Virgin Hotels has hired Ana Lanzas as director of communications & social media. Lanzas will oversee the brand’s public relations and social media campaigns, as well as collaborate with partner agencies on communication strategies surrounding campaign launches, future openings, and event initiatives. She has a wealth of experience in public relations, formerly working as the director of public relations & social media for Fontainebleau Miami Beach and public relations manager at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.
Here’s a look at other notable comings and goings that took place this week:
Red Roof has named Neil Scott as vice president of sales and operations for company’s new expansion into Canada. Scott previously served as regional vice president of operations.
SBE has appointed Sebastien Silvestri as senior vice president, food & beverage, hotel division. In his new role based in Miami, Fla., Silvestri will oversee the food & beverage venues in SBE’s hotel division across the entire platform.
BENCHMARK has named Juan R. Vicioso, Jr., as director of sales & marketing for The Heldrich, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located in New Brunswick, N.J. Vicioso comes from Starwood Hotels and Resorts, where he spent 12 years as a sales leader.
Andaz San Diego has appointed Shane Nicolopoulos as general manager of the Gaslamp Quarter neighborhood hotel. In his new role, he will oversee the hotel’s staff and the introduction of the property’s new guest rooms and meeting spaces.
The Adelphi Hospitality Group (AHG) has named Ivan Tamayo as director of sales & marketing. In this role, Tamayo will oversee AHG’s The Adelphi Hotel and its accompanying restaurant, Salt & Char in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
JW Marriott Austin has named Jay Spurr as the market director of sales and marketing. Bringing nearly 30 years of hospitality experience, Jay will lead the sales and marketing team and support the new Austin Marriott Downtown, which is set to begin construction this year.
Grace Bay Resorts, located in the Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, has appointed Christopher Meredith as group director of food & beverage. In this new role, he will manage the properties’ dining outlets including Grace Bay Club, West Bay Club, and The Private Villa Collection.
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, located in Austin, Texas, has appointed Dave Jacobs as general manager. Jacobs comes from the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago where he worked as general manager for more than 10 years.
NewcrestImage has named Taylor Jacobs as director of acquisitions and development. In this new position, Jacobs will focus on expediting the company’s expansion into western states.
Frits van Paasschen has been appointed to the advisory board of citizenM, a Dutch hotel firm with properties throughout the U.S. and Europe. In this role, Paasschen will advise the company on its global strategy.
Elkus Manfredi Architects has announced the addition of three designers, Jane Bae, Daniel Castro, and Rachel Winokur, as senior interior designers for the firm’s Interior Architecture studio.
