HotelsMag June 2014 | Page 32

What ’ s hot : PeoPle

What ’ s hot : PeoPle

Allen Smith

CEO , FOur SEaSOnS HOtElS and rESOrtS , tOrOntO
Smith was handpicked by the brand ’ s high-profile owners to further grow Four Seasons around the world .
Smith especially would like to see more development across Europe . Conversions and branded residential will continue to be a big part of the equation . He also wants to show owners a stronger focus on margins and profitability as well as more forwardlooking thinking , discipline , transparency and joint problem-solving .
“ There is a clear desire for a purposeful and thoughtful approach to growth that isn ’ t driven by absolute numbers ,” Smith says . “ We want growth in keeping with the quality of the brand and that continues to strengthen its market position .”

Bruce WArdinSki

CEO , Playa HOtElS & rESOrtS , FairFax , Virginia
Wardinski is focused on an exclusive franchise deal with Hyatt Hotels Corp . for five years in five Caribbean countries and Mexico through 2018 .
Playa , with 13 properties in Mexico , the Dominican Republic and Jamaica , will continue to operate multi-branded , all-inclusive resorts and grow the Hyatt all-inclusive brand with conversions and acquisitions .
The company has also created Playa Resorts Management to be the first franchisee and initial management company for Hyatt ’ s all-inclusive brands . “ Over the past seven years we have seen the all-inclusive market grow and gain great appeal for sophisticated travelers ,” Wardinski says . “ We believe the market is ready for Hyatt to enter this segment .”

Others wOrth watching

GEOff BaLLOTTi After succeeding at Wyndham Exchange & Rentals Geoff Ballotti has been charged with taking over as president and CEO of giant Wyndham Hotel Group to promote global franchise growth .
aLEx CaBañaS Benchmark Hospitality International is now led by President and CEO Alex Cabañas , who has been charged with launching the Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels and Benchmark Resorts & Hotels brands as well as Benchmark Conference Centers to give the collection a more cohesive identity .
Hiran COOray Dynamic Hiran Cooray , CEO of eco-conscious Jetwing Hotels in Sri Lanka and past chairman of PATA , is in the right place at the right time as the country recovers from civil war .
VLadiSLaV dOrOnin , JOHan ELiaSCH The CEO and chairman , respectively , of Aman Group say they will continue to be selective developers in resort locations as well as major metropolitan areas . Aman now has a strong financial foundation , and significant capital exists to invest in the group . Doronin and Eliasch favor ownership but will match the right approach to each opportunity .
WanG JianLin Dalian Wanda Group Chairman Wang Jianlin plans to invest US $ 1 billion to develop and brand a 160-room , 5-star hotel in London with Green Property . He wants to build luxury Wanda hotels in up to 10 cities worldwide over the decade .
EraSTuS radJimin PT Artotel Indonesia CEO Erastus Radjimin wants to grow the art-focused concept across Java and Bali to target the growing number of domestic travelers .
28 HOTELS June 2014 www . hotelsmag . com