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Appointment

Akshay Bahl has been appointed as General Manager at Thompson Nashville

Thompson Nashville welcomes Akshay Bahl as the new general manager of the hotel. In this roles, Bahl’s focus will be overseeing the hotel’s operations, as well as leading strategic marketing and brand development. With more than 10 years of experience as a General Manager in the hospitality industry, this appointment marks Bahl’s return to the Two Roads Hospitality family after most recently serving as general manager at The Hollywood Roosevelt in Los Angeles. Prior to this appointment and his role at The Hollywood Roosevelt, Bahl served as the general manager at a variety of properties within the Thompson Hotels portfolio. Bahl was highly involved in the pre-opening and opening phases at Thompson Playa Del Carmen, Thompson Beach House and Thompson Miami Beach. He additionally worked at the Domain Hotel where he was named General Manager of the Year by Commune Hotels & Resorts (now Two Roads Hospitality).

Thompson
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Appointment

Lukus Kindlesparker has been appointed as General Manager at JW Marriott Nashville

Turnberry Associates has announced the appointment of Lukus Kindlesparker as General Manager of the JW Marriott Nashville opening in 2018. Kindlesparker will be responsible for the property’s operations and performance. He will also oversee the strategic direction of this luxury asset in conjunction with the overall JW Marriott brand strategy of delivering exceptional results in one of the most dynamic destinations in the U.S. Commenting on the appointment, Kindlesparker said, “I am truly honored to have the opportunity to open such an amazing hotel as the JW Marriott Nashville. The JW Marriott brand portfolio of luxury properties is extremely impressive and we believe the addition of the JW Marriott Nashville will only enhance its value as one of the leading luxury brands. This hotel will give Nashville a luxury property where travel planners and business professionals can conduct meetings on a large scale while having all of the touch points of an urban retreat including our luxury spa and fitness center as well award winning food and beverage offerings highlighted by Chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak.” Kindlesparker began his hospitality career over 17 years ago with Hyatt Hotels and also spent time with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Hawaii. Kindlesparker joined Starwood Hotels and Resorts in May of 2007 rising through the ranks in various operational positions. Most recently he served as the General Manager of The W Hotel in Midtown Atlanta where he managed a multi-million-dollar renovation of the property and was recognized as one of Atlanta’s top 100 leaders by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. He has also served as General Manager of Atlanta’s Glenn Hotel, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Lukus holds a degree from Purdue University and resides in Brentwood, TN with his wife and four children. An avid runner, in his spare time, he enjoys discovering Nashville’s thriving live music and food scene.

Marriott
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Appointment

Robert Dorr has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at The Chattanoogan

BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Robert Dorr director of sales and marketing for The Chattanoogan, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located in the revitalized center of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Tom Cupo, regional managing director, made the announcement. Robert Dorr was most recently director of sales & marketing for The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center, a mixed use hotel and residential property that exists within the tallest building in the state of Virginia. Mr. Dorr has previously held sales leadership positions with Westin, Hilton, Sheraton and Dolce properties. Earlier in his career he served as director of sales for Benchmark while the company restored the historic Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford, Pennsylvania.

Pyramid Global Hospitality
Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States
Appointment

Annebeth Black has been appointed as Director of Sales at Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville SE Murfreesboro

Black most recently served as director of sales and marketing for the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Denver/Downtown in Colorado on behalf of White Lodging Services. In May 2016, she was awarded the 2015 Hyatt House Marketing Leader of the Year. While with JQH for nine years, Black served as director of sales at the Crowne Plaza Denver Airport Hotel and Convention Center in Colorado and also at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha Downtown/Old Market in Nebraska. Prior to JQH, she was catering sales manager for The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in Denver, Colorado, where she was awarded Manager of the Quarter. Her experience in Colorado also includes serving as convention services manager for two Colorado Springs properties, including for formerly branded Wyndham Hotel Colorado Springs and for The Antlers. Black was recognized as Manager of the Quarter at both properties. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in public relations from Spring Hill College in Alabama. Black is active in industry organizations and with volunteer opportunities, including with several local hospitality and travel associations, Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, Parent Teacher Association, Special Olympics, and Young Professionals Council.

John Q. Hammons
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Appointment

Matthew Lahiff has been appointed as General Manager at Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville SE Murfreesboro

Lahiff previously served as general manager of the Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, in Florida. Under his supervision, the historic, boutique-style property received an extensive renovation and rebranding into the luxury category for the Starwood Tribute Portfolio. He also held other general manager assignments in three states with Davidson Hotels & Resorts, including at the former Hyatt Miami at the Blue Resort in Florida, the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe in New Jersey, and the Hilton Memphis in Tennessee. In addition, his career includes serving as general manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Miami Airport Hotel & Convention Center in Florida and of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington, D.C. Lahiff attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio. He is active in the communities in which he lives and works, including with Convention and Visitors Bureaus and the Chamber of Commerce. Lahiff is a member of the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

John Q. Hammons
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, United States
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Development Opening

Home2 Suites by Hilton Opens Newest Property in Pigeon Forge

Home2 Suites by Hilton, part of Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) industry-first All Suites portfolio, announced today its newest property, Home2 Suites by Hilton Pigeon Forge. Designed for travelers who want to maintain their normal routine, the hotel features 107 suites and a range of value, tech-focused and eco-conscious amenities. Home2 Suites by Hilton Pigeon Forge's debut complements the city's tourism growth, which has seen nearly a 40 percent increase in visitors between 2009 and 2016.

Home2 Suites
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States
Development Groundbreaking

Nashville welcomes tennessee’s first my place

The My Place groundbreaking tour featuring four ceremonies across three timeszones in four days continues! Following the cross country tour"s launch in Las Vegas on Monday, May 15, My Place President and CEO, Ryan Rivett and the My Place delegation continued their journey in celebrating with franchisees and their communities while promoting My Place"s momentum in its aggressive campaign for U.S. expansion. The groundbreaking celebrating Tennesee"s first My Place hotel took place onsite at 1004 Cumberland Center Boulevard off Exit 238 of I-40 where future guests will enjoy immediate access to diverse dining while downtown Nashville is only a quick drive from the hotel.

My Place Hotels
Lebanon, Tennessee, United States
Development Opening

21c Museum Hotels Unveils Nashville Hotel

21c Museum Hotels is pleased to announce the opening of its seventh property in Nashville, Tennessee. Building on its mission of engaging the public with contemporary art and supporting the revitalization of American downtowns, 21c has rehabilitated the historic Gray & Dudley Building in Downtown Nashville near Printer"s Alley. Located at 221 2nd Avenue North, 21c Museum Hotel Nashville offers 10,500 square feet of contemporary art exhibition space open free of charge to the public, a 124-room boutique hotel, and the locally-inspired, Gray & Dudley restaurant helmed by Chef Levon Wallace.

21c Museum Hotels
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Appointment

Ross Bruce has been appointed as Director of Revenue at The Westin Nashville

Ross Bruce joins The Westin Nashville most recently from The Westin Charlotte, where he served as Director of Revenue for the 700-room hotel. During his tenure at the luxury Charlotte property, Ross was recognized for driving rooms revenue and market share growth, as well as implementing re-segmentation strategies leading to increased transient revenues. Ross began his career in hospitality working at the W Atlanta- Buckhead, and quickly rose up the corporate ladder, holding various roles such as Revenue Manager for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where he supported eight hotels across the Westin, Sheraton, W and St. Regis brands in the Atlanta metro market, and later as Director of Revenue for the W Atlanta- Midtown. Ross holds a degree in Business Administration from Georgia State University.

Marriott
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Development Opening

Hampton Inn & Suites in Germantown, TN Opens

McNeill Hotel Company announced today that it has officially opened the new Hampton Inn & Suites in the heart of downtown Germantown, just outside of Memphis. The announcement was made by Mark Ricketts, the company"s President and Chief Operating Officer.The hotel, which is part of an upscale mixed-use development, includes 133-rooms, each of which features HDTV, free in-room movie channels and a coffeemaker. It offers value-added amenities such as free, hot breakfast and "On the Run Breakfast Bags" for the on-the-go traveler. Complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center and a JumpStart Fitness Center are also among the hotel"s highlights.

Hampton by Hilton
Germantown, Tennessee, United States
Development Pipeline

Turnberry Associates Redefines Nashville Skyline With New JW Marriott Hotel

Turnberry Associates, a leading real estate developer based in Miami, Florida today unveiled further plans for the new JWMarriott opening in downtown Nashville next year. Featuring a distinctive elliptical shape conceptualized by award-winning architecture firm, Arquitectonica, the impressive, 33-story property is poised to become one of the city's most iconic buildings. Nashville's newest luxury hotel is located in the heart of downtown and will rise to a staggering 386 feet once completed, offering sweeping views from one of the highest elevations in the city. The hotel is also conveniently located within a two-mile radius of Nashville's most treasured landmarks, including the Music City Center, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Schermerhorn Symphony Center and The Ryman Auditorium. International architecture firm Arquitectonica has designed the JW Marriott Nashville, drawing inspiration from the nearby Cumberland River and its symbolic place in the city's history. A circuitous watercourse, the ever changing nature of the river follows Tennessee's natural geography as it flows through the city. Likewise, JW Marriott Nashville will reflect a similar theme through its varied and curved façade. Standout design elements include an undulating glass frontage that incorporates sculpture, fountains and art as well as a covered terrace on the 33rd floor boasting expansive outdoor space and dramatic vistas of the southern capital city. The 33rd floor will also feature Nashville's first Bourbon Steak, offering guests a five-star dining experience from world renowned chef, Michael Mina.

JW Marriott
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Appointment

Joseph M. DeMille has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at The Chattanoogan Hotel

Benchmark, a global hospitality company, has named Joseph M. DeMille, Director of Sales and Marketing for The Chattanoogan. The hotel is a Benchmark Resorts and Hotels property located in the heart of revitalized Chattanooga, Tennessee. Tom Cupo, Benchmark’s Regional Managing Director for The Chattanoogan, made the announcement.Joseph DeMille has held senior sales and marketing positions for the past 15 years of his distinguished career. He most recently was the Director of Sales and Marketing for Turnberry Isle Miami where he led a team of 36 professionals. Mr DeMille previously served as Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for Dolce Hotels and Resorts, with primary responsibility for the company’s Atlanta Peachtree property, and oversight responsibilities for six executive conference centers. Mr DeMille began with this company as Senior Director of Business Development.

Pyramid Global Hospitality
Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States
Appointment

Jai B. Patel has been promoted to Vice President at HVS

HVS is pleased to announce that Jai B. Patel has been promoted to Vice President. Jai completes much of the client appraisal work in the Tennessee-Kentucky-Indiana region of our domestic operations, and has become a trusted expert in this geographic area. Jai’s assignments range from appraisals of existing hotel and resort assets to feasibility and consulting assignments for proposed hotel, resort, and mixed-use developments. Some of his most high-profile assignments include proposed convention center hotels in the Nashville, Louisville, and Indianapolis markets. His parents began their hospitality enterprise with the 18-room American Inn in Metropolis, Illinois, and Jai has grown attuned to the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of hotel operations ever since. When the family’s Nashville hotels faced bankruptcy in the worst of the Great Recession, Jai stepped in to assume management. Three years later, revenues doubled, customer-service scores shot upward, and operational costs dropped as the hotel went green. His efforts to turn the struggling hotel around earned Jai the honor of the 2012 Business Leader of the Year in Nashville by Business Leader Magazine.

HVS
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Appointment

Holly Lawson has been appointed as Corporate Director of People and Cculture at Pivot Hotels & Resorts

Davidson Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce the appointment of Holly Lawson as corporate director of people and culture for its lifestyle and luxury division, Pivot Hotels & Resorts. Reporting directly to Senior Vice President Albert Smith, Lawson will lead the human resources efforts for all Pivot hotels, providing a strong cultural bridge between both the Pivot and Davidson platforms and fostering greater collaboration, crossover and best practices amongst both teams.

Davidson
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Appointment

Lukus Kindlesparker has been appointed as General Manager at The Westin Nashville

Wischermann Partners, Inc., is thrilled to announce today the appointment of Lukus Kindlesparker as General Manager of The Westin Nashville. Combining his extensive background with luxury hotels along with a strong knowledge of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International brands, Lukus will bring over 15 years of hotel expertise to Nashville to spearhead the operation of the 453-room property.With an extensive career in the hospitality industry, spanning almost two decades, Lukus Kindlesparker joins The Westin Nashville from his previous role as General Manager of W Atlanta Midtown, a 466-room, 30,000 square-foot property in the heart of Atlanta. During his tenure, Lukus was recognized as one of Atlanta’s top 100 leaders in the hospitality industry by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, implementing programs for over 200 full time employees that executed brand vision while fostering an environment of inclusion. Prior to W Atlanta Midtown, Lukus served as General Manager of Atlanta’s Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection as well as W Atlanta Perimeter. He holds a B.S. in Consumer and Family Sciences from Purdue University.

Marriott
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Appointment

Anthony Frank has been named Director of Food & Beverage at The Chattanoogan

BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Anthony Frank director of food & beverage for The Chattanoogan. The hotel is a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located in the heart of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Tom Cupo, Benchmark’s regional managing director, made the announcement. Anthony Frank was previously the executive chef / food & beverage director of The Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites, Traditions Restaurant, Sweet Tea & Barley Bar and Grill and all special events in the Colonial Williamsburg Historic area. In his prior position, Chef Frank executed major culinary events with distinguished guests attending, including HM Queen Elizabeth II and former Prime Minister Tony Blair. He was also chef for the christening celebration of the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier.

Pyramid Global Hospitality
Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States