Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is growing its American development team by adding Tiffany Cooper as senior vice president of development and Dan Thorman as vice president of development. Both Cooper and Thorman will be responsible for expansion strategies and growing the Kimpton portfolio in the Americas.
More of this week’s notable hospitality comings and goings:
Jamey Cua is now responsible for acquiring long-term management and company growth for Sage Hospitality as vice president of managed development. Cua has over 18 years of hotel and franchise development experience, having worked for both Marriott International and Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
As corporate director of human resources for The Hotel Group, Stephanie Benadof will implement HR programs and projects, as well as oversee talent development and retention. Before THG, Benadof served as senior human resource consultant for Asure Consulting where she delivered solutions to small companies.
Lucinda Fryman will lead the revenue management team and provide leadership to the company as corporate director of revenue management for Midas Hospitality. Fryman has worked for Midas for six years, and her new position is a promotion from the director of revenue management role.
Scott Ward is transitioning from interim director of sales and marketing for two Benchmark Resorts & Hotels to director of sales and marketing for Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort. Ward’s responsibilities now include assisting in overseeing Benchmark’s expansion into Florida and the Caribbean.
With 18 years of luxury hotel and travel experience, Diana Rosure will oversee daily operations as general manager of the Harbor View Hotel in Massachusetts. Prior to the Harbor View Hotel, Rosure was general manager for the Outrigger Lodging Services in Southern California.
Austin-native Savanna Wesley has been hired as general manager of Lone Star Court, where she will manage guest satisfaction and operations. Wesley most recently worked as general manager of Present Homewood Suites by Hilton in Somerset, N.J.
Alliance Hospitality management welcomes Renato Cojanu to the DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas Market Center as general manager. In addition, Alliance has also named Christopher Morgan general manager of the Sheraton Gunter property in San Antonio, Texas.
W San Francisco welcomes Leila Reyes to improve brand standard implementation, housekeeping operations, and design efforts as director of style. Reyes will style guestrooms and public spaces for holidays in addition to ensuring brand standards perform well.
Kokua Hospitality has created the director of guest experience role for Jacqueline Co at the Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach. Co will help grow the hotel’s personalized interactions and authentic experiences, as well as build relationships with guests and staff members.
David Burke will manage food and beverage operations as culinary director for The Adelphi Hotel. Burke will develop new menus, services, and concepts for The Adelphi’s restaurants, including The Blue Hen, Morrissey’s Lounge, and adjacent Salt & Char.
As executive pastry chef for Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel, Ashish Thalakkat will be responsible for the pastry kitchen of the Limewood Bar & Restaurant, afternoon tea, and banquet operations. Thalakkat plans to create a signature dessert for the property that recognizes the history of the area.
Randal Linhart has been named group director of restaurants, bars, and events for Wharf Hotels. Linhart has over 25 years of global hospitality experience in Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. Linhart also held senior leadership positions with Rosewood Hotel Group and Shangri-Li Hotels.
The Tennessean Hotel added Anthony Ploof as executive chef. Prior to his new role, Ploof served as chef de cuisine for The Essex Resort & Spa, where he developed new menus and concepts for the property’s two restaurants, banquets, and catering services.
The Westin Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta added Jon Erickson as director of sales and marketing, where he will lead the sales and marketing teams, as well as manage the hotel’s overall revenue and sales strategies. Erickson most recently served in the same position for the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown.
Vanessa Vitale will be joining the Collective Governors Island, a New York City retreat, as managing director. Vitale will assist in the opening the brand’s flagship location, and once open, she will manage retreat operations, talent acquisition, and programming.
Vision Hospitality Group, Inc., has appointed Matthew Pieniaszek as regional director of revenue management. Pieniaszek will plan revenue administration, procedures, and best practices for Vision’s hotels in the Atlanta region, as well as identify new opportunities in the area.
Renaissance Westerville has hired a new leadership team for the brand’s first full-service hotel: Scott Starek is general manager; Kevin Ball is assistant general manager; Heather Turkay is director of sales and marketing; Kari Shoemaker is director of human resources; Tyler Tremaine is executive chef; Brian Crabbe is chief engineer; and Alexandria Sears is account manager for the property.
