NATIONAL REPORT—Hotel Business has been following industry executives on the move. RLH Corp. has promoted Paul Sacco; AHLA has appointed a new VP of strategic partnerships and business development; and there’s a new VP of operations at Almanac Hotels, among others. Here are the details:
RLH Corp. Promotes Paul Sacco
RLH Corp. has promoted Paul Sacco to EVP, president of global development. In his new role, he will oversee all franchise growth efforts for RLH Corp. brands worldwide, with a focus on organic growth. He joined the company in September 2017. In his role, he oversaw development of the company’s upscale brands, including 10 new franchise license agreements with hotels owned by affiliates of Inner Circle Investments; the company’s first refreshed Signature hotel in San Francisco; and The Island by Hotel RL, the first resort destination for the brand, among many other key hotel signings. Prior to joining RLH Corp., Sacco was president and chief development officer at TPG Hotels & Resorts, and held senior development roles at Pyramid Hotel Group and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.
AHLA Names VP of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development
The AHLA has appointed Adrienne Weil as VP of strategic partnerships and business development, focusing on growing and strengthening partner relationships. She has more than a decade of experience with various member-based organizations and nonprofit organizations. In this new role, she will be responsible for designing and implementing a strategy to advance AHLA’s partnerships with top industry suppliers and service providers. She will also oversee relationship management and sales with industry vertical partners, ensuring higher engagement and satisfaction levels for these key relationships.
Almanac Hotels Appoints VP of Operations
Almanac Hotels has appointed Jean-Paul Dantil as VP of operations. He brings more than 20 years of luxury hospitality experience to his role in the company. Most recently, Dantil served as GM of The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Bahrain.
MGM Resorts International Adds President of Interactive Gaming
MGM Resorts International revealed that Scott Butera has joined the company as president of interactive gaming. In this role, he will provide strategic leadership on the development for interactive gaming, which includes sports betting and skill-based gaming opportunities. Butera’s immediate focus will be on MGM Resorts’ sports betting strategy as the company works to expand its sports wagering operations to new U.S. markets.
Jumeirah Appoints Chief Culinary Officer
Jumeirah Group has appointed Michael Ellis as chief culinary officer. He joins Jumeirah Group from Michelin Restaurant and Hotel Guides, where he was global director for Europe, Asia and the Americas. He will focus on developing new restaurant concepts, attracting and upskilling culinary talent, and enhancing existing restaurants to higher levels.
Loews Hotels & Co. Makes Appointments
Loews Hotels & Co. has added senior-level appointments including Dan Kornick as CIO and Gary Womack as SVP of design and construction.
