Four big hotel companies announced major appointments on Monday.
First Hospitality
National hotel operating, management and development company First Hospitality appointed Jason Kreul chief operating officer. Kreul brings nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including key leadership positions in operations as well as expertise in full-service, lifestyle and independent properties.
Kreul will report to President and CEO David Duncan and will lead the operations, commercial strategy, and the people & talent groups at First Hospitality and play a pivotal role in further expanding their hotel portfolio.
“Jason’s leadership and broad expertise across fullservice, lifestyle and premium select service will play an integral part in further accelerating the growth of our hotel and restaurant and bar portfolio,” Duncan said in a statement. “Jason’s focus will be on operational excellence across our portfolio and be a key partner to our ownership relationships. His experience and approach will continue to emphasize a thriving and collaborative workplace culture while delivering superior results.”
Before joining First Hospitality, Kreul served in numerous executive roles at Highgate, most recently as president – central U.S. and west coast divisions. Before that, Kreul held leadership roles at White Lodging Services and Winegardner and Hammons. Kreul serves on various advisory and board roles at the major hotel brands and industry organizations.
Montage International
Montage International appointed Peter Chambers executive vice president and chief information officer. In this role, Chambers will now oversee and execute the technology strategy for all of Montage International, including corporate office operations and the growing portfolios of Montage Hotels & Resorts and Pendry Hotels & Resorts.
Before Montage International, Chambers was global president of deployed technologies. He was also chief executive officer of Location Logic, a software development company offering bespoke, database-driven applications specific to the needs of clientele. Before that, Chambers was chief information officer for sbe in Miami, where he was responsible for overseeing technology, security and compliance for more than 130 hospitality enterprises around the world. Additionally, he was global head of IT at Viceroy Hotel Group in Los Angeles and corporate director of IT for hospitality for Vail Resorts in Broomfield, Colo. Chambers also led IT managers and teams for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company at its corporate headquarters in Atlanta.
He launched his career as a regional manager of information systems for ITT Sheraton/Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and did turns as vice president, hospitality for the technology services company Combest Inc. in Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and president of Olio Solutions, a Delray Beach, Fla.-based provider of technology services for hospitality IT professionals.
Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Oriental appointed Alex Schellenberger SVP of brand. Schellenberger began at Procter & Gamble’s Prestige Division, where he worked on the Hugo Boss fragrance line. Subsequently, he held senior executive positions leading marketing and communication initiatives to redefine and reposition beauty and luxury goods brands, at Coty and Swarovski. Most recently, Schellenberger held the position of global chief marketing officer for Accor, based in Paris.
Laurent Kleitman, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the appointment: "Alex is a talented and transformational brand builder. His global experience will be instrumental in realizing our ambitious plans to put the brand and the guest at the heart of the organization and deliver enriching and innovative experiences, stunning communications and innovative partnerships. Alex has an outstanding track record elevating luxury brands and I am delighted to have him join our team and steward Mandarin Oriental as we accelerate and elevate our presence in the most sought-after destinations around the world."
Schellenberger, a German national, will be based at the group’s head office in Hong Kong.
Outrigger Hospitality Group
Outrigger Hospitality Group appointed Darin Matsuda director of operations, responsible for managing, planning, implementing and administering various projects that support operations in The Americas.
Most recently complex director of rooms at Highgate Hospitality (Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador and Romer House), Matsuda was director of operations at Aimbridge Hospitality (Hayes Mansion San Jose, Curio Collection by Hilton in San Jose, Calif.).
Before that, he was task force director of rooms for Westmont Hospitality (Westdrift Manhattan Beach, Autograph Collection); hotel manager at Noble House Hotels and Resorts (The Portofino Hotel and Marina); opening director of operations for Hotel Oceana in Santa Monica; and assistant director of rooms, front office manager and hotel assistant manager at The Garland Hotel in North Hollywood.