NATIONAL REPORT—Hotel Business has been rounding up recent appointments in the industry. Here’s what we found:
Aimbridge Hospitality Names Dave Johnson Chairman, CEO
Dave Johnson has taken on the additional title of chairman of Aimbridge Hospitality in addition to his current position of CEO, while Robert Burg has taken on the additional role of president in addition to his current position of COO. Aimbridge’s board of directors asked Johnson, Aimbridge’s current CEO and co-founder, to step into the role of chairman with former co-founder Les Bentley’s retirement.
Cobblestone Hotels Names Brand President
Cobblestone Hotels has named Josie Kilgore as brand president. She has been in the hotel industry for 14 years and joined the Cobblestone Hotels brand in 2007. She has held various positions, including regional manager for WHG Companies, and VP of franchise services for Cobblestone Hotels.
Tad Wampfler Joins Wyndham as SVP of Global Sourcing, Design and Construction
Wyndham has appointed Tad Wampfler, SVP of global sourcing, design and construction. He most recently served as chief procurement officer at Starwood Hotels & Resorts. He’s expected to lead the transformation in how the organization approaches construction and brings that to its franchisees.
Denihan Hospitality Promotes Gul Goknar Turkmenoglu to Regional VP of Operations
Denihan Hospitality has promoted Gul Goknar Turkmenoglu to regional VP of operations. She will also continue to serve as GM of The Benjamin, the company’s 209-room luxury boutique hotel located in Midtown Manhattan. In her new position, she will oversee Denihan’s operations team, including all GMs.
Hodges Ward Elliott Appoints Samantha Fisher as New SVP
Hodges Ward Elliott has hired Samantha Fisher as the firm’s SVP. In her new role, she focuses on securing new listings, executing on dispositions and developing new business for the company. A 15-year veteran of the hospitality investment sales profession, she joins HWE after serving in a similar role with Jones Lang LaSalle in Los Angeles for nearly seven years. Throughout her career, she has overseen more than $2 billion in hotel real estate transactions, including several high-profile deals in the Southern California region.
