SAN FRANCISCO—The InterContinental Mark Hopkins in San Francisco announced that Michael Pace is the hotel’s new General Manager. Pace was previously Area General Manager for Sonesta Hotels, based at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, San Francisco. Walking back into the InterContinental Mark Hopkins brings General Manager Michael Pace’s nearly three-decade career in hospitality full circle. “My first hotel job in America was Convention Services Manager at the Mark Hopkins and my first apartment was ten blocks away,” says Pace. “I have great affection for the hotel and the neighborhood—it is really special to be able to come back to where...

HOLLYWOOD, FLA.—Hard Rock International announces the appointment of Paul Pellizzari as Vice President of Global Social Responsibility. In his new position, Pellizzari will hold overall accountability for the growing entertainment brand’s social responsibility programs and initiatives. In his previous role, Pellizzari led social responsibility for Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and developed a global leadership position for the corporation. This work included building and leading OLG’s responsible gaming program, which was named “Best Overall Responsible Gaming Program in the World” by the World Lottery Association in 2014 and won 16 other national and international awards. “It is a pleasure to...

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.—GreenTree Hospitality Group Inc., a leading U.S. hotel owner, operator and franchisor of GreenTree Inn, recently announced the appointment and promotion of Amanda Saye as Vice President of Franchise Operations. Saye joined GreenTree in 2016 where she was tasked in leading the hotel brand’s marketing strategy and development efforts throughout the United States, including the successful launch of its GiveBack Rewards loyalty program in 2017. In addition, Saye completed a full web redesign and launch of its hotel brand website, implementing all print and digital promotions, managed the day-to-day and fulfillment of its loyalty program, developed all property marketing...

TROY, N.Y.—Frank LaVardera has been named the Director of Environmental Programs for Golf (ACSP) at Audubon International, the trusted name in environmental stewardship and certification on the world’s golf courses. In this new role, LaVardera will oversee AI’s highly regarded Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf as well as the Signature and Classic Sanctuary programs for new and renovating golf courses. His department will also include the organization’s newest programs—Monarchs in the Rough and the Raptor Relocation Network. LaVardera brings extensive experience as an environmental consultant working on a wide range of projects. This experience includes preparation of environmental resource plans,...

PARIS—AccorHotels announces the appointment of Emlyn Brown as Vice President, Wellbeing for AccorHotels’ luxury and upper upscale brands. “We are delighted to have Emlyn join our team; his experience, skill set and leadership traits position him well for future success within the Group,” said Rick Harvey Lam, Senior Vice-President, AccorHotels Luxury Brands, Global Brand Marketing. “Emlyn will direct our global strategy in the pivotal area of wellbeing, enhancing our global luxury wellness offering through transformative guest experiences integrated with our leading spa and wellness standards.” Brown brings over 20 years of international experience to this role, beginning his wellness career in 1996....

NEW ORLEANS—The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center continues to lead the way into a green future with their award-winning Sustainability Program, which aims to improve the environment through innovations in the use of energy conservation techniques, renewable energy, and more. The Convention Center continues to follow through on its commitment to being a sustainability champion through collaborative efforts with like-minded community partners. Beginning in 2010, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center’s sustainability program continues to be a model of excellence for the steps taken to reduce the building’s impact on the environment. The Convention Center recently...

Name: Vicki McMichael Title: Director of Compliance and Sustainability, Parks and Resorts Company: Delaware North Companies Years in Current Position: Two Primary Responsibilities: “There’s not a typical day for me. One of my most important roles is connecting the dots between the properties, interacting with NGOs, being an ambassador for GreenPath and keeping the program strong.” Organization’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment: “Rolling out a strong stewardship program that supports sustainability and features five key branches that go beyond environmental management.” Organization’s most significant sustainability-related challenge moving forward: “Striving for zero waste and operating at zero waste.” BUFFALO, N.Y.—More than seven years ago, Green Lodging News profiled...

NEW YORK—Humanscale announced that Jane Abernethy has been promoted to Chief Sustainability Officer. The creation of this C-suite position at Humanscale reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and strengthens its position as a sustainability leader in the office furnishings industry and beyond. “At Humanscale, sustainability has never been pushed off to the side, but rather it’s at the front and center of everything we do,” says Humanscale Founder and CEO Robert King. “This new executive level position reflects that commitment.” Abernethy joined Humanscale in 2007 as a Product Designer, where she developed a passion for sustainability. In early 2012, she was...

HALF MOON BAY, CALIF.—The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay—the San Francisco Bay Area’s only oceanfront spa and golf resort—announced the appointment of Alain Zhang as Chef of The Conservatory, the resort’s acclaimed restaurant featuring homegrown, handcrafted California cuisine. Zhang joins the award-winning resort from The Ritz-Carlton Sanya, Yalong Bay, where he served as Chef de Cuisine for Sand restaurant. Zhang was raised in Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, China. Surrounded by cooking throughout his childhood—his mother’s exceptional cooking was famous around town and his aunt and uncle owned a restaurant in Ordos—Zhang knew at an early age that he wanted...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced that Hyatt has selected Mia Kyricos as Senior Vice President, Global Head of Wellbeing, underscoring Hyatt’s commitment to care for people so they can be their best. Kyricos will report to Mark Vondrasek, Hyatt’s Chief Commercial Officer. “As a pioneer in the business of wellbeing, Mia is uniquely qualified to further define Hyatt’s wellbeing efforts across all 14 brands to ensure colleagues, guests and customers can be their best,” Vondrasek said. “She is a respected leader in the wellbeing industry and her expertise across wellness, hospitality and brand strategy will fervently support and expand Hyatt’s already...