NATIONAL REPORT—Hotel Business is tracking industry appointments. PurpleCloud, Diamond Resorts, Ithaka Hospitality, Kokua Hospitality, DLR Group, CHMWarnick, Hard Rock, Choice Hotels International, White Lodging, Davidson Hotels & Resorts and PM Hotel Group have made changes to their leadership rosters. Here are the details.
PurpleCloud Appoints New COO
PurpleCloud Technologies hired Nicholas Fraunfelder to serve as the company’s COO. Prior to joining the company, he spent five years as chief revenue officer for Clockwise. He is also co-founder of Paulus Capital.
Diamond Resorts Appoints Jeffrey Solomon as CMO
Diamond Resorts has appointed Jeffrey Solomon as CMO. He most recently held the role of SVP and COO of Affinity Gaming Inc., where he helped drive operations at 11 casinos in seven markets and delivered double-digit property level EBITDA growth. Prior to that role, he held various positions within Caesars Entertainment Corporation and Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., including serving as SVP of marketing strategy/regional CMO, and VP and GM of Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.
Ithaka Hospitality Partners Appoints Paul Reggio as Managing Partner
Ithaka Hospitality Partners has hired Paul Reggio as managing partner. He began his new role in June. Prior to joining Ithaka, he served as hotel manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, overseeing total hotel operations for the 170-room luxury resort, 23 revenue shared residences, four food and beverage outlets and an ultra-luxury off-property private club. Additionally, he has served as director of hotel operations for the New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center, executive assistant manager, rooms division of The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans and front of house director for Hotel 71 in Chicago.
Kokua Hospitality Appoints VP of Sales & Marketing
Kokua Hospitality has appointed Joey Oliva as VP of sales and marketing. Over the last 30 years, she has developed experience with larger hotel groups—such as InterContinental Hotels Group, where she specialized in working with Kimpton Hotels, and Starwood—and boutique, independent hotel teams such as Larkspur Hotels and, most recently, Highgate Hotels. Her familiarity with the San Francisco market, as well as her work in Hawaii, San Diego, Beverly Hills, Long Beach, Laguna Beach and Las Vegas, prepares her uniquely to make meaningful contributions to Kokua’s mission and growth, according to the company.
DLR Group Adds Principals
DLR Group CEO Griff Davenport has appointed two new senior principals and 26 new principals. The two new hires are Joe Cicora and Jessie Johnson. These individuals represent the integrated design services of architecture, engineering, planning and interiors, as well as the disciplines of business development, graphic design and technology.
CHMWarnick Names Joe DeFrank (CHAM) SVP, Asset Manager
CHMWarnick has appointed Joe DeFrank (CHAM) to the position of SVP and asset manager. He will join Craig A. Mason (CHAM), EVP, in the company’s recently established Washington, DC Metro office and further cement the company’s presence in the mid-Atlantic region. Previously, he was SVP of asset management for Host Hotels & Resorts. He also held several prominent positions within Marriott International for nearly a decade and a half, culminating in director of finance.
Paul Pellizzari Joins Hard Rock’s Leadership Team
Hard Rock International has appointed Paul Pellizzari as VP of global social responsibility. In his previous role, he led social responsibility for Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and developed a global leadership position for the corporation. This work included building and leading OLG’s responsible gaming program. Prior to leading social responsibility for the OLG, Pellizzari led a research consulting practice at EthicScan Canada, developed social purpose marketing strategies for J. Walter Thompson and worked in corporate communications for Noranda Inc.
White Lodging Promotes Two Senior Leaders
White Lodging has promoted two senior leaders. Jean Luc Barone has assumed the role of COO for White Lodging’s Urban & Lifestyle portfolio, and David Lanterman has been promoted to SVP of operations for the company’s urban & lifestyle portfolio.
Choice Hotels Names VP of Brand Ops for Cambria
Choice Hotels has tapped Terri Ryan as VP of brand operations for Cambria Hotels. She joins the hospitality group with more than 20 years of industry experience. Most recently, she served as the SVP of hotel operations for Crestline Hotels & Resorts. Earlier in her career, she held a number of leadership roles at the property level.
Davidson Hotels & Resorts Grows Leadership Team
Davidson Hotels & Resorts has made several new leadership appointments, including Greg Griffie, SVP of F&B; Kevin Filer, SVP of design and construction; Vanessa Claspill, VP of sales; and Garron Gore, director of restaurant and bar development.
PM Hotel Group Names Regional Director of Sales & Marketing
PM Hotel Group has promoted Fran Owen to regional director of sales and marketing. She most recently served as the area director of sales and marketing. Prior to that, she was the director of sales and marketing at the Hilton Knoxville.
