NATIONAL REPORT—Hotel Business is tracking executive moves. Auberge Resorts Collection, M&R, U.S. Travel, Mr. C. Beverly Hills and Choice Hotels International have made some personnel shifts. Here are the details.
Auberge Resorts Collection Appoints Chris Gabaldon COO
Auberge Resorts Collection has appointed Chris Gabaldon as COO, starting in April. He has more than 30 years of experience in the global hospitality industry. Most recently, he served as the area VP of luxury brands, America West, at Marriott International. There, he oversaw operations and opening activities for 37 hotels across the seven luxury brands in the Marriott portfolio: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Edition, W Hotels, Luxury Collection, Bulgari, and Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Chris previously served in strategic leadership roles as chief sales and marketing officer globally for The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Edition and Bulgari Hotels, and with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company as area VP, western region and Canada.
M&R Names New Regional Revenue Management Director for New York
M&R Hotel Management has appointed Brian Athas as regional director. He previously was revenue strategy director for TMI Hospitality in Fargo, ND. Prior to that, he was area director of revenue management for Waterford Hotel Group based in Waterford, CT, where he oversaw revenue management for hotels in Connecticut and Arkansas.
U.S. Travel Promotes Barnes to EVP as Grella Departs
The U.S. Travel Association has promoted Tori Barnes to EVP of public affairs following the departure of Jonathan Grella. Barnes, who was previously a top lobbyist for General Motors, joined U.S. Travel in November of 2017 as SVP of government relations. In that time, she has secured some impressive legislative achievements for the organization, as well as sustained engagement with the country’s top policymakers.
Mr. C. Beverly Hills Appoints Joe Garciaros as Director of People and Culture
Mr. C Beverly Hills has appointed Joe Garciaros as director of people and culture. Some of the most notable moments in Garciaro’s career include his role as a mentor for managers who have since moved on to play instrumental roles at some of the most revered luxury hotels throughout Los Angeles, such as the director of HR for Hotel Bel-Air, director of HR for the Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, and director of HR at Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica.
Choice Hotels Promotes Sireesha Kunduri to VP Role
Choice Hotels International has promoted Sireesha Kunduri to VP of engineering for distribution and revenue management. Kunduri has been a key member of Choice’s engineering team since 2016, most recently serving as senior director of engineering. Prior to her work at Choice, Kunduri held several leadership positions at GoDaddy, including director of software development, where she oversaw the company’s website, proprietary call center applications and internal ticketing systems.
