Latest news with #GeneralManageroftheYear


Business Wire
11 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Joseph 'Joe' Jennings Appointed General Manager of Crowne Plaza® Dallas Downtown Managed by Universal Hospitality Solutions (UHS)
DALLAS & SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Universal Hospitality Solutions (UHS) today announced that Joseph 'Joe' Jennings has joined the company as general manager of Crowne Plaza® Dallas Downtown by IHG, which features 30,000 square feet of event space. With more than three decades of hospitality experience, Jennings will be responsible for overseeing all day-to-day hotel operations, customer experience, and financial performance of the UHS-managed, 291-key, high-rise Crowne Plaza hotel in downtown Dallas. UHS is a hotel development and management company that operates several hotels, representing well-known hotel brands in the United States and international locations. The Scottsdale, Arizona-based company provides complete lifecycle services for hotel owners and investors to maximize their hospitality industry-related returns. 'Leveraging his transformational leadership style, Joe Jennings will strengthen Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown's success with the modern traveler.' 'Joe has a servant's heart, is a proven hospitality leader and team builder, and has significant management experience in the DFW hotel market,' said Scott Nadel, CEO of Universal Hospitality Solutions. 'Leveraging his transformational leadership style, Joe will strengthen Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown's success with the modern traveler.' Most recently, Jennings served as vice president of DFW-based Q Companies, which owns and operates multiple hotels and automatic car washes. His 30+ years of hospitality experience includes onsite and area-level leadership roles overseeing full-service properties spanning well-known hotel brands operated by leading hotel companies. Jennings has been recognized with several accolades for his management expertise, including General Manager of the Year, Hotel of the Year, and Leadership Award of the Year. He received GM certifications from multiple hotel brands. Jennings graduated from The University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Jennings is active in the DFW hospitality community. He currently serves as vice chairman of the board for the Hotel Association of Tarrant County and previously served as past chairman of the board emeritus for the organization. He is co-founder and chairman of the board emeritus for the Arlington Tourism and Public Improvement District and is a past board member of the Arlington City Council. Jennings shares his leadership expertise by participating as a speaker at hotel industry conferences. 'I'm passionate about the hotel industry, particularly the robust DFW market,' said Joe Jennings, general manager, Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown. 'I'm excited to collaborate with the local CVB and lead the dedicated team at Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown in consistently delivering outstanding guest experiences.' About Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown Located at 1015 Elm Street, Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown is a short walk to Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas and over 50 restaurants. The property is near several major employers, local attractions, West End district, American Airlines Center, and Uptown. The hotel is convenient to downtown Dallas public transportation and is approximately seven miles from Dallas Love Field (DAL) and 19 miles from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Business and leisure guests of Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown will enjoy an inviting environment of beauty in balance that inspires connection and collaboration. A sampling of hotel amenities includes: Well-appointed guest rooms/suites with amazing views of downtown Dallas, new luxury bedding, contemporary décor, 55' television, mini refrigerator, desk and ergonomic chair, eco-friendly Apotheke toiletries, and free Wi-Fi access. Onsite dining options including Thrive Restaurant for breakfast and dinner featuring a refreshed menu with a global twist, including vegetarian options and kids' menu; Thrive Round Bar; room service; and The MarketPlace, a convenient, 24/7 spot for purchasing snacks and sundries. Fully equipped fitness center, open 24/7. Conference center with 30,000 square feet of flexible event space; dedicated Crowne Meetings Director; versatile spaces, including combined 11,273 square feet to accommodate a reception of 1,677 guests; onsite catering; and comprehensive multimedia and audio-visual support. Business center, open 24/7. Ninth-floor rooftop pool with panoramic views of downtown Dallas skyline. Onsite self-service laundry. Onsite parking garage and valet service. Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown participates in IHG One Rewards loyalty program, providing hotel rewards and exclusive member offers. For more information about Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown or to make a reservation, visit the hotel's website or call (214) 742-5678. For sales and events, please contact UHS. About Universal Hospitality Solutions Scottsdale, Arizona-based Universal Hospitality Solutions provides complete lifecycle services for hotel owners and investors to maximize their hospitality industry-related returns. With over 40 years combined experience developing and managing hotels, UHS' partners have the deep insight into market conditions, construction, forecasting, sales and marketing, operations, staffing, management, hotel brands, and other areas necessary to maximize the revenue and profitability for any hotel project at any phase in its lifecycle. For hotel owners or operators looking to take their business to the next level through strategic partnerships, please contact UHS. About Crowne Plaza As one of the world's largest premium hotel brands with locations in city, airport, resort and suburban destinations, Crowne Plaza is perfectly placed to meet the needs of today's guest, whether they are traveling for business, leisure, or a blend of both. For more information, visit and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.


Scotsman
04-08-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Monifieth care home colleagues scoop coveted awards
Catherine Lappin, General Manager at South Grange Care Home in Monifieth has been crowned General Manager of the Year for the North East & Scotland Division in the Barchester Care Awards 2025 and is through to the national round of judging. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Sam McLean, Head of Maintenance at South Grange care home has also been crowned Maintenance Champion of the year for the North East & Scotland Division. The Barchester Care Awards celebrate the staff who go the extra mile for the benefit of the 13,500 residents living in Barchester's 267 care homes and private hospitals across the country. Categories range from 'Registered Nurse of the Year' and 'Carer of the Year' to 'Dementia Care Champion' and 'Activities Coordinator of the Year'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Over 5,000 nominations were received from homes and hospitals across the UK. All entries were a very high standard and both Catherine and Sam are over the moon to have been named the winners for the North East & Scotland Division beating hundreds of other nominees. BHC As the winners for North East & Scotland Division, Catherine and Sam are through to the national finals in which the overall winner is decided. They will join winners from across the UK at a special awards event in October to celebrate their outstanding achievements and discover if they have won a national award. Gill Conway, Senior Activity Coordinator said: 'This is an amazing achievement and the whole home is supporting Catherine and Sam. We are so proud of them both. They both deserve the recognition for all of their hard work they put into South Grange'


Qatar Tribune
17-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Marriott Int'l names Paul M Cannings as Multi-Property General Manager
Tribune News Network Doha Marriott International has announced the appointment of Paul M Cannings as Multi-Property General Manager for Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments City Center Doha. A seasoned Marriott leader with decades of international hospitality experience, Paul brings a wealth of operational expertise and a people-first leadership style to his new role in Qatar, marking his first professional chapter in the Middle East. Paul began his career with Marriott International in 1998 and has since held key positions across Australia, South Korea, Malaysia and Canada. His career journey spans renowned properties such as Renaissance Sydney Hotel, Melbourne Marriott Hotel and Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa. Paul went on to lead two major hotel openings in Seoul, Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Pangyo in 2013 and later Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun, where he served as Cluster General Manager. Under his leadership, the hotels achieved numerous accolades including General Manager of the Year, Diamond General Manager of the Year, and the Asia Pacific Leadership of Excellence Award. Most recently, Paul served as General Manager of The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, a distinctive Marriott resort and one of Western Canada's leading conference hotels. Under his leadership, the property was named 'Hotel of the Year 2022' for the USA and Canada, Distinctive Premium Brands. In 2024, Paul was also honoured with the prestigious 'People First Award,' a testament to his inclusive and empowering leadership style. 'We are pleased to welcome Paul to the Middle East as he takes on the leadership of two of our most prominent properties in Doha,' said Safak Guvenc, Regional Vice President, Luxury Middle East, Marriott International. In his new role, Paul will oversee both hotels in the heart of Doha's dynamic West Bay district: Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel, centrally located in Doha's West Bay features panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and the spectacular city skyline. Only 20 minutes from Hamad International Airport, this downtown hotel is directly connected to the City Center Mall and West Bay Metro station and is walking distance from the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The hotel boasts 577 guest rooms, suites and Apartments, an expansive Spa, Fitness and recreation facilities including an Olympic size lap pool, 11 restaurants and bars offering international variety in dining. A fully equipped catering team and conference and banqueting facilities are available to cater to corporate, social events and weddings. Marriott Executive Apartments City Center Doha is a modern residential property offering 254 spacious studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, each equipped with separate living, sleeping, and working areas. The hotel provides guests with a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a rooftop pool, an indoor pool with a Jacuzzi, a 24-hour well-equipped fitness center, and access to two dining venues. Centrally located in West Bay, the hotel is in close proximity to Doha's major business and diplomatic districts, popular tourist sites, and a metro station, making it a convenient choice for both business and leisure travellers.

Hospitality Net
12-06-2025
- 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: