US hotel hires, promotions: OTO Development promotes new VP of sales

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

Haager has been promoted to vice president of sales at OTO Development. Haager joined OTO in June 2006 in an on-property sales position and quickly moved into corporate roles of increasing responsibility. By implementing aggressive sales strategies, innovative outreach programs and scalable training, she has consistently ensured that performance objectives are achieved at every hotel under her purview.

Heidenreich has been appointed as senior vice president of operations at Makeready. Heidenreich brings more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including a long tenure with Omni Hotels & Resorts, where he advanced from director of rooms to senior vice president of operations.

Hollis has been appointed as chief growth officer at First Hospitality. Hollis joins First Hospitality from Evolution Hospitality, the lifestyle division of Aimbridge Hospitality, where she served in various roles since 2014, most recently as the senior vice president of business development. While in this position, Hollis grew Evolution Hospitality’s portfolio from 27 hotels to 90 hotels over the course of her tenure.

Lavaux has been appointed as chief financial officer at Makeready. Lavaux is an accomplished financial executive with deep experience in the hospitality industry. He is recognized for his servant leadership style and ability to build strong connections with teams, guiding organizations through growth and transformation.

Stadler has been appointed as chief investment officer at Dreamscape Hospitality. He most recently served as chief investment officer at Aimbridge Hospitality, where he played a critical role in scaling the company from 150 hotels and a $100 million valuation to more than 1,500 hotels worldwide valued at over $1.8 billion, making him an invaluable addition to Dreamscape.

Austin-Harris has been appointed as general manager of the Great Wolf Lodge Webster in Webster, Texas. Since January 2024, she has served as general manager of Great Wolf Lodge Southern California, overseeing operations and continuing to deliver guest experiences.

Gagnon has been appointed as general manager of Seaport Hotel in Boston. He most recently served as resort manager at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster, Massachusetts, where he led a team of more than 600 associates and achieved Forbes Travel Guide recognition.

Hassani has been promoted to general manager at the Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound in Centralia, Washington. Before his appointment, Hassani served as the assistant general manager at Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound beginning in 2022. Prior to joining Great Wolf Lodge, he was the complex director of operations for DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport and Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center.

Hocking has been appointed as general manager at the Clayton Hotel & Members Club in Denver. He brings more than 15 years of hospitality leadership across operations, food and beverage, and guest experience. Most recently, Hocking served as general manager of Catbird Hotel, where he guided the property through a period of growth and strengthened its reputation in Denver.

Kinker has been appointed as general manager of The St. Regis Atlanta in Atlanta. Kinker’s journey began at The Ritz-Carlton, where he advanced through leadership roles in food and beverage, banquets and restaurant operations before becoming director of food and beverage at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, where the hotel earned the Forbes Five Star Award. He then joined The Tampa Edition team, where he served as hotel manager and director of operations.

Taffin has been appointed as the general manager of the Great Wolf Lodge Maryland in Perryville, Maryland. Prior to his current role, Taffin served as the general manager at Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound where he spearheaded the resort’s $40 million renovation and oversaw key operational enhancements focused on improving guest experience and overall performance.

Nelson has been appointed as director of sales and marketing at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in Lahaina, Hawaii. Most recently, he spent more than five years as director of commercial strategy at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa where he led sales, marketing and revenue initiatives that elevated the resort’s market position and performance.

Walker has been appointed as event sales manager at the Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver in Denver. Before moving to Denver, Walker worked in Grand Teton National Park and later as a Front Desk agent at Hyatt Place Downtown Athens in Georgia, where she quickly became known as the “Swiss Army Knife” of the team. She excelled in both front desk operations and banquets, frequently assuming the responsibilities of banquet captain.

Bell has been appointed as executive chef at The Reserve at The Highland at the recently renovated The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton in Dallas. His resume includes time at The Joule Hotel, The Arts District Mansion and The Fort Worth Crescent Hotel, as well as formative years spent in Belgium and Japan that continue to inspire his work today.

Oliveri has been appointed as pastry chef at Espacio The Jewel of Waikiki in Honolulu. A German native and longtime Hawaii resident, Oliveri has lived in Hawaii for 21 years, elevating pastry programs at some of Oahu’s most iconic resorts such as The Kahala Hotel & Resort and The Moana Surfrider Hotel.

Skarstrom has been appointed as the executive chef of the Conrad New York Downtown in New York City. Skarstrom joins the hotel from Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square, where he played a key role in the opening of Hilton’s first Tempo by Hilton location. During his tenure at the hotel, he developed menus and kitchen systems for the 663-room property, trained and developed sous chefs and line cooks, and oversaw restaurant buyouts, including for the hotel’s annual New Year’s Eve gala dinners.

Garcia has been appointed as director of operations at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle's Southport at Seattle's Southport in Renton, Washington. Most recently, he was in the same position at the Hyatt Centric at the Pike, where he dedicated his time to prioritizing colleague well-being and ensuring every team member felt valued and supported.

Heil has been appointed as area managing director at the Clayton Hotel & Members Club and Halcyon in Denver. His career spans leadership roles with Viceroy Hotels, Lido House and The Ritz-Carlton.

To be included in an upcoming CoStar News Hotels U.S. Hires and Promotions List, email Associate Editor Trevor Simpson here.

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