BALI, INDONESIA—COMO Uma Canggu announced the appointment of I Kadek Sugiantara as the new Executive Chef. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Chef Sugiantara brings a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of innovative gastronomy. Chef Sugiantara will oversee the culinary operations at COMO Uma Canggu. His vision aligns with COMO Uma Canggu’s commitment to delivering elevated dining experiences inspired by sustainable practices and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This appointment marks a return to the COMO family for Chef Sugiantara, who is no stranger to the brand. He previously honed his craft at COMO Parrot Cay in Turks and...

SHAWANO, WIS.—NEWH, Inc. (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality), a premier association committed to scholarships, advancing education, mentorship, and networking in the hospitality industry, announced that NEWH, Inc. Past President Chris Tucker assumed the position of CEO of NEWH, Inc. and NEWH Canada, Inc. Previous CEO Shelia Lohmiller transitioned to NEWH, Inc. Chair Emerita/Founder, where she will still serve as an active and critical part of the organization. Tucker, who also serves as President of NEWH Canada, Inc., turned that role over to Tara Witt, current Vice President of Finance for the NEWH Canada, Inc. Board of Directors. With over 35 years in...

FALLS CHURCH, VA.—Inc., the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future, announced its eighth annual Female Founders list, honoring a bold group of 500 women whose innovations and ideas are leading their industries forward. These resilient entrepreneurs expressed grit and drive to collectively attract approximately $9 billion in 2024 revenue and $10.6 billion in funding. Lauren McCann was named to Inc.’s Female Founders 500, 2025, in the category of “Changemaker.” She is the Co-Founder & CEO of Procure Impact. Each year, Inc. editors review thousands of applications highlighting female founders who are challenging the status quo and tackling some of...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has appointed Kevin Carey as the new President and CEO of the AHLA Foundation. Effective immediately, Carey will take over this role while continuing his duties as AHLA’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). He succeeds Anna Blue, who left the position last month. The AHLA Foundation is focused on advancing the hospitality industry and creating opportunities for its workforce. Carey has been recognized for his strong leadership and advocacy for the foundation and its goals. AHLA CEO Rosanna Maietta noted Carey’s experience designing and gaining funding for industry-wide initiatives as a key asset...

TROY, N.Y.—Audubon International—the environmentally focused nonprofit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play—announces the addition of two golf industry executives to its Board of Directors: Rick Lohman, Senior Director of Corporate Accounts for The Toro Co., and Ruth Engle, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Troon Golf. As at-large board members, Lohman and Engle will lend their expertise and respected standing in the golf and business communities to further Audubon International’s core mission and execute its strategic plan. “Rick and Ruth are outstanding additions to our board,”...

LONDON—Winnow, a market-leader in AI-powered food waste management, announced an exclusive partnership with zero-waste chef and pioneer Vojtech Végh. As Winnow’s new Zero Waste Culinary Advisor, Vojtech brings his expertise in helping chefs to reimagine food waste. The focus of the partnership will be on reducing trimmings waste—an often-overlooked opportunity in commercial kitchens. “I’m thrilled to join Winnow as their new Zero Waste Culinary Advisor,” said Vojtech. “I’ve spent my career reimagining what’s possible with wasted ingredients. Winnow’s data shines a critical light on what ends up in the bin, and I see enormous potential in what we can achieve...

MILWAUKEE, WIS.—Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, an award-winning arts hotel owned and managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, announced Megan Woodard Johnson, a mixed-media abstract artist from West Bend, Wis., as its newest Artist in Residence. The year-long residency program for Midwest-based artists provides working space in the hotel’s studio, allowing artists to continue creating while also interacting with hotel guests. Johnson is Saint Kate’s third Artist in Residence. “Saint Kate is known for creating unique connections with everyone who visits,” said Linda Marcus, one of Saint Kate’s visionaries and a nationally recognized multidisciplinary artist, designer, and storyteller. “By selecting Megan as Saint...

QUITO, ECUADOR—President Daniel Noboa has appointed Mateo Julián Estrella Durán as the new Minister of Tourism of Ecuador. Estrella Durán brings extensive experience in tourism management, international relations, and sustainable development, highlighting a commitment to enhancing Ecuador’s position as a top global destination. Prior to this, he was an advisor at the Ministry of Tourism playing a pivotal role as a key advisor, driving strategies that significantly boosted Ecuador’s visibility in international markets. In addition, he has also led the Ecuadorian Association of Eco-Tourism and Adventure Travel, advocating eco-friendly practices and community partnerships for more inclusive economic growth. “I am...

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS—The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced the appointment of Trinidad and Tobago national Narendra Ramgulam as its new Sustainable Tourism Consultant. Ramgulam brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position, focusing on advancing sustainable practices across the Caribbean region. As a leading regional tourism development agency, CTO is committed to promoting sustainable tourism that benefits the Caribbean people economically and socially. Ramgulam’s appointment aligns with the CTO’s mission to create a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector in the Caribbean. His expertise in sustainable tourism, coupled with his passion for the region, will be instrumental in driving...

OTTAWA — The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) has named Beth McMahon as its new President and CEO. An award-winning association leader, McMahon brings extensive experience to the role and is poised to lead the HAC into an exciting new chapter of growth and advocacy success. McMahon has been a transformative leader in association management for over twenty years. Most recently, she served as chief executive officers of the Canadian Institute of Planners, growing its membership by more than 40 percent and substantially expanding its position with government and key partners. Prior to that, McMahon held the position of vice-president,...