ROCKVILLE, MD.—Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, has appointed Megan Brumagim to the newly created role of Vice President of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). In this new role, Brumagim will lead Choice’s sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives, championing the pillars of environmental sustainability, human rights, diversity and inclusion, philanthropic and community engagement, and corporate governance. In addition to furthering the company’s existing mission-driven initiatives—from its key partnerships such as with Operation Homefront to support service members and their families to its industry-leading efforts to enhance opportunities for minority-owned businesses and more—Brumagim will continue...

Names: Sophia Lykke Title: Public Relations & CSR Manager Company: Club Med North America & Caribbean Years in Current Position: 7 months Years with Club Med: Almost 7 years Primary Responsibility: “For me, every week is different, depending on the project. Last week I was in the Dominican Republic looking at possible partnerships. On days working in Miami, I am fortunate to work with all our teams. There is not a typical day, but I am never working alone. I coordinate the collaborations between our teams internally.” Organization’s most significant accomplishment in global corporate responsibility: “There are many things we can cite but our company...

PORTLAND, ORE.—The Nines, A Luxury Collection, Portland, announced Dragan Andrejic as the hotel’s new general manager. In this position, Andrejic is responsible for all aspects of the hotel’s day-to-day operations, long-term success of the hotel in the Portland community and ensuring a superior guest experience. “I am beyond thrilled to welcome a dynamic leader like Dragan to the team at The Nines,” said Dani Stern, Vice President of the Premier Collection—West for Sage Hotel Management, a Sage Hospitality Group company, which operates the hotel. “Dragan brings the expertise and drive to continue to build on the prestigious reputation of The...

SANTA FE, N.M.—Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection announces the appointment of Pablo Peñalosa as Executive Chef. Chef Peñalosa, who has more than a dozen years of culinary and Michelin star restaurant experience, will establish an elevated experience at the property’s signature restaurant, SkyFire, that redefines “New Mexican cuisine” and takes family recipes and locally sourced ingredients to new heights. The culinary offerings will present a global perspective that ties in techniques and flavors discovered during his time living in Mexico and Spain, while nurturing the connection between the land, ingredients, makers and farmers to the hotel guests and community in a...

Name: Kate Morrison Title: Director of Sustainability and Wellness Property: Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai, Calif. Years with Ojai Valley Inn: 11+ years OJAI, CALIF.—Spa Ojai, part of the Ojai Valley Inn (OVI), recently reopened along with the inn after a months-long, $5 million renovation across Spa Ojai. The renovation includes new Spa Penthouse Suites. Additionally, the spa introduced impactful therapies and sustainability initiatives from the hotel’s Director of Wellness & Sustainability, Kate Morrison. The initiatives are on top of the many green steps the inn’s owners have taken in recent years. Green Lodging News recently interviewed Kate Morrison. The following are the results...

LOS ANGELES—The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) in partnership with the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) presented Peggy Berg, chair of the Castell Project, with the Pioneer Award which recognizes an individual annually who has made an outstanding contribution, achievement and/or improvement in the hospitality industry. Jeff Higley, ISHC, President of The BHN Group; Todd Leach, ISHC President and Partner of Dedica Group; and Kristie Dickinson, ISHC Treasurer and Managing Director/EVP of CHMWarnick presented Berg with the recognition during the conference plenary session. Dickinson remarked, “I can tell you firsthand that Peggy has had a direct impact on my life and career, and I...

LOS ANGELES—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), The American Hotel & Lodging Foundation, and The BHN Group announced David Kong, the recently retired president and CEO of BWH Hotel Group, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award. Kong was recognized during the AHLA Foundation’s premier fundraising gala, the Night of a Thousand Stars on Sunday, January 23, 2022, as well as during the 21st Annual Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. The Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award is a new award named for the late Arne Sorenson,...

BROOKLYN, N.Y.—Getaway, the hospitality company that offers mindful escapes to tiny cabins in nature, hired Carlos Becil as its first-ever Chief Experience Officer last July, following a monumental year of growth and $41.7M Series C funding. As the former CMO of Coach and Equinox, and VP of Brand Management for Starwood, Carlos is bringing a dynamic perspective to Getaway, helping take it from a “tiny cabin” rental company to a global hospitality business. Green Lodging News recently interviewed Becil about Getaway and its growth. The following are our questions and Becil’s answers: What do you consider to be your primary responsibilities? You have...

NEW YORK—Business Travel News, the leading trade publication covering the $1.4 trillion global managed travel and procurement industry, named HRS CEO Tobias Ragge among the 25 Most Influential Executives of 2021. This marks the fourth time in the past seven years that Ragge is included in this prestigious collection of prominent industry leaders. Citing HRS’ accomplishments via the introduction of its groundbreaking Green Stay Initiative, Business Travel News editors commended Ragge and the HRS team in its December 13 issue. “Several hotel companies have said that the number of requests from buyers about sustainability practices has skyrocketed in the past year. One problem: there is no single...

BALI, INDONESIA—Sustainable wellness brand, REVĪVŌ Wellness Resorts, has appointed Kimberly Rose Kneier as its new Wellness Director, with responsibility for leading the Wellness Department across the portfolio as REVĪVŌ enters an exciting period of growth. With impeccable academic credentials, a wealth of international experience and an established track record for creating powerful, personalized health programs, Kimberly will use her passion for holistic wellness to design and deliver bespoke transformational wellness retreats focusing on resetting the immune system, stress relief, anti-aging and more. Kimberly brings over 20 years of dedicated experience as a wellness practitioner in the hospitality industry. Originally from Canada, Kimberly...