It was a week of industry shake-ups as two unexpected job moves were announced. Eric Danziger has been appointed chief executive officer of Trump Hotel Collection, leaving his role as president and chief executive officer of Hampshire Hotel Group, where he introduced Début Hotel Group. He is an industry veteran of more than four decades.
Additionally, Kimberly K. Schaefer has stepped down as chief executive officer of Great Wolf Resorts. She will assume the role of chief brand officer through the end of the year, at which point she will transition to Great Wolf’s board. Filling her role is Ruben A. Rodriguez, who will assume the position effective Sept. 22.
Here’s a look at more comings and goings that took place this week:
Hilton Worldwide has appointed William Margaritis executive vice president of corporate affairs starting in late August. He previously served for 15 years as senior vice president of global communications and investor relations at FedEx Corporation.
Danielle Dunfee has been named Benchmark Hospitality International’s director of U.S. sales. She was previously regional wedding sales manager for Half Moon, a Rock Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Mark Aldridge has been named the new director of sales and marketing at Montage Beverly Hills. He brings 16 years of international hotel experience to his new role, having most recently served as director of sales and marketing at The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco.
Hotel Equities has named Humberto “Bert” Allegue director of sales for the Residence Inn by Marriott Miami Beach/Surfside, schedule to open in fall 2015. He previously worked as sales manager for the Hilton Miami Downtown.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago Hotel has made three executive appointments. Michel Goget will join the property as general manager, and Jill Torke has been named director of sales and marketing. Additionally, Steven Serdar has been appointed general manager of food and beverage for the hotel. Goget is already a member of the Ritz-Carlton team, having recently served as the opening general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya in China. Torke brings more than 20 years of sales and operations experience to her position, previously acting as director of sales and marketing at The Drake Hotel, Chicago. Serdar has been a consultant for Sage Hospitality since 2012.
Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. has joined Hilton Worldwide’s board of directors, and will serve on the board’s compensation committee. He has served as chairman of the Atlantic Council, and was a candidate for the Republican nomination for president of the United States in the 2012 election.
Mark Vondrasek has been promoted to the role of senior vice president of commercial services at Starwood Hotels & Resorts. He has been with Starwood for 14 years, spearheading initiatives such as SPG Keyless, SPGPro, and Delta Crossover Rewards, among others.
The ONE Group Hospitality, Inc. has announced the search for a new chief operating officer. Current COO John G. Inserra will leave his role in order to spend more time at home, but will assist with the transition once the position is filled.
