Between mid-April and early May, two Texas hotels appointed industry professionals to leadership roles, and Visit San Antonio’s head departed the organization.
In mid-April, Marriott Marquis Houston hired a new executive chef, Edgar Maldonado, who now leads the hotel’s five on-site restaurants and all banquet facilities. His experience includes culinary leadership roles at various Marriott International properties across the country, including a three-year stint at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra, Florida.
“Houston is such a vibrant and diverse destination, consistently ranking in the top 10 food cities in the U.S.,” says Maldonado in a prepared statement. “I’ve been empowered by Marriott Marquis Houston to shake things up and bring my unique stamp to the resort’s renowned dining program.”
In early May, Ammar Alrudaini joined the Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island as general manager. His previous roles include director of food and beverage with Plano-based Aimbridge Hospitality, general manager at Omni Nashville Hotel in Tennessee, and assistant restaurant general manager at Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk.
“I’m delighted to join the Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island team as we continue to position the destination as the ideal tropical oasis along the Texas Gulf Coast,” says Alrudaini.
And at the end of April, Marc Anderson made the decision to depart from his role as CEO of Visit San Antonio, the city’s convention and visitors bureau, after four years in the position. His last day was officially April 25, and Mario Bass (executive vice president and chief strategy officer) stepped in as interim CEO while the organization begins the process of finding a new leader.
