Leaders on the Move: Makeready, OTO Development; Casino's in the GCC; New Luxury Hotel Brand; Salter Brothers acquire Bannisters Hotels

Welcome to the second edition of The Suite Talk Weekly, your go-to source for the latest leadership moves, deals, and industry updates in hospitality.

While this week's edition may not feature major shakeups as the previous week, there's still plenty of movement across the sector. It remains a busy time for executive transitions, and with interest rates gradually declining, companies are beginning to deploy their capital reserves, setting the stage for a dynamic 2025. On the new hotel front, the GCC continues to thrive, with Wynn Resorts , Dorchester Collection , and 洲际酒店集团 all announcing exciting new properties in the coming years.

In other news, a new luxury hotel management company, founded by the former President of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas , has emerged, shaking up the industry and giving established brands serious competition.

Stay tuned as we break down the latest updates and insights!

Leaders on the Move:

• New President of Operations at Makeready . Former COO - Luxury & Lifestyle for Pyramid Global Hospitality , Eric Gavin , has joined Makeready as President - Operations. Together with Christine Magrann he will be leading the company. Eric will oversee all operational aspects of the business focusing on the performance of the portfolio.
• Delaware North appoints Chief Hospitality Officer. David Kopasz , former Chief Hospitality Officer for Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel , has been appointed to the newly created role of Chief Hospitality Officer for Buffalo-based Delaware North, to oversee their gaming division.
• BWH Hotels with new CTO. BWH Hotels, the Phoenix-based company, has named Bill Ryan as their new Chief Technology Officer. Ryan will lead the technology team and oversee the brand's digital transformation strategy.
• OTO Development has a new CEO. Rob Rain , previously President for Johnson Development Associates, Inc. , has joined OTO Development as CEO. He will be in charge of leading strategic initiatives to further drive growth and maximize profitability.
• HR Group announces new Chief Asset Officer. Germany-based HR Group has appointed Yvonne Brabant as Chief Asset Officer, where she will act as the key intersection between the company and the asset owners of its almost 200 hotel strong management portfolio.
• New COO for La Vie Hotels & Resorts . Marcus Hanna , former VP Operations Pacific for Accor's "La Maison" brands (Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems), has been appointed COO for La Vie Hotels & Resorts to take charge of the companies growing senior leadership team across Bangkok and Sydney. The third-party operator is aiming to add 20 additional properties to the portfolio over the next 18 months.

Deal Activity:

• Salter Brothers acquires Bannisters Hotels . Alternative investment managers Salter Brothers announced the purchase of the Bannisters Hotels portfolio, a collection of unique boutique hotels in Australia. The management of the three properties will be undertaken by Salter Brothers Hospitality , the management arm of the business.

Latest Industry News:

• First Casino license in the UAE. Wynn Resorts paving the way for the countries own Las Vegas. Wynn Resorts announced last Friday that it has received the first casino license in the UAE. In an update this week the company adjusted its budget and ambitions for the mega project in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). The resort will develop almost all the space of Island 3, scheduled to open in 2027, with a budget of $5.1bn, up from the initial $3.9bn.
• A new luxury hotel management player steps in the ring. Former President of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas , Bernhard (BB) Bohnenberger has created a new player in the ever so vast landscape of luxury hotels. The company with the name Discover Collection , will operate authentic niche resorts in truly unique locations. With cost per key, rivalling the likes of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts , Aman and One&Only Resorts , the portfolio is aimed at very affluent travellers that search for unique experiences, whilst also being mindful of protecting their surroundings. The project is a JV with U.S-based real estate developer and operator Discovery Land Company , and will require guests to sign up as members of the Collection, with a membership fee kicking in once more of its hotels are open.
• Dorchester Collection announces second property in Dubai. Following the success of The Lana, Dubai - Dorchester Collection , a second property, called The Alba, is slated to open in Dubai in 2028. The mixed-use property by the sea comes with a price tag of almost ￡2bn, and will offer a blend of beachfront hospitality and residences, boasting an sheer endless number of luxury amenities.
• 洲际酒店集团 to manage world's tallest hotel. Dubai based The First Group has appointed IHG as management company of its landmark property The Ciel. The hotel will be part of IHGs Vignette Collection, a family of unique, exclusive hotels curated for guests that seek extroadinary experiences. The hotel is poised to open its doors in 2025.
• World's Southernmost hotel to be opened by Silversea Cruises . Luxury cruise line Silversea announced it will open a hotel at the end of 2025 in Chile's Puerto Williams, the world's most southern city. The hotel will provide guests with a seamless journey, for its Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise program.