NATIONAL REPORT—The following companies have bolstered their leadership rosters— Twenty Four Seven Hotels, Dream Hotel Group, HP Hotels and more. Here are the details:
Twenty Four Seven Hotels Names VP of Operations
Twenty Four Seven Hotels has appointed John Blem as VP of operations. In his new role, Blem will provide leadership for the entire portfolio through a team of regional directors in his role to oversee all aspects of hotel operations and guest services.
Also critical to his role, Blem will interface with owners to ensure the company exceeds investment objectives on hotel assets throughout the portfolio. He will report directly to David Wani, CEO of Twenty Four Seven Hotels.
“John is a dynamic addition to our executive team,” said Wani. “He is a tested and decorated leader with experience and expertise which will contribute to our overall mission of creating an inspiring workplace and maximizing owner returns.”
Dream Hotel Group Appoints VP of Development, Asia Pacific
Dream Hotel Group has tapped Kitmun Fung as VP of development, Asia Pacific. Based in Singapore, Fung oversee the development of new projects and sourcing new deals in the Asia Pacific region for Dream Hotel Group and its portfolio of lifestyle brands: Dream Hotels, Time Hotels, The Chatwal and Unscripted Hotels.
Fung brings a broad background in business strategy, finance, and mergers & acquisitions to Dream Hotel Group with nearly 10 years working in financial services, and another decade of hospitality experience.
“Dream Hotel Group’s global expansion is moving at a fast pace as we diligently work to introduce our brands to the Asian Pacific market. We are happy to have Kitmun bring her demonstrated expertise to Dream Hotel Group,” said Abid Butt, Dream Hotel Group CEO for Asia, Middle East and Africa. “As the company’s growth continues to move in an upwards trajectory, we are grateful to have a strong team positioning us for success worldwide.”
HP Hotels Adds VP of Hotel Accounting
HP Hotels has hired Michael Capizzi to serve as VP of hotel accounting. He will oversee and be responsible for all aspects of the hotel accounting process while interacting with operations management teams at both the hotel and corporate levels, as well as cultivating ongoing relationships with current and future owners and ownership groups. In addition, Capizzi will be instrumental in the fortification of HP Hotels’ Internal Controls compliance processes at both the hotel and corporate levels.
AHLA Names VP of Member Engagement & Services
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) named Kiersten Pearce as VP of member engagement & services. In this new role, Pearce will use her wealth of travel and hospitality experience to ensure that AHLA continues to deliver a compelling value proposition model to the more than 26,000 members across all membership categories, according to the company.
Reporting to AHLA COO and EVP Kevin Carey, Pearce will focus on expanding the membership base and the revenue for the largest national association representing the U.S. lodging industry.
AHLEF Names Director of Donor Relations and Development
The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AHLEF) has appointed Kara Johnson Filer as director of donor relations and development. Filer brings more than a decade of extensive nonprofit experience to the Foundation in her new role overseeing the expansion of AHLEF’s donor and member relations activities.
Reporting to Rosanna Maietta, AHLEF president, Filer will manage relationships with partner organizations and bolster AHLEF’s member relations outreach. Working closely with the rest of the AHLEF team, she will lead fundraising initiatives and drive key donor relations priorities in order to promote the organization’s focus on scholarships, apprenticeships and workforce development programs that advance the careers of employees in the hospitality industry.