Latest news with #GeneralManageroftheYear
Hospitality Net
4 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Chaitan Mugili has been appointed General Manager at The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio is proud to welcome back Chaitan Mugili as its newly appointed General Manager - a significant full-circle moment in his distinguished hospitality career. Nearly two decades after serving as Front Desk/Housekeeping Manager at the same property, Mugili now returns to lead the hotel as its top executive. Before rejoining The Westin Riverwalk, Mugili most recently served as General Manager for Winston Hospitality, where he led operations for the AC by Marriott & Element by Westin in downtown San Antonio. There, he managed 343 rooms, a rooftop bar, and multiple commercial tenants - overseeing a team of 150 associates across every operational discipline. Over the course of his 20+ year career, Mugili has held executive leadership roles with Marriott, Hyatt, and Starwood Hotels, consistently improving guest satisfaction, financial performance, and team culture. He is a two-time General Manager of the Year recipient - recognized by Marriott Hotels (2018) and SAHLA (2021) - and led his previous properties to top performance rankings in guest experience. Chaitan's leadership extends beyond hotel walls. He currently serves as Chairman of the San Antonio Hotel & Lodging Association (SAHLA) and sits on the board of the San Antonio Visitor Alliance. On May 29, 2025, Mugili was formally recognized by the Texas House of Representatives with a certificate of appreciation honoring his "commitment to excellence and service within our community and the State of Texas." He was also invited to the Texas State Capitol to be honored with a Gallery Recognition on the House Floor - a tribute to his impactful work advancing advocacy and education through SAHLA. His broader community contributions include raising over $16,000 for charitable organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, as well as volunteering with the San Antonio Food Bank. As he steps into this new chapter, Mugili brings not only operational expertise but a deep personal connection to the hotel, its culture, and its community. The Westin Riverwalk is poised to thrive under his vision and leadership.
Muscat Daily
18-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
JW Marriott Hotel Muscat appoints Samir Messaoudi as new GM
Muscat – JW Marriott Hotel Muscat is pleased to announce the appointment of Samir Messaoudi as its new General Manager, bringing with him over two decades of global hospitality expertise and a transformative leadership style that has shaped some of the most iconic properties. Known for his exceptional operational acumen, strategic foresight, and commitment to excellence, Samir steps into this role poised to further elevate the hotel's positioning as the city's premier luxury urban resort. A visionary leader in luxury hospitality, Samir Messaoudi has consistently redefined standards of performance, innovation, and sustainability within Oman's tourism landscape. Over the past decade, his leadership has driven measurable success across financial performance, guest experience, and associate engagement. Samir began his journey with Marriott International in 2006 at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay in California. After holding several operational roles in the United States, he moved to the Middle East in 2009, where he built a robust foundation in F&B operations at Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Doha. His professional experience through Dubai, Jakarta, Doha, and Muscat, has enhanced his ability to navigate diverse markets and cultural nuances. Notably, Samir has led key leadership roles at flagship properties, including Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Oman, where he served as Hotel Manager, and JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, where he was Acting General Manager. In 2020, he was appointed General Manager of Sheraton Oman Hotel. There, he achieved remarkable milestones, from market-leading RevPAR (revenue per available room) and record-setting revenue, to significant improvements in guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. Beyond hotel operations, Samir has participated in initiatives aimed at enhancing the hospitality sector in Oman. In 2025, he was appointed Chairperson of the Marriott Business Council Oman, to spearhead growth initiatives and innovation across the portfolio of Marriott International in The Sultanate. His reappointment for a second term as a Board Member for Oman American Business Council (AmCham) and the Chair of the Tourism Committee further reflects his commitment to strengthening diplomatic and business ties between Oman and the U.S., while bridging the gap between tourism authorities and the travel industry through strategic endeavors. Samir has also played a pivotal role in promoting Oman as a world-class destination on the international stage. In 2024 and 2025, he was featured in several high-profile media interviews across Tunisian television and radio, reinforcing Oman's position as a must-visit tourism hub. His contributions have earned him regional acclaim, including being named General Manager of the Year – Oman by Hotelier Middle East in 2024, a recognition that follows three consecutive appearances on their prestigious GM Power List. He is currently shortlisted for the 2025 accolade. Reflecting on his appointment, Samir shared: 'It is an honor to lead the exceptional team at JW Marriott Hotel Muscat. As the city's leading luxury urban resort, we are committed to offering a sanctuary of calm and comfort, delivering personalized service for guests of all ages, from international travelers to local families and little guests at Family by JW. Together, we will continue to raise the bar for hospitality in Oman, with an unwavering focus on innovation, authenticity, and guest satisfaction.' With Samir Messaoudi at the helm, JW Marriott Hotel Muscat embarks on an exciting new chapter, defined by bold vision, elevated service, and a deep-rooted commitment to excellence in every detail. Underpinned by exceptional love of service and hospitality, JW Marriott Hotel Muscat features 304 luxurious, spacious guest rooms and suites featuring unique interior design. A short drive from Muscat International Airport in the heart of Madinat al Irfan, it also boasts direct connectivity to the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) and offers business and leisure travelers a haven to escape from the hustle and bustle of urban living. JW Marriott Hotel Muscat is a Green Key certified hotel, standing as a beacon of environmental sustainability, with its architectural excellence aligning with the stringent standards for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. For more information about JW Marriott Hotel Muscat please visit:
CBC
09-04-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Longtime NHL executive Ray Shero, who led Penguins to 2009 Stanley Cup win, dead at 62
Longtime NHL executive Ray Shero died Wednesday. He was 62. Shero's passing was first announced by the Minnesota Wild. No cause of death was provided. "Ray Shero's smile and personality lit up every room he walked into and brightened the day of everyone he met," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "Widely respected throughout hockey for his team-building acumen and eye for talent, he was even more beloved for how he treated everyone fortunate enough to have known him." "Whenever we ran into each other at a rink when he was scouting, it was clear he loved what he was doing and I always marvelled at his infectious enthusiasm," Bettman added. Shero served as an assistant general manager with the Ottawa Senators from 1993 through 1998 and the Nashville Predators from the team's expansion season through 2006. Shero became GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2006 and helped the team win the 2009 Stanley Cup after coming up just short the previous season. The St. Paul, Minn., product then served as GM of the New Jersey Devils from 2015 through 2020 and spent the last four years as a senior adviser for the Wild. "Ray was a highly-respected executive, enthusiastic mentor, and most importantly, tremendous friend to many during his time in New Jersey," the Devils said in a statement. "Ray came from a family that dedicated themselves to the game, and he continued to pass that commitment on. "The organization is extremely grateful for the impact Ray had during his tenure in New Jersey, and it is without question that his fingerprints are on the current group we see today both on and off the ice." Shero, also an executive with the U.S. men's team at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics, played in the NCAA at St. Lawrence University of the NCAA, serving as captain in 1984-85. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1982, but never suited up in the NHL. Shero's father, Fred, won two Cups as a coach with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1974 and 1975. WATCH | Shero discusses being named 2013 NHL GM of the year: General Manager of the Year: Ray Shero 12 years ago Duration 2:10 Pittsburgh Penguins GM chats by phone to discuss winning the General Manager of the Year award.
