Kurt Schwan is now The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta’s Director of Sales & Marketing. Schwan rejoins The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta after serving as the director of sales & marketing for InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, where he led sales, catering and conference services as a member of the Executive Committee. From 2017–2024, he served as the director of sales at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta. He oversaw the group, catering and transient markets.

Mike Gruber will serve as Interim CEO of the Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA). Gruber currently serves as COO, a role he assumed following his promotion in April. He oversees the day-to-day operations and helps lead strategic initiatives across HCPA’s advocacy, regulatory, and member services portfolios. President & CEO Steve Caldeira decided to step down from the role in July, concluding nearly 10 years of leadership.

Alec Strandburg has been appointed General Manager of Cypress Inn in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Strandburg joins Cypress Inn after more than 15 years working in hospitality throughout Monterey County. A Michigan State University graduate, Strandburg relocated to Monterey County in 2011 and has held a variety of leadership positions with several hospitality organizations, including Asilomar Conference Grounds, Pebble Beach Resorts, Carmel Mission Inn, and Bernardus Lodge & Spa.

Joseph Palminteri is now InterContinental Washington, D.C. The Wharf’s Director of Food and Beverage. He has more than two decades of experience across luxury hospitality properties and served as corporate director of food & beverage of EOS Hospitality, where he oversaw concept development, financial strategy, and operations across a diverse portfolio generating more than $140 million in annual revenue. He served with Black Drum Brewing in Myrtle Beach.

Kris Umstattd is now General Manager of The Sun Rose West Hollywood. The property is on the Sunset Strip. A native Angeleno, Umstattd has held various sales & marketing positions with organizations such as Kimpton Hotels, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. He joins The Sun Rose from his most recent role of regional director, sales & marketing of Loews Hotels & Co.

Jennifer Nicholson has been named Vice President of Commercial Strategy & Sales at the Seattle Convention Center (SCC). Nicholson joins SCC from Hyatt, where she served as area director of sales & marketing of the Seattle Hyatt Collection, representing Hyatt Regency Seattle, Grand Hyatt Seattle and Hyatt at Olive 8. While there she directed commercial strategy, oversaw sales and marketing, revenue strategy, market positioning, and team performance.

Jimmy Furtado is the new General Manager at Hyatt Vacation Club at Highlands Inn in California. Furtado steps into the role at the Monterey Peninsula property with more than 20 years of hospitality experience. He joined Marriott Vacations Worldwide in 2023 as director of operations at Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas. Before Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Furtado spent time at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa.