GLENN DECKER’S NEW ROLE AT TEKMAK
TEKMAK Development Co., a full-service hospitality company, has announced the promotion of Glenn Decker to president. The former vice president of operations will lead the company’s growth and direction as it plans to expand its hospitality portfolio. Thomas Kirkland will continue in his position as CEO.
Before joining TEKMAK in 2022, Decker spent six years in marketing operations and analytics positions for USAA. A recipient of the Future Texas Business Legend Award from the Texas Business Hall of Fame (TBHF), Decker was also the founding president of the TBHF Alumni Association.
“TEKMAK is pursuing intentional growth goals. We expect to break ground on three new hotel developments within the next 15 months, and our goal is to kick-off an additional six hotel projects within the following 24 months,” said Decker. “Texas has incredible economic and demographic tailwinds and some of the largest benefactors will be markets and communities similar to the ones where TEKMAK hotels currently thrive. Following the example Tom set before me, we will continue to develop and deliver hotels that provide high value returns to investors while simultaneously making a meaningful impact within the communities we operate.”Â
HOTEL EQUITIES ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS
Hotel Equities (HE) has promoted Eric McCarthy-Zink to CFO. He joined HE in 2021 through the company’s strategic partnership with The Hotel Group and was promoted to lead hotel accounting.
In his new role, McCarthy-Zink will helm finance and accounting. He will support the firm’s partners, clients, lenders, investors and an internal team by providing servant leadership. He has worked with hospitality companies, such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Worldwide and Walt Disney World Resorts.
“Eric’s vision and financial acumen have been instrumental in our success,” said Brad Rahinsky, president and CEO of HE. “We are confident that in his new role, Eric will continue to drive our financial strategy and contribute to our growth and stability. Our strategic partnership model at Hotel Equities is designed to open doors and create opportunities for talented and capable individuals like Eric who aspire to take on more responsibility. The model recognizes and leverages the skills and expertise of team members and creates an environment where they can thrive and grow professionally.”
HE has also promoted three senior leaders to support the company’s growth:
- David Rosenberg has been named as executive vice president of operations.
- Peter Tziahanas has been promoted to executive vice president of operations.
- Tio Brown has been elevated to senior vice president of human resources.
HVMG NAMES NEW VP OF DEVELOPMENT
Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) has named Heidi Nielsen as vice president of business development.
With around 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Nielsen most recently served as vice president of asset management and investments for Meyer Jabara Hotels. Previously, she was the managing director for HVS Consulting and Valuation, where she worked in markets across the U.S. and completed over 1,500 assignments. She has served as an executive board member of the College of Charleston’s HTMT program and is part of The Goldie Initiative mentorship program.
“With nearly two decades of hospitality experience, Heidi has worked in virtually all markets, segments and classes of the industry, providing her with an unparalleled network and know-how that makes her the ideal candidate to help HVMG source and complete more deals,” said Mike “Woody” Woodward, EVP and chief growth officer.
NEW GMs
The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki has promoted Nicole Okuna to general manager. Previously, she served as hotel manager of The Royal Hawaiian, where she helped in elevating guest experiences and led key multi-hotel initiatives across Marriott’s Waikiki’s Collection during her four roles in the position.
Okuna has 16 years of experience with Marriott and Starwood resorts in Maui, Kauai, the Island of Hawaii and Oahu. Prior to her most recent role, she held leadership roles within the company, including resident manager of the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort and Spa; and director of sales and marketing at Sheraton Kauai Resort and Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas.
Hotel Centro Sonoma Wine County, Tapestry Collection by Hilton has appointed Sheree Herrera as general manager. Herrera will oversee daily operations and programming for the 135-room hotel and two dining venues, as well as executive oversight of all the departments, recruitment and development of staff, annual hotel budgets and sales and marketing.
Sheree has almost 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and has held leadership roles in full-service hotels with Hilton and Marriott. Prior to her new position, she served as director of operations at Hotel Trio and spearheaded the launch of Marriott’s new hotel and F&B program.
Marcus Hotels & Resorts, the management company and division of The Marcus Corp., has named Lynette Knutson as general manager of Hilton Madison Monona Terrace in Madison, Wis. She brings in more than three decades of experience in the southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois areas to lead the 240-room hotel.
Prior to her new role, Knutson served as general manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East, where she was in charge of year-over-year business growth and led operations with strategic vision and planning.