Ed Brock is an award-winning journalist who has worked for various U.S. newspapers and magazines, including with American City & County magazine, a national publication based in Atlanta focused on city and county government issues. He is currently assistant editor at Asian Hospitality magazine, the top U.S. publication for Asian American hoteliers. Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Ed began his career in journalism in the early 1990s as a reporter for a chain of weekly newspapers in Baldwin County, Alabama. After a stint teaching English in Japan, Ed returned to the U.S. and moved to the Atlanta area where he returned to journalism, coming to work at Asian Hospitality in 2016.
Aaron Greenman is now executive vice president for investments and development at Auro Hotels. He will oversee the growth strategy for the Greenville, South Carolina-based company led by D.J. Rama as president and CEO.
Previously, Greenman was executive vice president for acquisitions and development at Aimbridge Hotels & Resorts. Prior to that, he was chief operating officer of JHM International in India, where he played a role in founding Auro University. Also, Greenman served eight years with Ernst & Young LLP’s real estate advisory services practice in New York.
In addition to his time in the U.S., Aaron has lived and worked in various countries in the European Union, Africa, the Middle East and India. He has a master’s degree in management from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration with a concentration in real estate finance.
He will be working from Auro’s Atlanta investment office.
“I have known and admired Aaron since the mid-1990s, and we are thrilled to have him on our U.S. team,” Rama said. “His significant domestic and international experience in the hotel management and real estate spaces, combined with his relationships worldwide, will continue to raise Auro’s visibility as a top tier hotel investor and manager.”
Mustafa’s 25-Year Experience in Hospitality Leadership
Amir Mustafa is the new CEO of B&B Hotels USA, a European budget hotel firm. He succeeds Valerio Duchini, who was recently appointed CEO of Western Europe.
Before joining B&B Hotels USA, Mustafa held leadership roles at Extended Stay America and served as senior vice president of operations at Aimbridge Hospitality, B&B said in a statement.
"With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Amir Mustafa is known for his ability to promote operational excellence, optimize revenue, and ensure customer satisfaction," said Fabrice Collet, B&B Hotels Group's chairman. "We are delighted to welcome him to B&B Hotels to help develop our brand across the Atlantic. We are confident he will integrate into the culture and values of B&B Hotels and contribute to our future success."
The France-based chain aims to grow in the expanding American market, the statement said. Mustafa's arrival will be key to strengthening the brand's U.S. development and renovating the group's five hotels to ensure customer satisfaction. The company currently has three hotels in Florida, located in Jacksonville, Orlando and Miami Springs.
Goldman Sachs has been B&B Hotels' main shareholder since 2019.
Meanwhile, European travel to the U.S. fell amid tensions over border security and visa revocations during the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
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MARK HOPLAMAZIAN, PRESIDENT and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corp., will join Greg Friedman, managing principal and CEO of Peachtree Group, for a fireside chat at the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference on March 19. Hunter introduced this format last year with Anthony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International, as the featured guest.
In “A Conversation with Mark Hoplamazian,” he will share insights on his hospitality career, leadership approach, Hyatt's market position, company outlook and industry developments, Hunter said in a statement.
“At Hyatt, business is personal—relationships, trust, and a deep understanding of our guests, customers, and owners are at the heart of everything we do,” said Hoplamazian. “In today’s competitive landscape, hotel performance is driven by the human connections that shape our industry. That’s why we collaborate closely with owners and operators like Peachtree Group to create long-term value for their investments.”
Friedman said Hunter has long been a key forum for industry leaders to discuss hospitality's future.
“Having the opportunity to sit down with Mark and explore Hyatt's strategic vision, its differentiation in the market, and broader industry trends will be invaluable for attendees," he said. "This conversation will provide insights into how ownership and brand strategies align in today's evolving landscape.”
Hoplamazian joined the Hyatt board of directors in November 2006 and became president and CEO in December 2006, the statement said. Previously, he was president of The Pritzker Organization, LLC, advising Pritzker family businesses, including Hyatt. Before that, he worked in international mergers and acquisitions at The First Boston Corporation in New York.
“HUNTER is known for its close-knit environment, and this fireside chat reflects that,” said Lee Hunter, conference chairman. “It brings together brand and ownership perspectives, offering insights that resonate with attendees.”
Hoplamazian also serves on the Executive Committees of the American Hotel & Lodging Association and the World Travel & Tourism Council. He is also a member of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago and co-chairs its Public Safety Task Force.
LendingCon 2025 also returns Aug. 19-20 at Renaissance Seaworld Orlando, gathering hospitality investors, lenders, developers, and industry leaders for networking and collaboration.
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Photo credit: American Hotel & Lodging Association
Who Is Kevin Carey, New AHLA Foundation CEO in 2025?
KEVIN CAREY, CHIEF operating officer and senior vice president of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, is now president and CEO of AHLA Foundation. He will remain AHLA’s chief operating officer while succeeding Anna Blue, who announced her departure in February after two years.
The announcement follows the Foundation’s Night of a Thousand Stars fundraiser, which gathered more than 400 industry leaders and raised more than $1 million for its initiatives, AHLA said in a statement.
“Now more than ever, the foundation’s programs and initiatives will play a vital role in advancing the hospitality industry and amplifying opportunities for its people,” said Rosanna Maietta, AHLA’s president and CEO. “Kevin is one of the industry’s most respected and seasoned leaders and a strong advocate of the AHLA Foundation and its team. I couldn’t think of a better person to lead the foundation given his experience in designing and securing funding support for broad-based industry initiatives.”
Carey, AHLA’s chief operating officer since 2017, has led initiatives supporting the association’s growth. He became interim president and CEO in March after William “Chip” Rogers stepped down to pursue other interests.
Anu Saxena, president of Hilton Supply Management and chair of the AHLA Foundation Board of Trustees, said Kevin has been instrumental in the association’s growth and a key partner in the foundation’s progress since its inception.
“On behalf of the officers and the board of trustees, we look forward to collaborating with Kevin as we embark on the next phase of the foundation’s transformation,” Saxena said.
Over the past two years under Blue’s leadership, the foundation expanded its team and increased the visibility of programs, including ForWard.
“I am thrilled to take on this new role and continue the important work of the AHLA Foundation,” said Carey. “The foundation plays a critical role in securing the future of our industry by developing its people, by creating communities underpinned by access and opportunity, and by raising awareness of the many pathways to rewarding hospitality careers. I look forward to working with our dedicated team to expand our collective impact, broaden industry engagement, and develop programs that welcome and support both current and future hospitality professionals.”
Before joining AHLA, Carey spent more than 25 years at American Express, leading global business groups. He also served on the Industry Advisory Board for the Penn State School of Hospitality Management.
In November, Carey joined the Small Business Administration's Small Business Lending Advisory Council to support capital access for small businesses, including those in underserved communities.
Lallani & Fan Recognized for Lifetime Excellence in Hospitality at CLIC
Dorraine Lallani, senior director of asset management at Westmont Hospitality Group, and Joseph Fan, president of Brighton Management, will receive a lifetime achievement award from the California Lodging Investment Conference. They will be honored at the Westin Long Beach on March 5 to 6.
Lallani, former senior vice president at Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, specializes in hotel acquisitions, due diligence, franchise relations and asset dispositions. Fan founded Brighton Management in 1994, serving Los Angeles, San Diego and Northern California, CLIC said in a statement.
“Dorraine and Joseph have already made lasting impressions in the California hospitality industry, and we look forward to their continued contributions,” said Craig Sullivan, CLIC’s founder and president. “From managing more than 500 hotels worldwide for Westmont Hospitality to founding a leading property management firm in Greater Los Angeles, both have forged respected careers in California.”
Lallani managed a portfolio of select- and full-service hotels, handling properties from $2 million to more than $50 million and overseeing franchise development. Fan supports nonprofits, including the Special Olympics and Give Kids the World Foundation, and serves on the boards of the Taiwanese Hotel & Motel Association of Southern California and the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business Advisory Board.
CLIC is offering final reduced pricing of $650 through March 4, the statement said. The door price will be $750.
James Risoleo, president and CEO of Host Hotels & Resorts, will headline the Bharat Shah Leadership Speaker Series at the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference on March 20.
Jim Risoleo to Exchange Hospitality Insights at Bharat Shah Leadership Series
James Risoleo, president and CEO of Host Hotels & Resorts, will join Mit Shah, CEO of Noble Investment Group, for the Bharat Shah Leadership Speaker Series at The Hunter Hotel Investment Conference on March 20. The series, honoring Bharat Shah, is presented in partnership with Noble Investment Group and Georgia State University's Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration.
“Jim and I have shared a deep bond and friendship throughout my career, during which I’ve had the privilege of witnessing his dynamic vision, unwavering leadership, and remarkable generosity,” said Shah. “His ability to propel Host Hotels & Resorts to extraordinary success is a testament to his strategic brilliance and deep expertise. More than that, Jim embodies the essence of servant leadership, always championing our industry and inspiring those around him to reach new heights.”
Risoleo joined Host, an S&P 500 lodging REIT and luxury hotel owner, in 1996 and became president and CEO in 2017, the statement said. He has more than 35 years of experience in finance and real estate, including roles at Interstate Hotels Corp. and Westinghouse Electric Corp. He holds a business degree and a juris doctor from Duquesne University and is a member of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania bars. He also serves on boards of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, Nareit, and the U.S. Travel Association’s CEO Roundtable.
Previous Bharat Shah Leadership Speakers include the late Arne Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International; Chris Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton; Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation; the late Mark Elliott, president of Hodges Ward Elliott; Vince Carter and Grant Hill, NBA and NCAA basketball legends, business leaders, and philanthropists; Sara Blakely, founder and executive chairwoman of SPANX; Jesse Itzler, New York Times best-selling author and entrepreneur; and Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
Leslie Hale, president and CEO of RLJ Lodging Trust, was featured in 2024.
“Each year, Mit invites us into the living rooms of our country’s most influential leaders, allowing us to witness the personal and professional journeys that have defined them,” said Lee Hunter, chairman of the Hunter Hotel Conference. “Jim’s story, his insights, and the leadership lessons he has cultivated throughout his remarkable career will leave an indelible impact on our students and conference attendees, inspiring them to carve out their own paths to success.”
Indian American hoteliers, including Shah, Mitch Patel, president and CEO of Vision Hospitality, and Al Patel, president of Baywood Hotels, were speakers at the 2024 Hunter Conference.