Some people are moving up in the world—and here are a few of them. Congrats and huzzahs to these professionals ascending the professional ladder.
Bob LaCasse, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has appointed Bob LaCasse as its new general manager. LaCasse brings three decades worth of distinguished hospitality experience across the United States at reputable properties like Tradewinds Resort in St. Pete Beach and Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, among others across South Florida. In his role, La Casse will be supervising all aspects of the resort’s operations in order to ensure the high standards of quality are exceeded.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort sits along 2,400 acres of beachfront property, offering 1,300 vacation rental options that encompass condominiums, villas, homes, townhomes and the full-service hotels, including Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection The resort also offers four championship golf courses, 15 tennis courts, six pickleball courts, 20 swimming pools, a 226-slip marina and 85,000 sf of versatile meeting space.
Crystal Resto, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico
Crystal Resto is the new Director of Sales and Marketing at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico, taking on on the role responsible for sales strategy development, customer relationships, monitoring market trends, achieving KPI’s and meeting budgets for the 579-room resort.
Originally from El Paso, Texas, Crystal began her career as a front desk clerk but moved up the ranks quickly, moving to San Antonio in 2015 and joining Aimbridge Hospitality. Holding several director positions since 2016, Crystal honed her skills in developing successful sales teams, setting standard operating procedures, reputation management, and leading marketing efforts with world-renowned brands such as Marriott International, Winston Hospitality, Spire Hospitality, and eventually back to Aimbridge through Evolution Hospitality.
Prior to joining Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico, Resto served as Director of Sales and Marketing at The Gunter Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk and was a part of the opening team at AC Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk.
Nicholas Kuhns, Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
Royal Lahaina Resort in Maui has appointed Nicholas Kuhns its new General Manager. In his new role, Kuhns will be responsible for overseeing all operations, ensuring that the historic property continues to offer unparalleled experiences to guests while maintaining its legacy on Maui’s world-renowned Kaanapali Beach.
With over 24-years of leadership in luxury and destination resorts, casinos, conventions, and urban lifestyle hotels, Kuhns brings a wealth of hospitality experience to Royal Lahaina Resort. Kuhns most recently served as the Resort Manager at Montage Kapalua Bay. Prior, he spent over a decade in leadership roles with Hilton Hotels & Resorts. Kuhns also has a breadth of food and beverage management expertise, including serving as Director of Restaurants at theWit in downtown Chicago and Restaurant General Manager at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Kuhns’s appointment as General Manager rounds out the recent expansion of the executive leadership team as the property reopens following a 10-month period dedicated to supporting Lahaina residents affected by the 2023 wildfires.
Shane Batchelor, Fairlane Hotel Nashville
The Fairlane Hotel in downtown Nashville has tapped Nashville-native Shane Batchelor as the new General Manager. Batchelor has worked for more than 25 years in the hospitality space and has led 15+ hotels and restaurants through openings and concept relaunches. His resume includes larger nationwide franchises, from Planet Hollywood, to more boutique, hyper-local establishments, like Nashville’s Catbird Seat.
At the Fairlane, Batchelor will work to ensure that guests are receiving an experience that exceeds expectations and that his team is positioned to deliver the distinctive guest experience Oliver Hospitality has become known for. Outside of the hotel, Batchelor’s hobbies include coaching elementary basketball for his children.
Vanessa Claspill, Crescent Hotels & Resorts
Vanessa Claspill is the new new Chief Commercial Officer for Crescent Hotels & Resorts and will oversee the Commercial Division, including sales, marketing + digital and revenue strategies.
Claspill brings over 20 years of leadership experience across a broad range of hotel categories from luxury and lifestyle to large convention properties. Prior to her new role with Crescent, Claspill served as Senior Vice President of Sales at Pivot Hotels & Resorts, where she led the top-line revenue strategy for the lifestyle division within Davidson Hospitality Group. She has also held senior leadership positions at W Austin, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Sydell Group.
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