RLJ Lodging Trust has named Ross Bierkan as the permanent successor for outgoing president and CEO Thomas Baltimore. Bierkan, who served as chief investment officer since the company’s founding in 2011, had been serving as interim CEO since Baltimore announced his departure in May.
Here’s a look at other notable job moves that took place this week in hospitality:
Chesapeake Hospitality has promoted Lisa Augustine from regional director of operations to vice president of operations. In her new role, Augustine will be responsible for providing guidance and leadership to her management team across a broad spectrum of upscale hotel projects located primarily east of the Mississippi River.
Hotel Equities announced that Wesley Ludloff will serve as general manager of the Island House Hotel in Orange Beach, Ala. With more than 18 years in the hospitality industry, Ludloff most recently served as general manager of The Mayo Hotel, in Tulsa, Okla.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the addition of two executives to join the company’s marketing leadership team. Jen Acerra will serve as vice president, global brand research and insights, and Heather Geisler has been named vice president, creative and field marketing.
Omni Providence Hotel has appointed Burnell Goldman as general manager. Goldman is a 10-year veteran with Omni Hotels & Resorts, most recently serving as general manager for Omni Jacksonville Hotel in Florida.
Richard T. Widman, a 40-year hospitality veteran, has recently been appointed to the newly formed executive board of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Widman is president of Charming Inns, a Charleston, S.C.-based hotel management and consulting firm specializing in the management of historic hotels and restaurants.
The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va., has announced the appointment of Brett Schoenfield as managing director. With more than 20 years of industry experience, the appointment brings Schoenfield back to Hot Springs after previously working at the resort for 12 years. In his new role, Schoenfield oversees all operations of the resort.
Stephen Strickland has been named executive chef of the Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria hotel. Strickland will oversee all culinary operations of the iconic property including fine dining room Wright’s at The Biltmore and the newly redesigned social settings throughout the main lobby and terrace.
Four Seasons Hotel Austin has announced the appointment of Rich McGonnigal as director of sales and marketing, overseeing sales, catering, public relations, and reservations at the 291-room hotel in downtown Austin.
The newly merged Benchmark Resorts & Hotels and Gemstone Hotels & Resorts have announced the appointment of Howard J. Esquirol as director of finance for Doral Arrowwood, located in Rye Brook, N.Y. Esquirol was most recently director of finance for the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel, and previously served as regional controller and vice president of accounting for the Waterford Hotel Group.
