NEW COO AT MAYBOURNE HOTEL GROUP
Roland Fasel has been appointed chief operating officer of Maybourne Hotel Group, effective April 2023.
Fasel has nearly 30 years of global hospitality experience: his most recent position was as a chief operating officer for the Aman Collection for the last six years, following an eight-year tenure as general manager of The Dorchester Collection and regional director for The Dorchester Collection, overseeing new openings and brand development.
Fasel will be responsible for the commercial success and quality of Maybourne Hotel Group’s current portfolio of hotels, building on their reputation for unmatched service and personalized guest experiences while helping to spearhead an international expansion program.
FORMER AHLA CEO LANDS AT HILTON
Katherine Lugar has been named executive vice president of corporate affairs at Hilton, effective April 2023. She was most recently the CEO of the American Beverage Association (ABA), and before that, she was the president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Hilton’s corporate affairs department oversees the company’s global communications, government affairs, and ESG functions. Lugar will report to Hilton President and CEO Christopher J. Nassetta and will be a member of the executive committee.
“I am honored to join the Hilton team, a company I have long respected for its guest-centric approach to creating exceptional travel experiences and award-winning workplace culture,” said Lugar. “As both a veteran of the industry and proud Hilton Honors member, I believe deeply in the transformative power travel can have on the world and look forward to building on the profound impact Hilton has already had over its more than 100-year history. There has never been a better time to work with this world-class team as we elevate Hilton’s role in defining the future of travel.”
PROMOTION AT HOTEL EMMA AT PEARL
Hotel Emma at Pearl has promoted Jon Sakshaug to CEO, effective February 2023. Sakshaug was previously the general manager of Hotel Emma, overseeing the property’s business operations.
Sakshaug was the vice president of Finance at Hotel Emma before becoming general manager. In 2015, he was also a member of its opening team. With over eight years of experience at Hotel Emma, Jon will use his in-depth knowledge of the property’s history, ethos, and vision to supervise operations across all divisions.
MARRIOTT MARQUIS HOUSTON’S NEW GM
Nour Laasri has been named area general manager and general manager of the Marriott Marquis Houston by Marriott International. Laasri will be the primary strategic leader for the 1,000-room Marriott Marquis Houston in his role as general manager; he will be responsible for the daily operations, financial performance, sales and revenue generation and guest and employee satisfaction strategies. As area general manager, Laasri will be an active member of the Houston community, assisting the hotel team in developing stronger relationships with local officials and businesses.
MY PLACE BOLSTERS EXEC TEAM
My Place Hotels of America has appointed Jeff Thomas as VP of marketing and Bruce Sneller as VP of leadership development. Both will report to Matthew Campbell, COO and chief legal officer of My Place Hotels. “Adding Bruce and Jeff to the team represents a significant step in our company’s growth and development,” Campbell said.
Thomas has more than 20 years of experience in hospitality marketing within the lodging industry, having led teams at Radisson Hotel Group and G6 Hospitality. Sneller has worked for hospitality companies including Hilton and will be tasked with developing training and programming for My Place Hotels’ Quality Assurance Program and My Place University.
“As we look to the future, the market and industry are changing at an unprecedented pace, and it’s more important than ever to have leaders who can anticipate, adapt, and innovate,” said Ryan Rivett, president and CEO of My Place Hotels.
THE LUX COLLECTIVE’S RECENTLY APPOINTED CFMO
The Lux Collective has announced the appointment of French hotelier Jeremie de Fombelle as chief sales and marketing officer. De Fombelle hopes to strengthen the Group’s positioning of The Lux Collective by putting a strong emphasis on awareness-driving strategies for its portfolio of brands globally across channels and by empowering people. He has over twenty years of leadership and operational experience in luxury hospitality management.
NEW GENERAL MANAGER AT RENAISSANCE HONOLULU HOTEL & SPA
The new Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa at Sky Ala Moana has named Matthew Grauso as general manager. Grauso will be in charge of the management and operations of the highly anticipated Marriott property on Oahu, which is set to open in late 2023.
For the past five years, Grauso has been general manager at ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach. He will remain in this position until his successor is named. Grauso previously worked as the General Manager of the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, the Hotel Manager of The Sheraton Waikiki, and the Director of Human Resources of The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas.