NATIONAL REPORT—CWT, First Hospitality and CoralTree Hospitality Group have made some personnel moves. Here’s a look at the new industry hires:
CWT Appoints John Pelant as EVP/Chief Technology Officer
CWT has appointed John Pelant as EVP/chief technology officer. Based in Minneapolis, Pelant will report to Kurt Ekert, president/CEO of CWT, and serve as a member of the CWT Executive Leadership Team. Formerly CWT’s chief information officer (CIO), Pelant will oversee the continued development of CWT’s engineering and technology, innovation and IT infrastructure and operations. He will take over these responsibilities from Andrew Jordan, who has decided to leave the company at the end of 2019.
First Hospitality Promotes Sam Schwartz to VP of Asset Management
First Hospitality has promoted Sam Schwartz to VP of asset management. In his new role, Schwartz is responsible for driving investment value for the First Hospitality investor group and owners across the portfolio, as well as working with operating teams to maximize performance. Prior to his promotion, Schwartz served as general manager of the Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick Place at Hilton’s first ever tri-branded property. Schwartz also held the role of development director at First Hospitality.
CoralTree Hospitality Group Hires Shirli Sensenbrenner as SVP of Design and Development
CoralTree Hospitality Group has hired Shirli Sensenbrenner as SVP of design and development services. Sensenbrenner has more than 30 years of experience in high-end interior architectural design, project management, and hotel design and development. Sensenbrenner works with owners and property teams on hotel planning and development. She also plays a role in business development where she creates programs, visions and budgets for potential acquisitions and then advises on implementation of the chosen strategy, direction and repositioning. She joins the CoralTree team after two decades of leading the Destination Hotels/Two Roads Hospitality design and development services.