Hospitality industry veteran J. Sal Icaza has been named director of development for the Northeast for La Quinta Inns & Suites. Icaza brings over 20 years of expertise to this new role where he will be responsible for the growth of the La Quinta brand.
Here’s a look at other notable comings and goings that took place in hospitality this week:
Kennebunkport Resort Collection has announced several strategic management changes across KRC’s portfolio of properties. Holly Paradis will serve as general manager of The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel and Grand Hotel. Barbara Press has been named human resources manager for the Kennebunkport Resort Collection. Brenda Darroh has been appointed digital marketing manager for the Kennebunkport Resort Collection. Amy Caramante will serve as restaurant general manager at The Tides Beach Club, and Michelle Sazehn has been named assistant manager at Cape Arundel Inn & Resort.
Saber Reijbi has been appointed pastry chef for the Hilton Chicago. Rejbi has over a decade of hospitality experience and will be responsible for the creation, planning, and supervision of the production of top quality pastries, desserts and baked good for Hilton Chicago.
Shutters on the Beach has promoted Elsa S. Guttery to serve as the property’s director of sales. In her new role, Guttery will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the sales efforts while also assisting with marketing strategy for both Shutters on the Beach as well as sister property Hotel Casa del Mar.
Michael Pace has been promoted to area general manager, West Coast, by Morgans Hotel Group. Pace will retain his responsibilities at CLIFT, San Francisco while also overseeing operations at Mondrian, Los Angeles.
Hospitality Staffing Solutions has announced the appointment of Timothy McPherson as chief executive officer. McPherson has over 20 years of industry experience, most recently at Nesco Resource, a national staffing company where he served as president and chief operating officer.
Hotel Crescent Court has appointed Saun Lightbourne director of sales and marketing. In this new role, Lightbourne will lead all marketing strategies and sales initiatives to drive business, brand awareness and revenue for the property and private club.
Sam Garcia has been named director of event planning for JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa. Garcia has held various positions with Marriott, since 1975, most recently serving as an owner/broker for Desert Vacation Rentals & Sales for 10 years.
Ka`anapali Beach Hotel has announced the appointment of Yvonne Gu as online sales and marketing manager. Gu will be responsible for increasing brand awareness and managing the hotel’s digital sales and marketing programs.
The St. Regis Deer Valley, located on the slopes of the Utah’s Deer Valley Resort, has appointed Rachel Wiener as executive sous and chef de cuisine at Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s J&G Grill. In her new role, Wiener will oversee menu planning for the restaurant, wine dinners, and the St. Regis Bar.
