A number of hotels have appointed general managers over the past two weeks. Here are some names to know.
AC Hotel Columbus Dublin
Deniz Akyuz is the new general manager of the AC Hotel Columbus (Ohio) Dublin. Previously the regional director of food & beverage for Life House Hotel Group in Miami, Fla., Akyuz has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years. He has also held director of operations and general manager positions at various hotels, resorts, restaurants and major service operations worldwide.
Amangiri
Kerry Hing is the new general manager of Amangiri in Canyon Point, Utah. Hing started his professional hospitality career in 2003 as area director of finance at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Colo., before overseeing the resort’s operations as hotel manager. In 2009, Hing was appointed general manager of The Ritz Carlton Club Aspen (Colo.) Highlands, where he developed the resort’s communication channels and partnerships with local communities. Hing then was general manager at various hotels including The Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana; Waldorf Astoria Park City, Utah; and Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead.
Between 2019 and 2022, Hing was the general manager for Aegis Living, an assisted living service, before being appointed chief operating officer of Areté Collective, Salt Lake City, where he oversaw the development and operation of resorts and residences throughout the U.S. and Mexico.
Hilton Portland Downtown
Mike McLeod has returned to the Hilton Portland Downtown and The Duniway as general manager. McLeod will be responsible for overseeing the performance of the 782-room Hilton complex with more than 47,700 square feet of meeting and event space as well as three restaurant outlets.
McLeod’s 40-year career in the hospitality industry began when he worked in food and beverage with Red Lion Hotels. He initially joined the Hilton Portland and The Duniway (formerly the Hilton Executive Tower) as the director of sales & marketing, a position he held from 2004 to 2007. McLeod spent more than eight years as general manager at Doubletree by Hilton Spokane (Wash.) City Center and was general manager of Hilton Vancouver Washington.
Hyatt Regency Boston / Cambridge
Hyatt Regency Boston / Cambridge appointed Matthew Huss general manager. In his new role, Huss will lead the development of strategic initiatives tied to business objectives.
Huss started as a dishwasher and has held general manager and other operational leadership roles for hotel brands like Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. Most recently, Huss was at the helm at Hyatt Centric Magnificent Mile as general manager.
Kennebunkport Resort Collection
EOS Hospitality appointed Emily Nelson general manager of the Kennebunkport Resort Collection in Maine. In her new role, Nelson will oversee the collection’s 10 destinations and eight restaurants.
Before her role as general manager, Nelson was director of operations at Kennebunkport Resort Collection. Previous positions include general manager at Cape Arundel Inn & Resort and The Tides Beach Club, along with various other roles within the Kennebunkport Resort Collection where she began her career.
King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort
On Hawaii Island, King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort has appointed Revell Newton the new general manager. Formerly the director of sales and marketing at the property for the past year, Newton brings more than 25 years of industry experience and local knowledge to his new role.
Before joining King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort, Newton held key leadership roles at resorts across Oahu, Kauai and Maui, including general manager of Aqua-Aston Hospitality and vice president of sales, marketing and business development at Castle Hospitality Group. He also held roles like general manager of the Outrigger Waikiki, hotel manager at the Sheraton Kona Resort and director of sales and marketing for Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Waikiki, Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa and Kapalua Bay Hotel (a Luxury Collection Resort).
Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort & Spa
Christine (Chris) San Nicolas was recently appointed general manager of the Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort & Spa in Hawaii.
San Nicolas’ journey with Outrigger began in 1999 as the assistant director of financial services at Outrigger Guam Beach Resort. She transitioned to the role of director of human resources in 2016, later moving to Oahu in 2020 as senior director of HR for Outrigger Hospitality Group. In 2021, San Nicolas came to Hawai‘i Island as the director of HR for Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, where she was soon promoted to resort manager, overseeing all operational aspects of the property.
Piñon Court by La Fonda
La Fonda Hospitality Group appointed Danielle Auckerman as general manager of its 58-room boutique court hotel in downtown Santa Fe, Piñon Court by La Fonda, and its new on-site dining concept, Bistro & Lounge at Piñon Court.
As general manager, Auckerman ensures guest satisfaction and provides full oversight of the historic property, which was formerly Old Santa Fe Inn. The hotel recently underwent a rebrand and extensive renovation of its lobby, guest rooms and suites, while adding the Bistro & Lounge at Piñon Court. She has previously held management roles with hotels throughout the city, including Santa Fe Courtyard by Marriott, The Santa Fe Sage Inn and El Corazon by Welk Resorts, most recently as rooms division manager at Worldmark by Wyndham.