After 18 years as founding group president and CEO of the Jumeirah Group, a member of Dubai Holding, Gerald Lawless will be transitioning to a new position within Dubai’s Holding Corporate Office. He will remain chancellor at the Emirites Academy of Hospitality Management. He is succeeded by Stefan Leser, who has been appointed group chief executive, effective Feb. 1. He joins the company from Swiss Travel Business Kuoni.
Here is a look at more notable comings and goings that have taken place this week:
Tim Bugas has been named director of sales and marketing for Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. He has more than 25 years of leadership experience in sales and marketing.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar has welcomed Greg Garnitschnig back as director of sales and marketing after a two-year departure, during which he founded Hotel Sales Solutions, a South Florida-based sales and marketing company specializing in luxury hotels and resorts.
Pendry Hotels, the new brand established by Montage Hotels & Resorts, has appointed Michael O’Donohue as general manager of their first hotel, Pendry San Diego, set to open in late 2016.
T.G.I .Fridays, which completed a 175-location re-franchising program in October, has selected a franchising executive from Hilton Worldwide, Robert Palleschi, as its new CEO. He replaces former CEO Nick Shepherd, who resigned in October.
Destination Hotels has announced the appointment of Andrew Arthurs as senior vice president and chief information officer for Destination Hotels and Lowe Enterprises. Arthurs has more than 15 years of technology experience and the hospitality industry.
Karl Schorman has been named director of HVS Executive Search, Europe, the world’s leading hospitality consulting and services organization. He will be based in London.
InterContinental Hotels Group has named Michael Torres vice president of corporate communications, the Americas. Torres will manage internal and external corporate communications, including employee/organization, crisis/issues management, strategic messaging, marketing communications and media relations.
Diane Hardy has been named the new director of catering for Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. She has more than 25 years of hospitality and food and beverage experience.
Mokara Hotel & Spa in San Antonio has selected Jackie Flory as spa director, where she will supervise all aspects of operations, team development, and treatment regimens.
