NATIONAL REPORT—Whether it’s celebrating an anniversary, receiving an award, earning a certification, debuting a new product or expanding the business, hotel companies and vendors achieve new milestones on a daily basis. Here’s a look at recent accomplishments:
Hall Structured Finance Named #1 Non-Bank Hotel Construction Lender in U.S.
Dallas-based Hall Structured Finance (HSF) has been listed as the top non-bank hotel construction lender in the U.S. in 2018, according to research firm Real Capital Analytics. The data also revealed that HSF was the ninth largest hotel construction lender overall, including both bank and non-bank lending sources in the U.S.
“In today’s lending climate, it is very difficult for borrowers to obtain construction financing for hotels through traditional banks,” said Mike Jaynes, president of HSF. “In light of this, HSF has stepped in to fill this void and make it possible for high-quality developments across the U.S. to move forward. We are optimistic about the current pipeline of new, strong hotel developments in markets throughout the U.S., and plan to continue expanding our flexible loan program this year to meet the demand.”
Tarkett Makes Changes to its Team
Tarkett, a sustainable flooring and sports surface solutions company, has made changes to its executive management committee.
Pierre Barrard, strategic marketing & digital EVP, member of the executive management committee, has been appointed strategic marketing, digital and innovation EVP. He oversees the group’s Innovation team in close collaboration with the divisions and operations.
Antoine Prevost, operations EVP, member of the executive management committee, has been appointed research and development and operations EVP. He oversees the group research team, which is crucial to Tarkett’s industrial and procurement challenges. Until now, Tarkett’s research and innovation capabilities were headed by Anne-Christine Ayed.
In addition to these changes, Tarkett also has new leadership in North America with the appointment of Jeff Fenwick as interim president/CEO of Tarkett North America. Fenwick will join the group’s executive management committee and will remain based in Tarkett’s North American headquarters, in Solon, OH.
With more than 20 years of experience in the interior design industry, Fenwick joined Tarkett in October 2012 and was recently promoted as COO for Tarkett North America. Prior to Tarkett, he served as general manager of Kimball Office and VP of Kimball International.
Four Seasons Establishes Empowerment Fund in Honor of J. Allen Smith
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has established an empowerment fund at the School of Hotel Administration in honor of its former CEO, J. Allen Smith ’80, MPS ‘86.
The J. Allen and Katherine Smith/Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Empowerment Fund will provide a holistic program supporting underrepresented minority and first-generation students to help ensure their current and future success. This includes mentoring, professional development and career guidance.
“I’m extremely grateful to Four Seasons for honoring Allen’s many contributions to the hospitality industry with the creation of this fund,” said Kate Walsh, dean and E. M. Statler professor at the School of Hotel Administration. “This generous gift will enable our students to feel supported and thrive as they prepare to become our next generation of industry leaders.”
Hansgrohe USA Appoints Anderson Senior Director of eBusiness
Hansgrohe USA, a manufacturer of kitchen and bath products, has appointed Ryan Anderson as senior director of eBusiness.
Formerly the director of digital and e-commerce for Franke Kitchen North America, Anderson brings experience in e-commerce strategy, business development and leadership to Hansgrohe’s eBusiness department.
HSMAI Honors Greater New York as Chapter of the Year
The HSMAI Greater New York Chapter was named Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International 2017-2018 Chapter of the Year at HSMAI’s annual Mike Leven Leadership Conference at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. The Chapter of the Year winner and the “Chapter Best of the Best” award recipients were honored at the conference.
“Our chapters continue to develop innovative programs and events that help members improve revenue performance for their hotels and their partners,” said Fran Brasseux, HSMAI EVP. “We are proud to honor these talented chapters for their outstanding work.”
At the Leadership Conference, HSMAI recognized chapters in the Americas Region for leadership, communications, education, membership, partnership and special events.
This year’s Frank W. Berkman Best of the Best winners are:
Leadership Award Winners
- Brian Hall, Missouri Chapter
- Vicki Gideon, Oregon Chapter
- Darline Dondl, Central Florida Chapter
- Jennifer Schlabach, Austin Chapter
Large Chapter Winners
- Arizona: Communications, Partnership
- New York: Education, Partnership, Special Events
- South Florida: Membership
Medium Chapter Winners
- Boston: Membership
- Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex: Education
- Central Florida: Communications, Partnership
- Hawaii: Special Events
Small Chapter Winners
- Austin: Communications
- British Columbia: Membership, Partnership
- Missouri: Special Events
- North Carolina: Education
- Southern Colorado: Education
Collegiate Chapter of the Year
- JMU: James Madison University (Washington DC Parent Chapter)