From leadership promotions to new offices, we round up the latest organizational updates from design firms, hotel companies, and more.
Main Street Hospitality has promoted Scott Williams, who has been with the company since 2021, to chief development and brand officer. He will now lead brand positioning, development, marketing, and experience design for the independent hospitality group and its properties across the northeast U.S.
SH Hotels & Resorts has elevated Abhay Bakaya to chief development officer. Bakaya, with nearly 20 years of experience in real estate and business development, worked with brands including Fairmont-Raffles Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International before joining SH Hotels & Resorts in 2017.
The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) awarded its third annual Celebrating Diversity Scholarship to Jessica Duan of Georgia State University and Osman Milla of the University of the District of Columbia. Established in 2022, the program grants two students complimentary registration to the annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, along with $1,200 for travel expenses and accommodation at the New York Marriott Marquis.Â
Sarah Kay steps into the role of CEO at global architecture and design firm Woods Bagot, succeeding former CEO Nik Karalis. With 25 years in the firm’s leadership, Kay has led major projects worldwide across commercial, transport, residential, and cultural sectors.
Merriman Anderson Architects (MAA) has expanded its footprint with a new office in Fort Worth. The outpost is a strategic addition to the firm’s presence in North Texas and is a testament to its continuous growth as well as its optimism for the region.
Drift Hotels, known for its minimalistic Baja-inspired design and vibrant communal spaces, has joined the Design Hotels portfolio of boutique properties. This move allows Drift Hotels—with locations in San José del Cabo, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, and Nashville—to broaden its reach to a global audience of creative and lifestyle-focused travelers.Â
Marriott International has announced Federico Greppi as chief operations officer for the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA). Greppi’s hospitality career spans over two decades with experience in Marriott’s headquarters, Americas, and CALA divisions.
The International Interior Design Association’s New York Chapter (IIDA NY) has inaugurated Christin Weaver as chapter president for the 2024–2025 term. Weaver, a senior interior designer at Ted Moudis Associates, has been an active member of the chapter since 2012.Â
George Fleck has taken on the role of senior vice president and global brand leader at EDITION Hotels. Fleck has been with Marriott for more than 20 years, including nearly 15 years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts. He assumes his new role as EDITION expands, with its 20th property recently opened in Jeddah and new locations in Lake Como, Dali, and the Red Sea slated for 2025.
Aspen One—the parent company of Aspen Hospitality, Aspen Skiing Company, and Aspen Ventures—has appointed Jeff Toscano as CEO of Aspen Hospitality. A veteran hospitality leader, Toscano will drive the next phase of the company’s growth, taking over from current leader Alinio Azevedo on September 16th.
Aman has named professional tennis player Novak Djokovic as its first global wellness advisor. Through a multi-year partnership, Djokovic will enhance Aman’s guest wellness offerings with exclusive programs inspired by his mental and physical wellbeing expertise, both on and off the court. Additionally, Djokovic will play an advisory role in Aman Essentials, focusing on future product development and wellbeing extensions of the brand.
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