WorldHotels Names New CEO; More Execs on the Move…

NATIONAL REPORT—Hospitality companies are bolstering their leadership rosters. Here’s a look at recent personnel shifts from WorldHotels, Choice and Hilton:

WorldHotels Selects Kristin Intress as CEO

WorldHotels has selected Kristin Intress as the company’s new CEO. Effective immediately, Intress will succeed Geoff Andrew who is stepping down to pursue other interests. Intress previously served as the company’s CEO, and played a role in building the brand as a leader in the independent hotel sector. Intress has more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality, technology and healthcare industries, including previously serving as CEO of WorldHotels. She is an entrepreneur, having started and purchased several companies, including restaurants, a resort, a medical training center and a hospitality technology company. Throughout her career, she has built a diverse experience base—leading two companies as CEO, holding sales and marketing leadership positions and serving in the military.

Choice Hotels Promotes Raúl Ramírez to SVP of International Strategic Planning

Choice Hotels International Inc. has promoted Raúl Ramírez to SVP of international strategic planning and global head of financial planning and analysis. In this expanded capacity, Ramírez will lead the financial and strategic long-range planning organizations for Choice’s international division as well as the global financial planning and analysis and revenue assurance organizations. Additionally, Ramírez will assume oversight for Choice’s corporate development and strategic investment efforts outside the U.S. and also provide leadership to the international division’s finance market leads. He will continue to report to Dominic Dragisich, chief financial officer, Choice Hotels. Ramírez has been a member of Choice’s finance team since 2017, when he joined as the company’s VP of strategic finance and financial planning and analysis.

Hilton Names Global Head of Waldorf Astoria and Conrad Brands

Hilton has revealed that Dino Michael will extend his current Waldorf Astoria brand head role to include the global brand head position for the Conrad brand effective Jan. 1, 2020. In his role, Michael will spearhead the brand innovation, strategic development and leadership initiatives for both the Waldorf Astoria and Conrad brands. Michael was appointed as the global brand head for Waldorf Astoria in June 2018 and has since overseen the addition of 13 luxury properties to the portfolio and the opening of Waldorf Astoria’s marquee luxury properties. Prior to that, Michael oversaw global brand development as VP for Hilton’s luxury portfolio. He brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience to the role, having held senior positions across several high-profile venues in the United Kingdom, including branded operations, hotel groups and fine-dining venues.