EXPOTEL HOSPITALITY PROMOTES BRET CHITTENDENÂ
Expotel Hospitality, the full-service, third-party hotel management company, has promoted Bret Chittenden, the company’s former COO, as president.
As the president, Chittenden will be in charge of driving the overall development and growth of the company. He will continue to lead Expotel’s owned and managed portfolio, develop policies which promote the company’s culture and vision and oversee the company’s operations and manage and assist in the development of the executive leadership team. Chittenden will also work along with the company’s development and real estate investment committee and serve as Expotel’s liaison brand partners and industry groups.
A native of New Orleans, Chittenden has over 28 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
“I’m honored to take on this role in support of Expotel hotels, partners, team members and the owners that we represent. Operational challenges are continuing throughout 2024 in our industry, and it is a tough time to recruit and bring team members back into the hospitality industry when they had to step away in 2020 to find other ways to make a living,” Chittenden said.
Chittenden has part of Expotel since the company was founded in 1999. He has also worked for the company’s founders, George Newton and the late David Burrus. He was part of the core team and was instrumental in building an initial portfolio of eight owned and managed properties, which later expanded to over 20 third-party managed hotels across 10 states.
SEAN SEAH RETURNS TO LANGHAM HOSPITALITY
Sean Seah has returned to Langham Hospitality Group to lead strategy, technology and innovation. Based at the company’s headquarters in Hong Kong, Seah has been appointed Langham’s senior vice president – strategy, technology and innovation.
Seah will report to Langham’s CEO and also be a part of its executive committee.
In his new role, Seah will be in charge of identifying emerging market trends and develop new approaches to capitalize on those trends. He will also lead development and implementation of new technologies to improve guest experience and streamline business activities across Langham’s portfolio. Previously, Seah worked with Langham in 2009 as vice president – e-business, loyalty and partner marketing.
NIKHIL SHARMA TO LEAD RADISSON IN SOUTH ASIA
Radisson Hotel Group has appointed Nikhil Sharma as managing director and area senior vice president for South Asia. Sharma will oversee Radisson’s operations in the South Asia region, which comprises more than 165 hotels in operation and development. He will also strengthen the group’s presence in India, nurture relationships with its partners and ensure operational efficiency.
Most recently, Sharma served as market managing director Eurasia for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, where he was in charge of business development, operations, new openings and sales and marketing.
“Nikhil’s appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening our leadership team and driving strategic growth in South Asia. This region is a key market for us, and with Nikhil’s strategic vision and deep understanding of the industry, we are confident in our ability to further elevate our presence and deliver exceptional experiences to our guests,” said Chema Basterrechea, global president & COO at Radisson Hotel Group.
SELINA UPDATES LEADERSHIP TEAM
Selina Hospitality, the lifestyle and experiential hospitality company, has announced recent updates to its executive leadership team:
- Gadi Hassin has been promoted to COO. He will be in charge of operational, commercial and financial performance of hotels in Selina’s portfolio.
- Rafael del Castillo has been appointed as Selina’s first chief revenue officer. Castillo will drive increased revenue performance, continue traction to optimize occupancy levels and expand the F&B business.
- Emilo Gracia has been appointed as chief people officer. Gracia will oversee Selina’s 2,000-plus employee-base, training program, compensation and benefits and recruiting of corporate and hotel level roles.
MORE MOVES
Omni Hotels has appointed Steve Janicek to managing director of the Omni Mount Washington Resort and Bretton Woods Ski Mountain.
With around 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Janicek most recently served as the general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara and worked with The Ritz-Carlton brand for close to two decades.