiences, a full-service spa with a couples massage room and separate men and women steam rooms, a fitness center, event space, and a 20,000-sq. ft. ocean-facing pool deck.