From business acquisitions to leadership changes, we round up the latest organizational updates from design firms, hotel companies, and more.
Carver & Associates, an FF&E and OS&E procurement firm, has acquired hospitality procurement group Jaguar Hospitality Services. This acquisition enhances Carver’s capabilities across key U.S. markets by combining resources, expertise, and the networks of both companies.
Ben Weprin—founder and CEO of AJ Capital Partners and creator of hospitality brands including Graduate Hotels, Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts, and Field & Stream Lodge Co.—has been honored with ISHC’s 2025 Pioneer Award. Presented by in partnership with the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS), the annual award recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution, achievement, or improvement in the hospitality industry.
Global architecture and design firm WATG is celebrating its 80th anniversary. Founded in 1945 in Honolulu by Pete Wimberly, Jerry Allison, Greg Tong, and Don Goo, WATG provides advisory, master planning, architecture, and landscape architecture services. The firm’s interior design studio, Wimberly Interiors, was established in 2011. Today, WATG operates offices in Honolulu, Los Angeles, Tustin, Dallas, New York, Atlantic City, London, Singapore, and Shanghai.
Hospitality investment and development firm Highgate has named Ben Thomas as chief operating officer for Europe. He will oversee the company’s operations across the continent, drive strategic growth initiatives, and optimize performance throughout its expanding portfolio. Prior to joining Highgate, Thomas served as chief operating and commercial officer at Penta Hotels.
Woods Bagot has announced the formation of a new company, 7C, that focuses on ‘total place design.’ The venture brings together four brands: ERA-co (placemaking), Impact Futures (sustainability), Woods Bagot (architecture and interior design), and Customs Bureau (ultra-luxury concepts) to provide holistic, integrated solutions for the built environment.
NEWH (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality) has revealed its newly elected 2025 International Board of Directors. Deidre Schwartz will assume the role of president-elect and work alongside current president Sandy Banks for the remainder of the year. Her two-year term as president will begin January 2026.
Princeton, New Jersey-based Michael Graves Architecture (MG) has acquired Kollin Altomare Architects, a Los Angeles-based architecture and design firm. This acquisition marks a significant expansion for MG, broadening its reach and strengthening its capabilities in the luxury hospitality sector.
Kempinski Hotels has appointed a new executive leadership team to develop and reposition the European luxury group. With more than 30 years of global experience, Gordon Drake has been named chief financial officer, while Rasha Lababidi, who boasts 25 years of experience, joins the company as chief product officer. Lababidi is also cofounder of Meraki & Modus, a concept and strategy firm for luxury lifestyle destinations.
Method Co.—known for development and hospitality projects including the ROOST Apartment Hotel brand, Forth Atlanta, and the Pinch—has added two real estate industry veterans to its leadership team. Dan Mullen will serve as chief business officer and president of Method Concepts, leveraging his expertise in urban innovation, strategic planning, and hospitality development to support the company’s growth. James Nozar joins as chief development officer and president of Method Development, bringing decades of experience in large-scale urban development projects.
More from HD:
Aimasia Villa Embraces the Rugged Terrain of Mykonos
What I’ve Learned Podcast: Cathy O’Brien, Naturopathica
Boutique Motels Are Redefining Route 66
