Smart Moves at Caribe Royale Orlando, Hyatt Jacksonville, Teneo Hospitality and More

Abel Barrera has been appointed Director of Sales and Marketing for La Bahia Hotel & Spa, a luxury resort opening in Santa Cruz in late summer 2025. A seasoned hospitality leader with more than 15 years of experience, Barrera most recently served at LUMA Hotel San Francisco and brings expertise in pre-openings, brand conversions and revenue growth to his new role at the highly anticipated beachfront property.

Julian Alden has been named director of sales and marketing at The Lowell Hotel in New York City. With over 20 years of luxury hospitality experience, Alden returns to NYC after leading the launch of Six Senses La Sagesse Grenada. He has held key roles at The Fifth Avenue Hotel, The Mark, Park Hyatt New York, The Pierre and The St. Regis New York, bringing deep industry insight to the Upper East Side landmark.

Joyce Leveston has been named CEO of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, becoming the first woman to hold the role. With over 30 years of industry experience, she most recently led strategy for 60+ venues at Oak View Group. Leveston’s extensive background includes leadership roles at top U.S. convention centers and major events. She officially steps into the position on March 10, 2025, bringing a bold vision to New York’s premier event destination

Bryan Gay has been appointed director of sales and marketing at Caribe Royale Orlando, where he will lead sales strategy for the AAA Four Diamond all-suite resort and its sister property, Buena Vista Suites. Gay brings deep experience from roles at Grand Wailea, Atlantis Bahamas and major Las Vegas resorts. He will focus on driving revenue, growing market share and amplifying the resort’s position following its $140 million transformation.

Scott Beck has joined JLL’s Global Tourism & Destination Advisory Group, bringing decades of tourism innovation, destination strategy and economic development experience. Known for pioneering initiatives like DestinationNext and advocating for data-driven, future-focused planning, Beck’s appointment signals JLL’s intensified focus on helping destinations innovate, adapt, and thrive sustainably.

Dana Young has retired as president and CEO of Visit Florida after six years of record-breaking achievements and economic impact. Effective immediately, Craig Thomas has been appointed interim president and CEO. With eight years at VISIT FLORIDA, including roles as General Counsel and COO, Thomas brings deep institutional knowledge and leadership experience to guide the organization’s continued success.

Teneo Hospitality Group has named Justin Plank as vice president of sales. With 20 years of hospitality experience, Plank previously served as resort sales director for The Walt Disney Company and held leadership roles at Atlantis Paradise Island and Starwood Hotels. In his new role, he will lead sales strategy and customer engagement initiatives, supporting Teneo’s continued global growth.

The Wigwam Resort in Arizona has appointed Jason Bossenberry as resort vice president of sales and marketing. With over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality—including leadership roles at Park Hyatt Toronto, The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, and Four Seasons Hotels—Bossenberry will lead sales and marketing efforts to strengthen the resort’s brand and drive growth.

MGME has promoted Renee Jacobs to chief operating officer. With over 30 years of global experience in the meetings and events industry, Jacobs will now lead operational strategy and innovation across MGME’s portfolio. She previously served as EVP of Life Sciences and Commercial, and has held leadership roles at WorldTEK and The Journal of Commerce.

Josh Hoce has been promoted to director of group sales at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. A 20-year hospitality veteran, Hoce has been with the property since 2018 and played a key role in maintaining group business during the pandemic. In his new role, he’ll lead strategic sales initiatives, mentor the team, and drive group bookings at the downtown Jacksonville hotel.