Eliot Hamlisch has joined the Wyndham Hotel Group as vice president of sales, operation, and innovation. In his new role, Hamlisch will manage all functions for global sales relative to systems administration, data management and reporting, sales communications and marketing, and project management and processes. He will also drive the development and expansion of sales tools and systems.
Here’s a look at other noteworthy comings and goings that took place this week:
The newly merged Benchmark Resorts & Hotels and Gemstone Hotels & Resorts have announced the appointment of Mike McNeill as general manager for Doral Arrowwood in Rye Brook, N.Y. McNeill was previously managing director for Dolce Norwalk of Norwalk, Conn.
Pendry San Diego has announced the appointment of three new members to the hotel’s executive team for the opening of a new luxury brand from Montage Hotels & Resorts. David Wiggins will join the team as director of finance, where he will oversee day-to-day operations of the hotel’s fiscal operations and accounting department. Victor Calzada will be director of food and beverage, managing the hotel’s food and beverage portfolio, while Jessica Johnson will serve as director of people and culture.
Anthony Freda will serve as resort manager for Montage Kapalua Bay in Hawaii. Freda brings 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry to his new role, previously serving as director of rooms at The Turtle Bay Resort.
Noble House Hotels & Resorts has announced several leadership and management appointments. Mark Gervais has been named the new vice president and regional managing director for Noble House Hotels & Resorts, Seattle. Hugh Hedin will serve as general manager of Kona Kai Resort & Spa in San Diego, and Christine McDermott will assume Hedin’s position as new general manager at the River Terrace Inn in Napa, Calif.
Geoff Gray has been named general manager of The Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Ariz. Most recently Gray served as general manager of Hyatt Centric Park City, and in 2013, he was the executive director of rooms for the opening of Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort.
Denihan has announced several new appointments to its leadership team. Philip Dailey Jr. has been appointed vice president of transitions. Tim Flodin joins Denihan as general manager of The James West Hollywood–Sunset, scheduled to open in early 2017. Pedro Dias has been named general manager of The Surrey, and Richard Hotter joins the largest hotel in the Denihan portfolio, Affinia Manhattan NYC, as general manager.
Kathleen Shea has been named chief marketing officer of Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Ariz. She has 25 years of experience in the hotel market serving as vice president of sales and marketing for Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, and Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces.
Fairmont Austin has announced that Thomas J.W. Voss will serve as managing director of the hotel, opening in 2017. Voss has over three decades of expertise and will be responsible for overall operations, performance, and strategic direction for the Fairmont.
Radisson Blue Aqua Hotel, Chicago has appointed Rick Starr executive chef of Filini Bar & Restaurant. In this role, Starr will oversee the entire culinary program.
