Charlene Nakamura
With more than 40 years of experience, Charlene Nakamura has been appointed as area director of sales for Hilton Hawaiian Village and Hilton Waikoloa Village. A Honolulu native and graduate of the University of Hawaii TIM School, she’s led sales efforts at Hawaii’s most iconic properties, including Sheraton Waikiki and The Royal Hawaiian. Known for her passion for building long-term partnerships, Nakamura is celebrated for her expertise in meetings and conventions and warm aloha spirit.
Alice Land
The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection has welcomed Alice Land as director of sales and marketing. With 25 years of luxury hospitality leadership, she previously served at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry, where she led innovative strategies for the 685-room resort.
Her career includes senior roles at Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa and Marriott International. A three-time Marriott Leader of the Quarter, Land is recognized for mentoring teams, elevating guest experiences and achieving exceptional revenue growth.
Christina Fry
Thompson Austin and tommie Austin have appointed Christina Fry as general manager, overseeing operations at the dual-branded downtown properties. With 13 years of Hyatt portfolio experience, she most recently served as general manager at Andaz West Hollywood.
Her career began as a front office agent before advancing through leadership roles in rooms and food and beverage across multiple Hyatt resorts. Fry brings strong operational expertise and passion for team leadership to the Austin market, further strengthening the hotels’ market presence.
Sebastian Dental
Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort, has promoted Sebastien Dental to managing director. Since joining in 2020 as director of food and beverage, he has driven cultural and service excellence, later becoming resort manager.
With more than 15 years of experience at luxury brands such as One&Only, Four Seasons and Fairmont, he is known for cultivating high-performing teams. In his new role, Dental will guide strategic operations while continuing to position the property as a leader in ultra-luxury travel.
Kunal Sharma
JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa has promoted Kunal Sharma to executive chef. A Culinary Institute of America graduate and Marriott veteran, Sharma has built his career at Ritz-Carlton properties in Florida and Grand Cayman, rising from cook to chef de cuisine. Joining Camelback Inn in 2022 as executive sous chef, he refreshed menus across signature restaurants and outlets. Known for his innovative culinary vision, Sharma now leads the resort’s culinary program, curating memorable dining experiences for guests.
Matt Karow
Hotel Heron, part of Aparium Hotel Group in Alexandria, Virginia, has named Matt Karow as general manager. With over 20 years of hospitality experience, Karow’s career spans Hyatt Regency, Highgate and multiple Autograph Collection hotels. He previously served as opening general manager of Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria and most recently led properties in Florida.
At Hotel Heron, Karow will oversee operations, team development and strategic initiatives while enhancing the hotel’s boutique appeal and dynamic community-driven guest programming.
Juan Quiroz & Yohsy Hernandez
Novotel Miami Brickell has expanded its executive team, appointing Juan Quiroz as director of sales and marketing and Chef Yohsy Hernandez as executive chef. Quiroz brings over two decades of experience with Marriott, Hilton, Accor and independent hotels, driving revenue growth and guest satisfaction throughout the Americas.
Chef Yohsy is passionate about culinary innovation, local sourcing and making gourmet cuisine approachable. Together, they aim to elevate Novotel Miami’s guest experience through creative sales strategies and inspired culinary offerings.
Marshneil Bharadwaj
Andaz 5th Avenue has appointed Marshneil Bharadwaj as general manager. A Hyatt veteran with nearly 20 years of global experience, her career spans roles in India, Dubai, the Bahamas and New York. She joined Hyatt’s lifestyle portfolio in 2022, most recently serving as general manager at Gild Hall, Thompson Hotel.
Known for people-first leadership, Bharadwaj will oversee operations and strategic growth while shaping immersive guest experiences. Her vision emphasizes individuality, local partnerships and cultural authenticity at the flagship midtown property.
