MISSION HILL HOSPITALITY APPOINTS NEW CFO
Mission Hill Hospitality, a select-service and extended-stay hotel investor, has promoted Tom Barber to chief financial officer, a newly created role for the company. Barber joined Mission Hill Hospitality as managing director of acquisitions when the firm was launched in March 2021.
During his hospitality career, Barber has focused on finance, operations, strategy and M&A. Before joining Mission Hill, he served as global chief development officer of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. From 2012 to 2017, he was head of corporate development for Wyndham Worldwide, where he led the spinoff of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts from Wyndham Worldwide, the $2 billion acquisition of La Quinta Hotels & Resorts and the $1.3 billion divestiture of European Rentals, among other transactions. Other roles include director of mergers and acquisitions at Credit Suisse and positions in strategy consulting and technology at Gemini Consulting and Microsoft, respectively.
“I am delighted for Tom to step into this new role. He has been instrumental in Mission Hill Hospitality’s growth and success since our inception,” said Greg Kennealey, CEO of Mission Hill Hospitality. “As part of our vision to build the best performing, highest quality select service and extended stay platform in the industry, Tom’s commitment and dedication will help us continue to advance. His character and values exemplify our team of exceptional and talented individuals who drive our ongoing success.”
NEW GMs
Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, a luxury resort in Southern Napa Valley, Calif., has appointed Laura McIver as general manager.
Mclver comes to Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, with over 15 years of experience as general manager. Her previous roles include Miraval Resorts in Arizona, Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica and, most recently, at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, a Relais & Châteaux hotel in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
Thompson Atlanta-Buckhead has appointed Donte Johnson as general manager. Johnson is an industry veteran with over 22 years of hospitality experience managing properties across major U.S. markets, including Washington D.C., Miami, Baltimore and Atlanta.
Johnson began his career in the hospitality industry as a concierge with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. Since then, he held several positions in the company, including director of guest services, area revenue manager and assistant general manager. In 2008, he became the youngest general manager at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.
Johnson is one of four co-chairs for The American Hotel & Lodging Association’s General Manager Roundtable and is a member of Hyatt’s Global Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council. Throughout his career, he has developed and fostered a mission focused on social impact, DEI and community partnerships, working with his team and mission-aligned organizations to connect with the community and support local philanthropy.
Tim Ribich has been appointed as general manager of Hyatt Place Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown. Ribich joins Hyatt Place Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown from White Lodging, where he most recently served as general manager at Fairfield Inn and Suites Indianapolis. Before that, he held leadership roles within the company, including task force general manager at Home2 Suites by Hilton Mishawaka and assistant general manager at Indianapolis Marriott Downtown.
MORE MOVES
Tim Stacer has been appointed director of sales & marketing at Hilton Richmond Downtown. Stacer brings more than two decades of expertise in sales, revenue management and strategic leadership in the hospitality industry. Previously the area director of sales & marketing at Hilton Richmond Downtown, Stacer returns to the property as director of sales & marketing from recently held roles as founding member at JEMS Hospitality Group, where he served as chief operating officer and executive vice president, regional revenue manager at Bluewater Hospitality and revenue manager Highgate Hotels.
Kelly Giger has been promoted to general manager at The Industrialist Hotel. Giger brings more than fifteen years of hospitality experience to her new role. Newly promoted from the property’s director of sales and marketing, Giger previously held several leadership roles at hotels across Pittsburgh. Her experience includes being director of group sales at Renaissance Hotel Pittsburgh, group sales manager at Sheraton Pittsburgh at Station Square and catering sales manager at The University Club in Pittsburgh.