PEACHTREE’S NEW COO
Peachtree Group has announced the appointment of Melissa Ross Smith as chief operating officer. Smith will be responsible for the overall performance, strategy and organizational development of Peachtree and its operating businesses. She will report to Greg Friedman, managing principal and CEO.
“As Peachtree continues to evolve, improving our foundational processes is imperative to the future growth of our business,” Friedman said. “Melissa is an excellent complement to our team as she has an exceptional blend of leadership, vision and execution needed to be Peachtree’s COO.”
Before joining Peachtree, Smith held several high-level positions at renowned organizations, most recently as managing director for OS National.
EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS AT JUMEIRAH GROUP
Jumeirah Group, the luxury hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, has unveiled the latest additions to its executive team, which include:
- Ermanno Zanini as regional vice president for Southern Europe and the United Kingdom.
- Harun Dursun as managing director of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai.
- Cristina Sancenon as new general manager of Jumeirah Port Sóller Hotel & Spa in Mallorca, Spain.
- Gianluca Priori as General Manager of The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, the group’s flagship hotel in London’s Knightsbridge district.
Zanini’s new remit extends his regional responsibilities to include all aspects of the brand’s operations in Italy, Spain and the Group’s hotels in London, UK. Since joining Jumeirah in 2019, Zanini has served as general manager at Capri Palace Jumeirah and the group’s flagship hotel, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai, as well as regional vice president for Italy and Spain. In addition, Priori’s appointment role follows a three-year tenure as general manager of Jumeirah Port Sóller Resort and Spa in Mallorca, Spain, which Sancenon will take over. With over 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Sancenon’s appointment follows her tenure as hotel manager at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Lastly, Dursun joins Jumeirah Group after tenures at Mandarin Oriental and Hyatt Hotels.
MORE MOVES
Remington Hotels has promoted Keith Oltchick, former executive vice president of business development since 2022, to chief development officer. Oltchick joined Remington in 2020 with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, focused on acquiring and developing properties in the United States and the Caribbean. In his new, Oltchick will lead the execution of the overall business development vision, strategy, plans and processes to increase revenue, expand markets and ensure Remington accomplishes financial objectives.
Aimbridge Hospitality has appointed marketing and communications executive Stephanie Peterson to its newly created senior executive role of head of marketing & communications. Peterson will report to chief human resources officer Ann Christenson, work directly with Aimbridge Hospitality President and CEO Michael J. Deitemeyer and oversee all marketing and communications duties.
Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall Boston has appointed Matthew Kraeling as assistant general manager. With more than 15 years of experience in hospitality, Kraeling has served in different facets of the industry, including as general manager for Hyatt and Hilton hotels and assumed the responsibilities of director of food and beverage and executive chef at the Archer Hotel in Burlington, Massachusetts.