Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel has announced the appointment of Russell Shearer as executive chef. With over a decade of experience working in hospitality kitchens across the country, most recently at JW Marriott Chicago, Shearer will oversee the hotel’s culinary operation, including one of Chicago’s hottest rooftop destinations, Raised.
These interviews are part of a series that highlights new hires within the industry. Have you recently started a new role or do you know someone who has? Submit your ideas to Megan Gosch.
The Albert in Hotel EMC2 recently appointed Larry Feldmeier as its new executive chef. With over 12 years of experience in the industry, Feldmeier will combine technique and style to create a refined, yet innovative menu for the contemporary restaurant.
Skyline Exhibits, a leading trade show marketing company, has announced Mark Gomilla has been named the general manager of its Regional Service Center in Chicago.
Gomilla, is no stranger to Skyline having worked within the Skyline dealer organization for more than 10 years. He was most recently the president of Skyline Exhibit Resource, a Skyline dealership in De Pere, Wisconsin. Gomilla had also previously managed the service side of business.
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. announced Murray Hennessy will serve as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer.
Hennessy is very familiar with the collection of indoor water park resorts, having served as advisor to Great Wolf Resorts’ senior management team during his tenure on the company’s board of directors, and interim CEO.
The Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (RSCVA) announced the addition of Madeja Metcalf as the regional director of convention sales, with responsibility for soliciting meetings and conventions throughout the Midwest.
The Greater St. Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau (GSCCVB) has named DeAnn Wagner as Interim Executive Director.
Wagner’s main goal in this interim role is to increase awareness for the greater St. Charles I1 area.
“In the last twelve years, I’ve grown to love this community with its treasure trove of unique meeting spaces, attractions, and events, and I want everyone to experience them,” said Wagner.
Wagner brings more than a decade of experience in the tourism industry to her credit.
The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB) has promoted Nick Povalitis to Director of Sports Development. Povalitis will work to secure professional and amateur sporting events and tournaments that will generate economic development for the Rockford region.
Thomas J.W. Voss has just been appointed managing director of the 1,048-room-Fairmont Austin, opening the summer of next year. He will be responsible for overall operations, performance and strategic direction for the newest and largest Fairmont hotel in the U.S.
With more than 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Voss has held a number of positions, including executive roles with Starwood Hotels.
It was announced in late February that during the month of March uber-restaurateur Stephen Starr would be introducing a unique "Support our Schools" program in his 20 Philadelphia restaurants.
Philadelphia schools have long been a subject of discontent and Starr’s plans to raise $100,000 during the one-month period would help support multimedia labs, elementary school playgrounds and six-week summer internships. Starr’s restaurants average 40,000 customers per week and diners would be encouraged to add a donation when paying their bill.
