A number of hotels and resorts across North America have appointed general managers since February kicked off. Here are some names to know for 2025 and beyond.
The Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla
The Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla appointed Dominique Lorent its new general manager.
Before joining Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla, Dominique led the opening of Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadéro, the brand’s first hotel in France. Her career also includes time at Conrad Bora Bora Nui.
Hotel Commonwealth
The Hotel Commonwealth in Boston appointed Shane McWeeny general manager. McWeeny returns to lead the property, drawing upon his earlier experience as director of operations.
McWeeny has worked at properties on both coasts. Most recently, he was general manager at Boston Park Plaza, where he led a team of more than 500 employees. His career also includes leadership roles at the Beverly Hills Hotel and Ritz-Carlton Boston Common.
Monterey Beach Hotel
Real estate investment and operating company Ascendant Capital Partners, in partnership with global hotel management firm Highgate and global investment manager Centerbridge Partners, appointed Brock Taylor general manager at Monterey Beach Hotel, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio property in Monterey, Calif.
Taylor’s hospitality career began in 2012 at the Ojai Valley Inn, where he started in golf services and advanced to manager on duty. He further honed his skills as assistant front office manager at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, Calif. In 2018, Taylor became director of front office at the Mr. C Beverly Hills, where he oversaw the rooms division and managed the launch of its ultra-luxury private residences. In 2021, Taylor was promoted to hotel manager at Mr. C Beverly Hills, where he was part of the $80 million sale and acquisition of Mr. C Beverly Hills by Braemar Hotels & Resorts, which also transitioned management to Remington Hospitality and then later rebranded to Cameo Beverly Hills in 2023 in anticipation of a $30 million renovation.
Municipal Grand
Midnight Auteur, the cocktail-centric hospitality company founded by the teams behind The Ramble Hotel and Death & Co, appointed Franck Savoy general manager of Municipal Grand, the company’s first boutique hotel, opening in Savannah’s North Historic District in spring.
Savoy’s career includes overseeing food-and-beverage programs at Shutters on the Beach, Hotel Casa del Mar and Caesars Palace, as well as leading operations at Auberge Resorts’ The Bishop’s Lodge, Clear Creek Tahoe, and Park House Houston. Most recently, he was chief operating officer of Berg Hospitality Group, where he directed 17 restaurant concepts and spearheaded multiple openings.
St. Regis Bal Harbour
The St. Regis Bal Harbour (Fla.) Resort appointed Carlo Javakhia general manager. Javakhia has more than 25 years of hospitality experience across Europe and the Middle East and has worked with several international luxury brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, Le Méridien, Hyatt and M Management.
Beginning his career as a front-desk agent, Javakhia went on to hold multiple food & beverage leadership roles before advancing to director of operations and ultimately general manager. He most recently was general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Doha, in Qatar.
Terra Palm Springs
In California, the Terra Palm Springs appointed Kurt Englund general manager.
Throughout his 30 year career, Englund has worked with large companies as well as a range of independent properties. His career began at the Four Seasons brand and he went on to work with boutique concepts like the Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront.
The Wilde Resort & Spa
The Wilde Resort & Spa in Sedona, Ariz., appointed Tobby Rau general manager. He joins the property from Poco Diablo Resort in Sedona, where he was general manager and oversaw a multimillion-dollar renovation of 137 guestrooms, public spaces and eight acres of grounds. During his tenure, he also conceptualized and launched Willows Kitchen & Wine Bar.
He also worked as resort manager and acting general manager at L'Auberge de Sedona, where he oversaw operations for both L'Auberge and Orchards Inn. Earlier roles include director of operations at The Grove Resort & Spa in Orlando, where he launched a major water park. He has also held leadership positions at Streamsong Golf Resort, Royal Sonesta New Orleans and multiple Destination Hotels & Resorts properties.