People on the move

Hospitality companies have made promotions and new hires, including a new director of revenue and distribution at Magnuson Hotels.

Magnuson Hotels promotes Malik to director of revenue and distribution
Magnuson Hotels has promoted Adnan Malik to director of revenue and distribution. The move followed the group’s appointment of Jérémie Dardard as COO, as it expands in both the U.S. and U.K.

Malik joined the group four years ago as portfolio revenue manager, following top tier London assignments at Guoman Hotels, Wyndham Grand Chelsea Harbour, Doyle Collection, Strand Palace Hotel, Dorsett and Royal Thames Yacht Club.

Since 2018, he has been instrumental in driving Magnuson Hotels’ distribution and revenue strategy which has outperformed the U.S. hotel industry three years in a row, according to the company. Most recently, in 2021, Magnuson Hotels’ Independent Collection showed a RevPAR increase of 40.5% over 2019, while the U.S. suffered a 16.8% RevPAR loss.

PHM promotes Joe Palmer to VP, risk management
Peachtree Hospitality Management (PHM) has promoted Joe Palmer, director of people and culture. to VP, risk management.

In this newly created role, he takes responsibility for providing the strategic vision for the company’s insurance, safety and risk controls. He also coordinates with other organizational functions to enhance the risk management culture. Palmer will report to Patrick Short, PHM’s president.

Palmer has spent 20 in human resources for the hospitality industry. He held leadership positions with Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort, South Seas Island Resort and the Inns of Sanibel and Streamsong Resort. Before joining PHM in 2019, Palmer provided corporate support for a portfolio of 77 full-service and select-service properties.

Avion Hospitality appoints executive team
Avion Hospitality, a third-party hotel management company, has appointed several executive team members, who are all veterans in the hospitality industry. Each will serve to maximize Avion’s owner resources in the areas of operations, sales and revenue management.

“We have a stellar group of people who collectively have over 90 years of experience in all sectors of the hospitality industry and have proven success in optimization of hotel operations,” said Robert Burg, CEO/founder, Avion Hospitality. “These executives are experts in their respective positions and will be integral to Avion Hospitality’s performance and growth; I am delighted and humbled to be a part of such a seasoned class of professionals.”

Ila Smith has been named SVP, revenue and commercial services. With more than 30 years of hospitality experience, she brings a deep and varied experience to Avion clients as an expert in hotel operations, revenue management, sales and cost-efficiency. Prior to Avion, she served as the regional VP of sales and marketing for Aimbridge Hospitality. She has worked with Goldman Sachs, The Blackstone Group, Crow Holdings, AVR Realty Group, Highline and holds close relationships with Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt and IHG Brands.

Faisal Kamal has been named VP of operations. He was the regional VP of operations for Aimbridge Hospitality since 2009 and has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

Chad Tiedt is the regional VP of sales. His record of financial and market share results spans 30 years of experience both at the property level and above property level with companies including Aimbridge Hospitality, Crestline Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Meristar Hospitality, Capstar Hospitality and Medallion Hotels.

Stacey Brown is the VP of HR. She has 20-plus years of experience in human resources. Her tenure extends to HR people operations in corporate and consumer-facing environments within professional services, hospitality, sales, technology and restaurant industries. In her current role, she is responsible for leading the overall human resources strategy, talent acquisition, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, organization design and cultural development, compensation and benefits as well as employee relations.

Curry joins Ted Turner Reserves as VP
Ted Turner Reserves has appointed destination resort and hospitality veteran Lindsay Curry as its VP of sales and marketing.

She leads a group of hospitality professionals to include sales, marketing, revenue and reservations, for Ted Turner Reserves’ four properties in New Mexico: Vermejo in Raton, NM; Ladder in Caballo, NM; Armendaris in Engle, NM; and Sierra Grande in Truth or Consequences, NM.

Curry brings more than 20 years of hospitality sales and marketing experience to the company, most recently serving as VP of sales for Enchantment Group in Scottsdale, AZ. Prior to her 13-year tenure with Enchantment Group, she was involved in the sales success of numerous independent destination and lifestyle resorts in the western U.S., providing hands-on sales oversight and strategic leadership in all business segments.