Melia, HVMG, LTD, Outrigger Make Personnel Moves

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Hospitality companies are reshaping their teams with recent appointments. Here’s the latest news from Melia Hotels International, Hospitality Ventures Management Group, Outrigger Hospitality Group and LTD Hospitality Group:

Melia VP of the Americas Steps Down, Hotelier is Appointed
Alvaro Tejeda Schroeder, VP for the Americas for Melia Hotels International (MHI) has stepped down. His career with Melia Hotels International has spanned almost 30 years in seven different countries and most notably included the roles of area VP for EMEA, as well as his current role, where he was responsible for overseeing all MHI operations in the Americas and Caribbean for the past 10 years. His next venture will launch and lead a boutique consultancy firm to help investors and hoteliers wishing to step into or accelerate their growth in the hotel business across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Philippe Cassis has been appointed regional VP for the Americas, effective Aug. 20. His experience includes several regional SVP roles with Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Sun Resorts and more recently COO of Belmond.

HVMG Names New EVP/CIO
Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) has named Dana Tsakanikas EVP/chief investment officer. In the newly created role, Tsakanikas will work closely with Robert Cole, HVMG president/CEO, and Mary Beth Cutshall, EVP/chief development officer, along with the rest of the development and acquisitions team in support of the company’s growth efforts by sourcing new capital and structuring/transacting on acquisitions, joint ventures and dispositions, as well as executing on new and existing strategic partnerships and relationships. He also will support HVMG and its hotel partners with any property refinancing needs and assist with the oversight of existing investments and with value-creation asset management projects and routines. Tsakanikas most recently was EVP with Stonehill, the financial arm of Atlanta’s Peachtree Hotel Group. While there, he led strategic initiatives, sourced capital and structured and executed equity and debt transactions.

LTD Hospitality Group Names Director of Investments and Strategy
LTD Hospitality Group has named Dakshesh Patel the director of investments and strategy. This is a new position for LTD Hospitality Group. In this role, Patel will analyze and present conclusive data to assist the leadership team in strategic business-making decisions related to hotel acquisitions, development and existing portfolio operations. Patel joins LTD Hospitality Group from AIG Inc. where he spent six years. Most recently, he was junior manager in the New York City office, where he oversaw domestic and international finance operations, consolidation and transformation within property casualty.

Outrigger Hospitality Group Adds to Team with Five Appointments
Outrigger Hospitality Group has appointed five new corporate and management positions.

Brent Teraoka has been named director of marketing and hotel performance for the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and Hawaii Vacation Condos by Outrigger properties. Teraoka will oversee and maintain property marketing plans as well as review performance, strategies and tactics. Additionally, Teraoka will responsible for global strategic media planning and negotiations of consumer, OTA and travel-trade marketing, print, radio, search and display. Teraoka comes to Outrigger with experience from Tableau Software, Getty Images, LinkedIn Corporation, Slalom Consulting, Microsoft Corporation, Accenture and The Walt Disney Company.

Lilly Hajime was promoted to HRIS (Human Resource Information Systems) manager where she plays a role in the implementation, administration and optimization of HR and payroll-related systems. Additionally, she will enhance the HRIS system, and work closely with external service providers to support the business system. She previously held the position of senior HR specialist, benefits at Outrigger.

Laverne Bisara is the new director of revenue management at the Outrigger-managed Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk. Her responsibilities include creating strategies to ensure maximum market share, revenue and occupancy growth for the property. She joins Outrigger from Kauai where she held management roles at the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas and the Sheraton Kauai Resort.

Carly Clement has been appointed the position of resort manager of Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Clement will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Outrigger’s flagship property. She comes to Outrigger with experience from Two Roads Hospitality in California, The Modern Honolulu, Four Seasons Resorts Hualalai and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide on Kauai and Oahu.

Vince Robinson has been named hotel manager for the Outrigger-managed Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk. His responsibilities include supporting the property general manager in leading all operational aspects of the property, including sales, host engagement, customer service, food and beverage and financial performance. Prior to joining Outrigger, Robinson held food and beverage management positions at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel & Spa in Arizona, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, Hilton Hawaiian Village Hilton Tucson El Conquistador in Arizona, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and Pechanga Resort Casino in California.