Friday 14 November 2025 – Trinity Bridge Friday news briefing
We hope you have had a great week. Here’s our roundup of senior people moves across the hotel sector to keep you informed and up to date.
** A round-up of this week’s people moves in the hospitality sector
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Hilton has announced the promotion of Tal Shefer to the role of Senior Vice President of Brand Management for Asia Pacific, leading brand strategy and driving growth across the group’s portfolio on the region, including its luxury and lifestyle segment. Tal has spent more than 20 years with the group and previously held the role of Vice President of Brand Operations for EMEA.
Matthew Avril has taken the role of Interim President & Chief Executive Officer for Marriott Vacations Worldwide following the departure of John Geller . Matthew joined the board in March 2025 and previously held the role of Chief Executive Officer for Diamond Resorts International.
Hilton has made a number of changes to strengthen the commercial leadership team in Australasia with Rebecca Williams appointed Regional Director, Hilton Worldwide Sales, Australasia. Elena Fragasso has been named Director of International Sales, Australasia. Ivy Zhang has taken the role of Director of Sales & Marketing, Hilton, Sydney. And Mahasin Balfour has been appointed as Commercial Director, Cairns Cluster, Australasia.
Kristen Richter has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer at Peregrine Hospitality . She brings extensive experience to the role, most recently serving as Chief Commercial Officer for the Fairmont and Raffles brands at Accor and her career has also included senior roles as Head of Global Sales at Sonder, Chief Commercial Officer for the Americas at Radisson and Senior Vice President of Global Revenue Management for Wyndham.
Choice Hotels International has named Kaaren Hamilton as the new Vice President of Global Sales. Kaaren joins from Hyatt where she previously held the role of Associate Vice President for Commercial Services.
Sushma Shetty has taken the role of Cluster Director of Talent & Culture for Accor , across Pullman, Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Novotel, Abu Dhabi Gate and Ibis, Abu Dhabi Gate. She previously held the position of Cluster People & Culture Manager at Accor Hotels, Dubai Deira Waterfront and Gold Souk District.
Sofitel Dubai Downtown has announced the promotion of Ahmed Saleh to the role of Commercial & Marketing Director. Ahmed has been with the property since 2024 as Director of Revenue.
Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas has appointed Philippe Agnese as Vice President of Culinary Operations. Previously, Philippe served as the Culinary Director at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai.
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Trinity Bridge is an Executive Search firm specialising in the hospitality, travel and leisure sectors.
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