Antoine Blanc has been named chief financial officer for North America, Central America, and Caribbean Region for AccorHotels, effective immediately. In his new position, Blanc will support the NCAC executive team in developing and maximizing operational performance, reinforcing partner relationships, sustaining profitable growth and complying with the company’s financial standards and procedures. Blanc continues to have a dual role with the Group’s HotelInvest division.
Here’s a look at more notable comings and goings that took place this week:
Charlestowne Hotels announced the appointment of Jim Sichta as vice president of operations. Sichta has more than three decades of hospitality management and operations experience and will be responsible for management development for the company’s portfolio of boutiques and resorts, franchised properties and condo-hotels around the country.
John Oliver has been named vice president and managing director of The Confidante and vice president of lifestyle, Americas, Hyatt. Oliver has nearly 30 years of hospitality experience, most recently serving as regional vice president southeast for Morgans Hotel Group, overseeing the Delano.
Hotel del Coronado has appointed spa and hospitality veteran Holly Edgin as spa director. Edgin has over 10 years of experience and will oversee the development of a brand new menu for the spa and hotel.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation has announced that Katherine Lugar will serve as the newest member of its board of directors. Lugar brings decades of experience in top executive management to the foundation as president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.
Kayleigh Pascual has been named the new assistant spa director of Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf & Resort Spa. In her new role, Pascual will assist in all aspects of spa operation at the resort’s award-winning Serenity by the Sea Spa.
Conrad Chicago has expanded its sales and marketing team to include marketing manager Janice Yu-Moran, senior sales manager Katie Lorenc, and sales manager Sarah Graff. The Conrad Chicago is set to open this summer on the Magnificent Mile.
Armando Galeas has been chosen to serve as executive chef for Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa, a Personal Luxury property located in Vero Beach, Fla. Galeas previously served as chef de cuisine for Temple Orange at the Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa in Manalapan, Fla.
HRI Lodging recently appointed hospitality veteran Marianne McConathy-Nelson as general manager of Hilton Shreveport after leading the hotel’s sales team since 2006. McConathy-Nelson will be in charge of directing all aspects of hotel operations, including guest services and satisfaction, hotel administration, and overseeing marketing efforts, with over two decades of experience.
Tamara DeMars has been selected as director of sales and marketing for Bardessono Hotel & Spa in Napa Valley. DeMars brings over a decade of experience to the role and will be responsible for building upon the hotel’s anticipatory service, guest relations and revenue growth.
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa has announced the appointment of Toby Scott-Long as director of operations, Bob Ducy as director of engineering and Tim Wright as director of security. The team will be responsible for elevating the resort’s legacy with more than 50 years of combined experience.
