NATIONAL REPORT—Several companies have recently made appointments, including G6 Hospitality, Hotel Equities and Virgin Hotels.
G6 Hospitality Appoints Dent and Romaine
G6 Hospitality has appointed John Dent as chief legal officer and Ama Romaine as general counsel and chief compliance officer. Both Dent and Romaine will also serve on the G6 Hospitality Executive Committee.
Most recently, Dent was general counsel and corporate secretary of Extended Stay America Inc. and its paired-share REIT, ESH Hospitality Inc. Previously, he held positions of increasing responsibility with Hilton, including deputy general counsel and acting general counsel. Prior to Hilton, Dent was in private practice with a focus on dispute resolution in the lodging industry.
Most recently, Romaine served as general counsel for the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, where she was responsible for the lab’s risk management, compliance, ethics and equal employment offices. Previously Romaine spent a decade in the hospitality industry and served as the VP and senior counsel for brands at Hilton. As a member of several leadership teams at Hilton, she played a role in many of Hilton’s most important strategic initiatives. Prior to Hilton, Romaine was responsible for all commercial contracting at Choice Hotels and ensuring compliance with brand standards and lender negotiations. Earlier in her career, Romaine practiced law at top-ranked law firms in the United States and Trinidad, including White & Case and M. Hamel Smith & Company.
Virgin Hotels Announces New SVP Of Operations
Virgin Hotels has hired Thomas Becker as the new SVP of operations. Becker, who will be based in Miami, brings 35 years of experience to the brand, and will be responsible for the operational performance of all Virgin Hotels and will work closely with the senior leadership team to develop and execute the strategic plan to drive growth and profitability. A graduate of Cornell University, Becker was most recently area managing director for Two Roads Hospitality overseeing Ventana Big Sur and Carmel Valley Ranch. Prior, he has held senior executive positions with Aria Resorts & Casinos, Mandarin Oriental, One & Only Resorts and Fairmont.
Foster White Promoted to Business Development Analyst for Hotel Equities
Atlanta-based Hotel Equities has promoted Foster White to business development analyst.
In his new role, he works with the business development team to analyze and deliver data-driven recommendations to the firm’s partners. He’ll provide deliverables and value to owners through underwriting and enhanced communications. White reports directly to Joe Reardon, SVP of business development and marketing.
White originally joined Hotel Equities in 2012 as an intern while studying at Clemson University. After graduating with his degree in financial management, he completed HE’s Manager in Training (MIT) program. During the MIT program, he gained hands-on experience working in all areas of hotel operations, including transitions and new hotel openings. He also had the opportunity to engage with senior leadership at the corporate level where he gained valuable insight into operating a multi-branded portfolio of hotels. After completing the program, he joined the opening team as front office manager at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Dunwoody, GA, and most recently served as the opening assistant GM at the Residence Inn by Marriott-Atlanta-Perimeter Center/Dunwoody, GA.