US hotel hires and promotions: Hospitality Ventures Management Group hires president

Read the latest roundup of U.S.-based hires and promotions in the hotel industry.

Colton has been appointed as chief product technology officer at Convene Hospitality Group. Most recently, she served as chief technology officer at Axios Media, where she built the product, engineering and data organizations powering the company's editorial, commercial and consumer platforms.

Doyle has been promoted to senior director of marketing and communications at Makeready. She brings extensive expertise in hospitality, destination marketing, communications and community engagement in her nearly 20 years of experience.

Nail has been promoted to vice president of creative and brand experience at Makeready. Since joining Makeready in 2017, he has played an instrumental role in shaping the company's brand identity, storytelling, guest experiences, and creative direction across every touchpoint.

Sams has been appointed as president of Atlanta-based Hospitality Ventures Management Group. He joins HVMG most recently from Highgate Hotels, where he served as president. Previously, Sams held multiple leadership roles within the KSL portfolio, including serving for more than six years as chief operating officer of Peregrine Hospitality and Davidson Hospitality Group.

Ares has been appointed as general manager of the InterContinental San Diego. She joins the property following a successful tenure as general manager of the Kimpton Gray Hotel in Chicago and previous experience at InterContinental properties, including InterContinental Boston and InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile.

Shields has been appointed as general manager of The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail in Colorado. He brings extensive operational expertise, strategic leadership and a deep commitment to service excellence to his role.

Valencia has been appointed as general manager of the Kimpton Monaco Salt Lake City. He steps into the position following successful assignments as interim general manager at both Kimpton RiverPlace Portland and Kimpton Pittman Dallas.

Birnbaum has been appointed as regional director of sales and marketing for Moxy Hotels in New York and Miami. A seasoned hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience, she has spearheaded notable hotel portfolio launches including Moxy Williamsburg, The William Vale, The Hoxton, Langham, Chicago, and Wythe Hotel.

Breen has been appointed as director of sales, marketing and events at The Driskill in Austin, Texas. Most recently, he served as director of sales, marketing and events at Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue Austin, where he oversaw sales and digital marketing efforts, driving strong year-over-year growth in group revenue while advancing the hotel’s overall performance and competitive positioning.

Odaka has been appointed as leisure sales director at the Ojai Valley Inn in California. She launched her hospitality career in 1991 as a member of the opening team at The Peninsula Beverly Hills before going on to lead West Coast global sales initiatives for renowned luxury portfolios including The Leading Hotels of the World, representing more than 450 independent luxury hotels worldwide, and Auberge Resorts Collection, overseeing strategic sales efforts across its collection of 26 award-winning properties.

Dunton has been appointed as director of food and beverage at The Maya, Long Beach in California. Most recently, Dunton created Risu, a full-service bar and tapas restaurant located along the Rainbow Bridge adjacent to the Long Beach Convention Center.

Farnsworth has been appointed as executive chef of The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail in Colorado. His career has taken him through a diverse portfolio of celebrated hospitality and culinary operations, including the Historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in California, as well as leadership positions with Marriott, Hilton Hotels and Troon Golf.

Kopp has been appointed as executive chef of American Bar & Grille at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Most recently, he served as executive chef of Amada at Ocean Casino Resort, following previous roles at American Cut at Ocean Casino Resort, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino and Guy Fieri’s Chophouse at Bally’s Hotel and Casino.

Mardigian has been appointed as executive sous chef at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He joined the resort’s culinary team in 2007 as executive chef of the former Wolfgang Puck American Grille before going on to lead the kitchen at American Bar & Grille, which opened in 2021.

Quintana has been appointed as chef de cuisine of Lacroix at The Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia. Most recently, he was executive sous chef at Fork, part of Philadelphia-based High Street Hospitality Group, where he developed seasonal modern American menus and managed daily kitchen operations.

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