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Aly-khan S. Merali is now president and managing partner of Stonebridge Cos. in Denver. Founder Navin C. Dimond will remain CEO and will assume chairman duties for the company. Previously, Merali was president and chief financial officer of Turnberry Associates since 2013, according to Stonebridge. Prior to that, he was executive vice president and head of acquisitions for a U.S.-based investment firm with properties in North America, Europe and the Caribbean. Merali also held leadership and ownership positions in real estate companies in the United Kingdom, Canada and East Africa with assets in hospitality, industrial, manufacturing, office and senior living. "I have known Aly-khan for many years and have the utmost respect for him and his ability to lead Stonebridge Companies as we move forward and continue to grow and prosper," said Dimond. "His background and extensive experience in the hospitality industry is impressive and makes him a perfect fit for this role."

The Radisson Hotel West Sacramento is open in Sacramento, California. It was developed by 365 Hospitality and West Sacramento Hospitality, led by Ankit Panchal as CEO and managing member respectively. The 140-room hotel near Sacramento International Airport underwent an extensive renovation converting to a Radisson, including the lobby, atrium, fitness center and restaurant. Nearby attractions include River Walk Park along the Sacramento River, the Crocker Art Museum, the California Highway Patrol Academy, the California Department of General Services and several other company headquarters. Amenities include a fitness center, indoor spa and hot tub and an outdoor pool. The hotel has 4,000 square feet of event space across four rooms for up to 250 guests.

The GG2 Power List profiles Britain's 101 most influential Asians, providing a snapshot of Asian power and influence in Britain today. Each year, the list undergoes an extensive refresh and our panel of senior editors and experts face an arduous challenge in whittling down our long list to 101. The list celebrates the extraordinary talent that exists in the British Asian community: an eclectic mix of talent across the nation. It features exclusive interviews with pioneers across the arts, media, business science, technology and the public sector. As the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "the GG2 Power List is about the best and most talented people in the country, who just happen to be Asians". The list serves to inspire and nurture the next generation of leaders and achievers. The GG2 Power List is launched in October at the GG2 Leadership Awards. Along with the Leadership Awards and Diversity Conference, we celebrate the success of ethnic communities in Britain and showcase how a more inclusive society can unleash talent.

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT competition She Has a Deal 2022 SHaDPitch Today's Woman competitor Amina Gilyard James recently acquired the Quality Inn in the Raleigh neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee. James said the competition prepared her company for the acquisition. The 70-room hotel is near downtown Memphis, Beale Street and AutoZone Park, home of the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds and the Memphis International Airport, according to SHaD. Amenities in the property include a business center and indoor heated pool and hot tub. James' firm Duke Ventures plans to invest $500,000 to refresh the property with new paint, FF&E and additional cosmetic improvements. "The SHaDPitch competition and its curriculum provide an invaluable inside look at the hotel industry," James said. "It provided a roadmap and extensive network that gave me foundational knowledge of the hotel acquisition and ownership space. SHaD prepared my company, Duke Ventures LLC, to make the smartest investment possible. We're proud of the deal we made and optimistic about what the future holds for this property and our investors."

THE BWH HOTEL Group board of directors elected Danny Lafayette as board chairman for 2023. Previously, Lafayette served as vice-chairman of the board of directors and has been a Best Western owner for more than 40 years. Lafayette also served as a Best Western governor for more than 25 years, according to the company. He was elected to the board of directors in 2018 to represent Best Western's District VII, which includes the Northeastern region of the U.S. and the eastern provinces of Canada. "I'm pleased to announce Danny Lafayette as our new chairman of the board," said Larry Cuculic, BWH Hotel Group president and CEO. "Danny has been a trusted member of our organization for over four decades. His deep knowledge of our brand, together with his extensive industry experience, make Danny the ideal selection to serve as Chairman. I look forward to working alongside Danny and his colleagues on the board of directors as we continue to grow our brand, deliver industry-leading customer care to our guests, and drive superior revenue to our hoteliers."

Jessica Brady is now the vice president of federal affairs for tax policy at the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Prior to joining AHLA, Brady served as the senior director of federal government relations at the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S., focusing on tax, trade, and other key issues. Before DISCUS, Brady led budget and appropriations advocacy as the associate director of global development policy and advocacy at Save the Children, AHLA said. She also handled congressional affairs and engaged in multilateral diplomacy at the State Department as part of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief program. "Jessica's extensive tax expertise and profound understanding of the federal policymaking process will prove invaluable for our members as we navigate a myriad of crucial tax issues in 2024 and beyond," said Chip Rogers, AHLA president and CEO. "This addition reinforces AHLA's commitment to securing policy victories for hoteliers."

The Staybridge Suites in Duluth, Georgia, is now open. The hotel, owned and operated by Duluth Capital Investments led by Sonial Patel as principal, is the first Staybridge Suites in the country using the brand's new "Next Generation 7.0" design that incorporates elements to protect against COVID-19. The 99-room, 5-story hotel has more open room in its public spaces for social distancing, which is strictly enforced. It features no contact check in / check out, as well as extensive disinfecting as part of InterContinental Hotel Group's "Clean Promise" program, including completely cleaning each suite with an electrostatic sprayer. Guests select their housekeeping schedule to further avoid contact.

THIRD-PARTY HOSPITALITY management company, Twenty Four Seven Hotels, has opened the 128-room Hyatt House Sacramento/Midtown, a statement said. Twenty Four Seven is led by David Wani as CEO. The adaptive reuse project, owned and developed by Hume Development, Inc., repurposed the former Eastern Star Hall located at Sacramento's art, music and cultural scene. According to the statement, the Romanesque Revival-style building first opened in 1928 as a Masonic women's meeting place and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The renovation included the redevelopment of five floors within the original structure, keeping the major architectural features of the historic building intact. "The Hyatt House Sacramento/Midtown is the perfect marriage of the classic and the contemporary, providing the latest amenities and services in a setting that draws heavily from its nearly century-old history to provide a uniquely Sacramento experience," said Amanda Hawkins-Vogel, chief operating officer at Twenty Four Seven Hotels. "This hotel is an extension of our presence in Northern California and marks our first opening this year with two more to come in 2023. As the newest hospitality offering in the city, we expect the Hyatt House Sacramento to quickly take its rightful place as the segment and market leader for business and leisure travelers."

THIRD-PARTY HOSPITALITY management company, Twenty Four Seven Hotels, has opened the 128-room Hyatt House Sacramento/Midtown, a statement said. Twenty Four Seven is led by David Wani as CEO. The adaptive reuse project, owned and developed by Hume Development, Inc., repurposed the former Eastern Star Hall located at Sacramento's art, music and cultural scene. According to the statement, the Romanesque Revival-style building first opened in 1928 as a Masonic women's meeting place and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The renovation included the redevelopment of five floors within the original structure, keeping the major architectural features of the historic building intact. "The Hyatt House Sacramento/Midtown is the perfect marriage of the classic and the contemporary, providing the latest amenities and services in a setting that draws heavily from its nearly century-old history to provide a uniquely Sacramento experience," said Amanda Hawkins-Vogel, chief operating officer at Twenty Four Seven Hotels. "This hotel is an extension of our presence in Northern California and marks our first opening this year with two more to come in 2023. As the newest hospitality offering in the city, we expect the Hyatt House Sacramento to quickly take its rightful place as the segment and market leader for business and leisure travelers."

THE GRADY HOTEL is now open in Louisville, Kentucky, after an extensive renovation by owner Vision Hospitality Group of Chattanooga, Tennessee. It will be operated by Humanist Hospitality, a division of Vision. The 51-room luxury lifestyle Grady is Vision Hospitality's most recent upscale property, such as the recently opened Kinley Chattanooga Southside in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Work began on the restoration in March 2020. "The Grady is a special project for Vision, and we are excited to see how this restored, historic building tells its story to all who step inside," said Mitch Patel, Vision Hospitality Group President & CEO. "The Grady represents Louisville's one-of-a-kind spirit and welcomes both locals and guests to experience its refined comfort and cordial service." The Grady is near the Muhammed Ali Center, Frazier History Museum and the Louisville Slugger Museum. The building originally housed a medicinal bourbon apothecary built in the late 1800s by pharmacist J.B Wilder.

IN MARCH, THE U.S. celebrated the achievements and history of women as part of Women's History Month. In recognition of the month, some hotel companies introduced or continued programs aimed at increasing women's role in the industry. In line with the Women's History Month theme this year "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories," Choice Hotels International kicked off its "HERtels at Choice Development Seminar" with nearly 40 franchise owners, general managers, and hotel associates in attendance. At the same time, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts' "Women Own the Room" initiative has signed over 30 hotels across the U.S. and Canada in the first year of its launch. Also, California hotelier and philanthropist Sunil "Sunny" Tolani issued a special message for the month. HERtels by Choice Choice Hotels took the recently held Hunter Hotel Conference in Atlanta as a launch pad for its inaugural HERtels seminar. The event was held next door to the Marriott Marquis Atlanta, Hunter's venue, and is an enhancement of Choice's HERtels program that was launched in 2021. "While industry-wide parity is improving, with more female investors, directors, and leaders in hospitality than ever before, women entrepreneurs still face significant economic and societal barriers when it comes to hotel ownership and development. As an industry, we owe it to the next generation of hoteliers to change this statistic," said John Lancaster, vice president for emerging markets, franchise development and owner relationships, Choice Hotels International. "This initiative and the invaluable resources it provides is a natural extension of our industry-leading emerging markets program and our enduring commitment to helping growth-minded entrepreneurs further their unique ownership journey."

THE WINDSOR HOTEL in Americus, Georgia, a boutique hotel owned by Edgewater Group LLC, has joined Choice Hotels International's Ascend Hotel Collection. The historical building recently underwent a multi-year renovation. Edgewater is led by founding partners Ketan Vora and Robert Brier. Originally built in 1892, the 53-room, the five-story Victorian-style Windsor features a tower and turret, balconies, and a three-story open atrium lobby, according to Choice. It occupies nearly an entire city block and was the site of numerous balls and celebrations. The Windsor closed in 1972 and underwent extensive renovations in 1991, 2010 and most recently in 2019. Nearby attractions are The Plains Depot, the Jimmy Carter Peanut of Plains statue, Civil War prison Andersonville National Historic Site and the Drummer Boy Civil War Museum. Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife spent the night at the hotel in 2002. Hotel amenities include a fitness center, two on-site restaurants and bars and a veranda.

Peachtree Group has named Jarred Bussert as vice president of information technology. In this newly created role, Bussert will be responsible for the company's IT infrastructure, including all business applications, information security and data integrity, the company said in a statement. "Jarred's experience and achievements demonstrate his commitment to supporting business strategies with technology infrastructure," said Greg Friedman, Peachtree's managing principal and CEO. "As Peachtree continues to grow, I am pleased to attract talented leaders to our best-in-class team. His leadership will be instrumental in building a successful and high-performing organization." Bussert has extensive enterprise-wide technical and IT leadership experience. Before joining Peachtree, he was vice president, information technology for Majors Management, an Atlanta-based retail operator. Bussert started his career with RaceTrac Petroleum holding numerous leadership positions, leaving as director, information systems. He has an MBA and Master of Technology from Georgia Tech and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia.

PRESIDENT BIDEN'S STATE of the Union address before Congress on March 7 touched on several issues hotel industry associations have been advocating for a while. AAHOA and the American Lodging and Hotel Association both issued responses to the speech and AAHOA held its 2024 Spring National Advocacy Conference during the week of March 14. The issues at hand include the extension of tax credits, handling of junk fees for greater disclosure and transparency and raising the federal minimum wage. During SNAC, more than 200 AAHOA leaders and members spent two days in Washington, D.C. The conference opened with a legislative learning session at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, followed by an evening Congressional Reception at the Cannon House Office Building and then a full day of Congressional meetings. "Each year we continue to see the relationships grow between our AAHOA Members and their elected officials," said Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA president and CEO. "Our twice-yearly advocacy conferences are quickly becoming the foundation for shaping and driving national policy, and our members are making it happen."

Sudhakar Veluru is now the executive vice president and chief information technology officer at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. Prior to this role, he served as the chief technology officer at MGM Resorts International, spearheading digital transformation initiatives that enhanced access to e-commerce, customer loyalty programs, and casino games across mobile and online platforms, Four Seasons said in a statement. Before joining MGM, Veluru held various senior leadership positions at The Walt Disney Co. He will report to Alejandro Reynal, Four Seasons' president and CEO. "We are excited to welcome Sudhakar at this important time in Four Seasons information technology transformation," said Reynal. "Sudhakar's extensive experience in technology and IT innovation will be instrumental in shaping our digital-first future, further enhancing the guest, resident and employee experience across our growing global portfolio of luxury properties."

Áine Cronin is now vice president of investor relations at Noble Investment Group. In this role, she will implement practices to engage with the company's investors and support its expanding investment platform. "Áine is a highly respected leader with extensive experience in engaging with global investors," said Angela Johnson, Noble's managing principal and head, global client solutions and strategic partnerships. "Her deep experience and trusted relationships in hospitality and private markets complement Noble's growth objectives and the advancement of our institutional platform for both our team and our investors." Cronin has more than 15 years of experience developing relationships with institutional, ultra-high-net-worth, RIA and family office investors, Noble said in a statement. She joined Noble from Rockbridge, where she was responsible for capital raising and investor relations.

Jay Shah, former executive chairman of Hersha Hotels & Resorts, recently joined the board of Braemar Hotels & Resorts as an independent director. He has been a senior advisor to Hersha since November 2023 and a trustee since 2006. Shah became executive chairman in January 2023 after serving 17 years as CEO, following roles as president and COO. Dallas-based Braemar is a real estate investment trust specializing in luxury hotels and resorts. "We are excited to welcome Jay to the Braemar Board of Directors," said Monty Bennett, Braemar's chairman. "He brings extensive experience in both the lodging industry and public company matters from his years in executive leadership at Hersha. His expertise in operations and finance will make him a valuable addition to our board."

PEACHTREE GROUP RECENTLY signed a long-term agreement with Southfield, Michigan-based Group 10 Management, adding 14 hotels and 1,648 rooms to its managed portfolio. This expansion brings Peachtree's total managed properties to more than 100, primarily Marriott, Hilton, and IHG-branded hotels in the metro Detroit area, Peachtree said in a statement. Peachtree is led by CEO and managing principal Greg Friedman, CFO and managing principal Jatin Desai, and principal Mitul Patel. "Our extensive experience in hotel operations allows us to partner with Group 10 to elevate third-party management," said Vickie Callahan, president of Peachtree's hospitality management division. "A substantial portion of Peachtree Group's portfolio is third-party managed, underscoring our commitment to delivering strong financial results for our partners and exceptional guest experiences." Peachtree's hospitality management division operates limited-, select-, and full-service hotels, primarily in the upper-midscale and upscale segments, the statement said. The division now manages 107 hotels across 27 brands, totaling 13,485 rooms in 27 states, including Washington, D.C. With the Group 10 addition, Peachtree's third-party management portfolio expands to 31 hotels.

Rebecca Trumbo and William Gullion recently joined Greenville-based Auro Hotels as procurement director and vice president of design and construction, respectively. Trumbo previously held procurement roles at Best Western Hotels & Resorts, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Hotels. Gullion's past positions include president of architecture, design and construction at Virage Creative and vice president of global shared technical services at Hilton Worldwide, Auro said in a statement. "We are excited to welcome Rebecca and William to the Auro Hotels family," said DJ Rama, Auro Hotels' president and CEO. "Their extensive experience and proven track records in the hospitality industry will be invaluable as we continue to drive growth and innovation. We look forward to the significant contributions they will make to our team and the positive impact they will have on our operations and guest experiences."