New Hotel General Managers Lead Charge at Hilton, Marriott, and More – Driving Innovation and Excellence in Hospitality

Published on July 17, 2025

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Leadership transitions beget hotel success and as of late, a number of marquee properties have recently named new general managers to lead them into the future. Whether new at Hilton Garden Inns or at boutique properties, these new general managers are already hard at work bringing new ideas and expertise to their respective teams. As hotels throughout the U.S. evolve and expand, these leadership transitions are sure to influence the guest experience and operational strategy in the months ahead. Here are some of the new faces behind the top hotels in the country.

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New Direction at Americana Motor Hotel, Flagstaff

Americana Motor Hotel in Flagstaff, Ariz., has named Dominic Nez as the new general manager. A seasoned hotel operator, Nez joins with experience working with Practice Hospitality, and other luxury resorts. His appointment follows the recent repositioning of the hotel, boding well for the historic hotel’s future. Nez’s experience overseeing operations in several properties, is the ideal candidate to further this hotel’s legacy.

New GM for Amrit Ocean Resort: Burak Sezgin

Amrit Ocean Resort, situated on Florida’s Singer Island, has announced that it has hired Burak Sezgin as its new general manager. Sezgin, who has 20 years of international hotel management experience, most recently served as vice president of hospitality for Sharfi Holdings. Having spent more than 20 years opening and renovating resorts, he is uniquely qualified to usher Amrit Ocean Resort into its next manifestation. His experience boasts a career at top-end resorts, a great addition to the property’s luxury portfolio.

Open Arlo Williamsburg’s New GM: Mark O’Brien

He takes over a beer-heavy restaurant that has just opened in a hotel. Arlo Hotels in Brooklyn, New York, has appointed Mark O’Brien as general manager of the borough’s newest trendy property, Arlo Williamsburg. O’Brien has more than 20 years of hospitality experience, most recently with brands such as the Maritime Hotel, Shinola Hotel and Ace Hotels. His background with a mix of luxury and lifestyle hotels makes him an ideal choice to overlay that across what the team is doing at Arlo Williamsburg. O’Brien’s design of the hotel is set to further solidify the property’s status as a chic and welcoming place for guests to stay while visiting the dynamic area of Brooklyn.

Sidneia Semedo Elevated at Embassy Suites by Hilton Las Vegas

Sidneia Semedo has been promoted to general manager of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Las Vegas, in a key promotion. Semedo, who has been with Remington Hospitality for nearly 10 years, has climbed the ranks from front desk operator to general manager. Her advancement is through Remington’s Unleash Potential General Manager program to support and grow leaders within the company. With an impressive background in hospitality, Semedo’s wealth of experience will be instrumental in the long-term success and expansion of the Embassy Suites property.

New GM at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley

Nate Hardesty Named General Manager and Area Vice President for Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Utah Mountains industry_leader February 22, 2022 No Comments Industry News Park City (Utah) – Historic Park City building welcomes top talent from NSW-based hotel […] A 23-year Hyatt veteran, Hardesty brings with him years of experience at luxury properties in a variety of U.S. cities, such as Thompson Austin and Andaz West Hollywood. He brings with him a wealth of administrative experience to the resort as it grows its footprint in luxury travel. Hardesty’s dedication to delivering outstanding guest experiences and familiarity with Hyatt’s business will drive the success of Grand Hyatt Deer Valley as a destination in the highly competitive luxury resort market.

Hilton Garden Inn Cape Canaveral Hires Amanda Chades

McKibbon Hospitality has named Amanda Chades general manager at the Hilton Garden Inn Cape Canaveral, slated to open this autumn. Chades has been with McKibbon since 2012, rising through the ranks from front desk associate and into various management roles. Her broad background with hotel openings and operational enhancements will be critical as the new Hilton Garden Inn prepares to welcome guests. Chades has been key in the training of new general managers and her guidance will be crucial in bringing this amazing new property to the forefront.

Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Appoints Lacey Childress as GM

Lacey Childress has been named general manager at the Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville JTB/Deerwood Park. Childress has more than 19 years of experience in the hospitality field, 12 of which have been focused on Hilton brands. Her new role at Remington Hospitality is a result of their Unleash Potential General Manager program. “Maite’s strong leadership and extensive experience working in Hilton properties make her an ideal person to lead this hotel going forward as it accommodates business and leisure guests visiting Jacksonville.”

Zaw Oo Named Director of Sales at Hotel Fera Anaheim

Zaw Oo Named General Manager at Hotel Fera Anaheim, DoubleTree By Hilton Located in California, United States Spire Hospitality has announced the appointment of Zaw Oo as general manager of Hotel Fera Anaheim, a DoubleTree by Hilton. Oo will be joining Hotel Fera from M Social Hotel in New York City, where he oversaw the 480-room property. He also worked in luxury hotels in major cities such as The St. Regis in Houston and the InterContinental in Los Angeles. His leadership and wealth of experience will guide Hotel Fera as we work to offer our guests an outstanding, upscale experience in the heart of Southern California.

Marriott San Antonio Airport to Host Doak Walker

Doak Walker has been appointed the new general manager of the Marriott San Antonio Airport by Bricton Group. Overseeing development for a group with its headquarters in Dublin he has – over 30 years of hospitality experience – accumulated a vast amount of experience running branded and independent hotels. He brings operational, sales, food & beverage, and financial experience to his role at Marriott’s San Antonio asset. With a wealth of experience in the industry, Walker will play a key role in ensuring the hotel continues to be a favourite among business men and leisure guests.

Snowpine Lodge Hires Eric Hagman as GM

Eric Hagman has been named general manager for Snowpine Lodge in Alta, Utah. Hagman has more than 20 years of hospitality experience primarily in the Mountain West. He most recently ran Park Plaza Resort in Park City and presided over a multimillion dollar renovation. Hagman has served in leadership roles at a variety of Wyndham properties and is respected for his experience in resort operations and guest service. Under his direction, Snowpine Lodge will not only survive, but thrive in its position as Utah’s premier ski country destination.

Conclusion: U.S. Hotels Gain New Leadership With New Energy

The hiring of new general managers in a range of hotels, from Hilton Garden Inns to luxury resorts, is another signal of a new era in U.S. hospitality. These leaders all offer new and unique viewpoints, decades of experience, and are committed to driving superior guest experiences. As global hospitality rebounds, and continues to evolve, these new leaders will be instrumental in redefining the future of their properties to better serve today’s travelers.

Original article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/