Hotels across the country—including several in New York City and Chicago—have appointed general managers in recent weeks. Here are some names to know as 2025 draws to a close.
Baccarat Hotel New York
Israël Benyaïr is the new general manager of the Baccarat Hotel New York.
Before joining Baccarat Hotel, Benyaïr was the vice president of operations for the Delamar Hotel Collection, a private luxury brand consisting of six hotels. Before this, Benyaïr was the general manager of The Mayflower Inn and Spa, an Auberge Collection hotel in Washington, Conn. During this time, he oversaw an extensive renovation and successful repositioning of the property.
Benyaïr’s career has included leadership positions with several Mandarin Oriental Hotels, including the Mandarin Oriental New York (hotel manager,) Mandarin Oriental Geneva (hotel manager, director of food and beverage and restaurant manager) Mandarin Oriental Boston (director of food & beverage) and the Mandarin Oriental Washington D.C. (assistant director of food and beverage.) He also held leadership positions with Hotel Beau-Rivage Geneva, a Leading Hotels of the World, and the Intercontinental Hotel Geneva.
The Barnett and Maison Métier
Todd Metzger has been appointed complex general manager of The Barnett and Maison Métier in New Orleans.
Metzger joins The Barnett and Maison Métier from Springboard Hospitality where he was regional vice president of operations. Before that, Metzger was general manager with Commune Hotels and Resorts, overseeing three boutique California properties. Metzger also served on the Hotel Council of San Francisco, Visit West Hollywood Board and recently was nominated as a “Los Angeles Men of Merit” by Los Angeles Magazine for his community involvement.
Desolation Hotel Hope Valley
Zach and Kelly Stout are the new general managers of Desolation Hotel Hope Valley in California.
The couple previously held leadership roles in the hospitality and food and beverage industries. Zach supported the food and beverage management teams responsible for the openings of both The Last Hotel and LOEWS in St. Louis, while Kelly concurrently managed St. Louis eateries including Retreat Gastropub, Yellowbelly and entertainment venue The Dark Room.
DoubleTree by Hilton Dayton/Fairborn
Somnium Hospitality Group appointed Kenny Didier as GM of the DoubleTree by Hilton Dayton/Fairborn.
Didier has more than 20 years of full-service and luxury hotel leadership, including two Autograph Collection hotels and a 295-room Marriott.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Birmingham
Brandon Claypool is the new general manager of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Birmingham, Ala., a newly renovated 242-room, all-suite property. With more than 27 years of experience in hotel operations and management, Claypool has overseen hotels in California, Hawaii, Miami, the U.S. Virgin Islands and now, Birmingham.
His prior experience includes serving as task force complex hotel manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Jose and Juniper Hotel Cupertino, Curio Collection by Hilton, as well as holding director positions at The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, and Hilton Waikoloa Village.
Hotel Hartness
In Greenville, S.C., the Hotel Hartness appointed Glen Williams general manager.
Williams has led hotels for Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt and Embassy Suites, specializing in openings, operations, guest service and revenue management. He has overseen multiple top-ranking properties across the Southeast, with several earning recognition in the top 10 percent nationally for guest satisfaction.
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Following the retirement of long-standing general manager Patrick Donelly, who concludes his 39-year tenure with Hyatt Hotels Corp., Mark Wagner has been named general manager of the Hyatt Regency Chicago
Wagner is continuing a nearly three-decade career with Hyatt. Outside of work, he contributes to the Chicago hospitality and business community through board service with Choose Chicago, the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, and the Chicago Chamber of Commerce.
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago
The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago, appointed Randy Romero general manager.
Romero’s career includes more than 35 years with Hilton Hotels Corp., where he was regional director, full-service & lifestyle brands North America, supporting a portfolio of full-service and lifestyle hotels across the Americas, and on-property leadership positions at the Hilton Chicago, Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, The Beverly Hilton and the Waldorf Astoria New York.
Most recently, Romero was general manager of Sable at Navy Pier, Curio Collection by Hilton. He also held regional leadership oversight with Maverick Hotels & Restaurants.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park appointed Borja Garcia general manager.
Borja has worked at Marriott International and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. Before joining The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, Borja was general manager of The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort and Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Sebastian.
Originally from Spain, Borja holds an MBA in Corporate Finance from Instituto de Estudios Bursátiles, a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from UOP-ESERP Business & Law School and an Associate Degree in Golf Management from the Golf Academy of America.