Execs on the Move: Viceroy, CHMWarnick, Mainsail, AAHOA; More…

NATIONAL REPORT—Hotel Business has been tracking personnel moves across the industry. Here’s a look at the companies naming leadership and revamping their teams:

Viceroy Hotels and Resorts Promotes Hilda Delgado to CFO

Viceroy Hotels and Resorts has promoted Hilda Delgado to CFO. Delgado was most recently SVP of hotel finance where her responsibilities included oversight of all financial operations within the company’s managed portfolio. In this new role, Delgado will continue to lead financial operations, in addition to leading the company’s corporate finance and accounting teams, risk management, strategic planning and the continued growth of Viceroy Hotels & Resorts. Before joining the Viceroy team, Delgado was with RLJ Lodging Trust. During this time, she played a role in the company’s IPO as well as its public merger with FelCor Lodging Trust in 2017.

CHMWarnick Names Diane Tanner Fox as SVP

CHMWarnick has named Diane Tanner Fox, CHAM (Certified Hotel Asset Manager), SVP. In her new role, Fox will be responsible for maintaining and strengthening CHMWarnick’s Midwestern presence through the establishment of a Chicago office. Most recently, Fox served as EVP of a national hotel asset management firm, where she oversaw the company’s West Coast portfolio of 14 hotels totaling approximately $1 billion in asset value.

Mainsail Lodging & Development Names VP of Business Development & Projects

Mainsail Lodging & Development has appointed Taylor Gray as VP of business development and projects. In the newly created role, Gray will contribute to growing Mainsail’s hotel portfolio through new developments, acquisitions and third-party management opportunities. He will also oversee the underwriting, feasibility and project coordination of all future hotels in Mainsail Lodging & Development’s pipeline. Gray joins Mainsail Lodging & Development from Hostmark Hospitality Group, where he served as corporate director of business development. Gray was responsible for identifying and sourcing acquisition and development opportunities, including leading the feasibility analysis, deal underwriting and due diligence processes.

Jagruti Panwala Becomes Chairwoman of AAHOA

Pennsylvania hotelier Jagruti Panwala is the new chairwoman of AAHOA. Panwala became chair during the association’s 2019 Convention and Trade Show which was held at the San Diego Convention Center. Panwala is the first woman to lead the association in its 30-year history. Over the next year, Panwala said she will focus on bolstering AAHOA’s advocacy efforts at the state and local level, building out the association’s political action committee and encouraging more hoteliers to seek leadership roles within AAHOA and the hospitality industry. Panwala joined AAHOA in 2001 and served on the AAHOA Board of Directors as Female Director Eastern Division. AAHOA members elected her as secretary in 2016. She is the president/CEO of Wealth Protection Strategies. Panwala is an AAHOA Certified Hotel Owner (CHO).

Radisson Hotel Group Names Efrem Berman VP, Global Loyalty

Radisson Hotel Group has named Efrem Berman as vice president, global Loyalty. Berman previously served as head of global loyalty and engagement at Radisson Hotel Group. In this new role, Berman develops and oversees the global loyalty strategy while ensuring the current business is operating effectively. Berman joined Radisson Hotel Group in 2017. During this time, he has rebranded the loyalty program to Radisson Rewards and repositioned the program as a strategic enabler of the company. Berman and his team are responsible for equipping the business to maximize the value of Radisson Rewards by creating a differentiated experience for members and delivering incremental value for hotels.

HEI Hotels & Resorts Promotes Three

HEI Hotels & Resorts has made three new promotions: Rachel Moniz to EVP, operations; Dan Walworth to EVP and chief compliance officer; and Marcus Harris to EVP, hotel finance.

Moniz joined HEI in 2008 as general manager of the then newly acquired Liberty Hotel in Boston. She was promoted in 2014 to corporate director of independent brands and regional VP. Most recently, she served as SVP, luxury, lifestyle and independent brands and F&B.

Walworth began working for HEI as director of operational planning in 2007. He since has held a variety of roles within the company, including senior regional VP of operations and, most recently, SVP of operations strategy. Previously, he held roles as the director of strategy and planning for a national private residence club and was an associate in a middle-market investment bank.

Harris became director of finance for HEI’s Sheraton Buckhead in 2002. He held the position of VP of regional hotel finance for 11 years before being promoted to SVP of finance, hotel regions. Before joining HEI, Harris held positions with Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International.

Dorothy Dowling Named Allied Leadership Council President for Global Business Travel Association

Dorothy Dowling, SVP/chief marketing officer for Best Western Hotels & Resorts, has been named Allied Leadership Council (ALC) president for the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)—a professional association and a leading source of business travel knowledge. Dowling will continue to play a key role in setting the strategic direction of GBTA and shaping the organization’s future. In her new role, Dowling will remain a champion for diversity and inclusion within the hospitality sector, continuing as Chair on the Strategic Advisory Board for WINiT by GBTA—a network focused on the advancement of women professionals in the industry.