Zubin Saxena is the new senior vice president and country head for Hilton India. Saxena joins Hilton from Radisson Hotel Group, where he worked for more than
eight years, most recently as the managing director/area senior vice president for South Asia. He is scheduled to assume his new responsibilities in January,
Hilton said in a statement.
Saxena has a 24-year career in hospitality, including a 4-year tenure at IHG as director of development for South Asia, Hilton said. He held senior advisory
positions at Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels in India and HVS in New York. In his new role, he will oversee Hilton's 25 operational hotels in India and lead the
company's expansion in South Asia with 20 properties in the development pipeline.
He takes over the position from Navjit Ahluwalia, who leaves Hilton after six years.
The Best Western Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport is now open in Humble, Texas, following a comprehensive renovation. Previously it was a Baymont by
Wyndham.
The 52-room hotel is owned by Houston-based Wayside Investment Group, led by Miraj Patel as president. It is near the Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport as well
as several restaurants, the Deerbrook Mall, Jess H. Jones Parks and the Old MacDonald's Farm. Amenities include a fitness center, meeting room, guest laundry and business center. It is pet friendly.
"We are thrilled to open this newly renovated hotel and join the community by offering visitors traveling the Houston-area, a new and memorable travel experience." said Patel. "The transformational enhancements to this acquisition continues to demonstrates our commitment to value creation and best-in-class guest satisfaction."
Bob Gilbert, president and CEO of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, retired after 30 years in executive leadership roles.
Juli Jones, HSMAI senior vice president, will serve as interim managing director while the association, aided by SearchWide Global and HSMAI's management
company MCI, searches for the next president and CEO, HSMAI said in a statement.
Gilbert accelerated his retirement due to a serious health issue.
Kristin Miodonski, MCI associate vice president and HSMAI content director, will serve as interim managing director for the HSMAI Foundation, the statement said.
"It is with the utmost respect that we announce the retirement of Bob Gilbert from his role of president and CEO of HSMAI," said Andrew Rubinacci, HSMAI
Americas chair and chief advisory officer at FLYR Hospitality. "Bob has been a mentor and friend to so many of us in the industry and has taken the association
to new heights over the course of his incredible 30-year tenure, expanding HSMAI across the globe. The association will benefit from his leadership for many
years to come."
HomeTowne Studios Greenville is now open in Greenville, South Carolina. The owner Surya Hotel Corp. recently invested over $1 million to fully renovate
the extended-stay hotel, located next to the 52-room Red Roof Inn.
The 50-room hotel is near Clemson University, Roper Mountain Science Center, Greenville Technical College, Bob Jones University, Furman University, Saint Francis
Hospital, Paris Mountain State Park and Lake Conestee Nature Park.
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is a short drive away.