INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Hospitality companies are appointing new leaders to their teams. Here’s a look at the recent roster moves at Lark Hotels, Vesta Hospitality, Kempinski Hotels, Remington Hotels and CityGate Hotels:
Lark Hotels Names CEO
Lark Hotels has appointed Peter Twachtman as CEO. Founded and operated by Robert Blood since its conception in 2012, this change will bring a fresh perspective to the Massachusetts-based brand. Twachtman and Blood will work hand-in-hand, with Blood assuming the role of company president and shifting his focus to creative development and expansion.
Twachtman brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience to Lark Hotels. Most recently, he served as COO at Migis Hotel Group. In his role with Migis, Twachtman set policy and practice for the company as a whole and within individual properties, and he navigated the delicate balance between operations and financial accountability. At Lark Hotels, he looks forward to leading the team with strategic vision, management and motivation.
Vesta Hospitality Promotes From Within
Vesta Hospitality has promoted Mark Hemmer to president. Hemmer joined Vesta Hospitality in 2006 and his previous positions with the company have included VP of operations and, most recently, COO. Prior to joining Vesta Hospitality, he served as regional director of operations for Chicago-based First Hospitality Group, where he oversaw the operation of 15 hotels.
As president, Hemmer will continue to supervise all field functions related to Vesta’s hotels, which include, but are not limited to, operations, sales and human resources. Hemmer will also explore expanded management platforms for Vesta to support the company’s continued portfolio growth.
Remington Hotels Appoints SVP, Business Development
Remington Hotels has named Tom Riley as SVP of business development. Riley will serve in a key leadership role to grow the company’s third-party platform with specific emphasis on the eastern region, to include supporting Remington’s clients in acquisitions, management transitions and new-build development efforts.
With nearly 30 years of hospitality experience, Riley joins Remington Hotels from Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants where he most recently served as VP of development. Riley also previously served as SVP of development at Marcus Hotels and Resorts.
Kempinski Hotels Names VP, Corporate HR
Kempinski Hotels S.A. has appointed Corinna Saur as VP corporate human resources. In her new role, she will undertake the human resources business partner role for the corporate office and will support the implementation of the company’s HR vision and strategy with a strong involvement in the development of future HR processes and policies.
Saur brings experiences from the human resources department in international companies such as InterContinental, Robinson or the Kameha Grand Zurich, a member of Autograph Collection Hotels, to her new position. Saur was assigned in 2018 as corporate director of human resources and training at Vienna House. In this role, Saur led the entire human resources function and helped develop the company culture and employer branding.
CityGate Hospitality Adds VP, Sales & Marketing
Hospitality industry veteran Cynthia Bock has joined CityGate Hospitality LLC as its VP of sales and marketing. Bock is focused on increasing exposure of the CityGate.
Most recently Bock spent more than a decade as SVP of leading sales, revenue management and marketing at Waterton, headquartered in Chicago. In March 2019, Waterton merged with Connecticut-based Waterford Hotel Group Inc.; Bock was part of the team that created Waterton’s hospitality division, which was 13 hotels strong. Bock has sales experience working with Marriott, Starwood, Hilton, Hyatt and IHG.
