Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC is pleased to announce the appointment of Charles Williams II as Director of Group Sales. In his new role, Mr. Williams will oversee group sales efforts for the hotel.
Tapping 17 years of marketing and public relations experience with leading hotel groups across the country, as Director of Sales and Marketing Kelly McCourt is leading the charge to draw business to The Darcy Washington DC. Most recently, Ms McCourt led sales and marketing for the highly successful launch of The New York EDITION in the landmark Met Life Tower overlooking Madison Square Park. She held myriad responsibilities on top of leading the hotel’s 14-member sales and marketing team: from collaborating and strategizing digital marketing and public relations initiatives to formulating plans and promotions to drive retail and Consortia business.
A veteran of the Washington DC hotel scene, Tobias Arff oversees all operations of The Darcy Washington DC, including assuring an exceptional guest experience reflective of the property’s striking style and the cosmopolitan sophistication of the city around it.
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International’s Washington, D.C., chapter today announced the appointment of Leticia Proctor to its advisory board. Proctor, senior vice president of sales, revenue management and digital strategies for PM Hotel Group in Washington, will lend her professional experience and thought leadership to the chapter, which serves the hospitality industry throughout the greater Washington metropolitan area.
A stylish, contemporary hotel located just six blocks from the White House and around the corner from the trendy 14th Street corridor is the newest member of the exclusive Curio Collection by HiltonTM, the global portfolio of upper upscale independent hotels and resorts.
The U.S. Travel Association on Monday announced Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Wyndham Hotel Group, as its new national chair. He was elected in a member-wide vote. Last week, Ballotti presided over his first Board of Directors meeting as national chair. Ballotti succeeds Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson. As president and chief executive officer of the Wyndham Hotel Group, Ballotti leads a team laser-focused on transforming the company’s quality, technology, sales, marketing and loyalty programs. He stewards its operation and growth, including the 2015 acquisition of Dolce Hotels & Resorts and 2016 acquisition of FEN Hotels in Latin America. Wyndham Hotel Group is elevating the experience of the everyday traveler, wherever they go, however they choose to stay, and reimagining hotels generations grew up with while creating new experiences travelers crave. The company’s unmatched portfolio features internationally recognized trademarks including Days Inn®, Ramada® and Super 8®, and is united by the award-winning loyalty program, Wyndham Rewards.
Associated Luxury Hotels, the parent company of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) and Worldhotels, announced today that it has named highly respected hospitality industry executive Josh Lesnick to be its President and CEO. Lesnick comes to Associated Luxury Hotels from Wyndham Hotel Group, where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, responsible for all aspects of revenue generation for 18 brands encompassing more than 8,000 hotels in 77 countries. In his new role, Lesnick will oversee all business operations and subsidiaries of Associated Luxury Hotels, which significantly expanded its global footprint, hospitality services and collection of member hotels and resorts with the recent strategic acquisition of Frankfurt, Germany-based Worldhotels. He will also become only the third CEO in the 30+ year legacy ALHI history. The announcement of the appointment was made by Associated Luxury Hotels’ Chairman David Gabri. Lesnick will assume his new role starting in April and will be based out of the company’s New York City office, and at its headquarters in Orlando, Florida.
Salamander Resort & Spa, the luxury resort located outside Washington, D.C. in the heart of Virginias horse and wine country, welcomes Ryan Arensdorf as its executive chef. In this new role, Chef Arensdorf will oversee the resorts entire culinary operation, including Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill, Gold Cup Wine Bar, in-room dining, and the catering and banquet offerings.
The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AHLEF) today announced the appointment of two new hires who will focus primarily on career development for the hospitality industry as well as oversee the new partnership between AHLA and the National Restaurant Association (NRA), which will enhance hospitality training, certification capabilities and educational products.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) today announced the appointment of Sabre Hospitality Solutions President Alex Alt to its 2017 Board of Directors. Alt proudly accepted the appointment to AHLA’s Board, which represents leaders from all sectors of the lodging industry, including brands, owners and REITS, management companies, independents, and state associations. As a member of the board meeting three times each year, Alt will be a part of important discussions concerning a broad range of industry- and association-related issues.
Andrew Alexander, President, Red Roof has joined the Board of Directors of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Alexander proudly accepted the appointment to AHLA’s Board, which represents leaders from all sectors of the lodging industry, including brands, owners and REITS, management companies, independents, and state associations. Meeting three times a year, Alexander will be a part of important discussions concerning a broad range of industry- and association-related issues.
Julie Saunders has been appointed as Chef Concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, the only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond hotel in the nation’s capital. Saunders, who is only the Hotel’s third Chef Concierge since its opening in 1979, is also the first woman to hold the title. Saunders began her career in the hospitality industry after completing her time as an International Rotary Scholar at the University of Nice.
Jon Benson is appointed General Manager, Park Hyatt Washington, D.C. effective immediately. Benson will oversee the operation of the luxury 216-room hotel, including its landmark restaurant Blue Duck Tavern. Located in the fashionable West End Georgetown neighborhood of the nation’s capital, Benson joins Park Hyatt Washington as the hotel marks its 30th anniversary.
Scott Robison, accomplished hospitality veteran and D.C. native with more than 20 years of luxury resort and hotel experience, has been named General Manager of The Embassy Row Hotel, D.C.’s only urban lifestyle hotel.
Trump International Hotel, Washington, D.C., scheduled to open in September 2016, recently announced hospitality veteran and distinguished culinary artist, Oliver Beckert as Executive Chef. In his new role, Chef Beckert is responsible for overseeing food and beverage operations at the former Old Post Office turned luxury hotel, including in-room dining for 263 guestrooms, along with banquets and catering in over 38,000 square feet of meetings and events space. In his 27 year career, Beckert has worked with many luxury hotels including opening four high-profile projects in top destinations around the world.
Chelsey Leffet, a Vice President with HVS, has relocated to Washington, D.C. in order for the firm to better serve this metropolitan area. HVS now has local representation in over 30 markets across the United States.
Sarah Vining, Director of Marketing at The Embassy Row Hotel, A Destination Hotel, has been promoted to Area Director of Marketing for Lansdowne Resort and Embassy Row Hotel. In her new role, Sarah will be responsible for comprehensive marketing communication efforts, public outreach programs, and oversight of marketing and promotions centered on and in both hotels.
Sofitel, part of global hospitality group, AccorHotels, has named Alexandra Byrne as General Manager of Sofitel Washington D.C. Lafayette Square. Byrne is the first female general manager of Sofitel Washington D.C. Lafayette Square, and is currently the only female general manager in the luxury hotel industry in the nation's capital.
The Trump Organization's $200 million redevelopment of the historic Old Post Office building is one of the most highly anticipated openings of the year and has brought together an all-star team – including two top Trump Hotels executives – to open the icon, set to debut September 2016. The esteemed executive team is comprised of seasoned industry veterans hailing from both the Trump Hotels and other notable luxury hotel brands.
The Trump Organization has built an all-star team. At GM Damelincourt’s right hand is Patricia Tang, the Director of Sales and Marketing, who comes to Trump with over 20 years of international luxury hotel experience. An integral part of the pre-opening team, Tang is charged with leading all aspects of marketing, sales and communications, and is a seasoned veteran opening hotels. Tang has held leadership positions opening hotels with top-tier brands including: Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Mandarin Oriental, and most recently, Salamander Hotels & Resorts.