John Merkin was named senior vice president, brand management, Holiday Inn Brands, the Americas. The former vice president of franchise operations for InterContinental Hotel Group reports to Mark Wells, SVP, IHG brand management, the Americas.

Ty Helms was promoted from senior vice president of sales to SVP, revenue for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. In his newly created position, Helms will report to Chuck Floyd, COO of Hyatt's North American operations. Reporting to Helms will be Jack Horne, promoted from assistant VP of national sales to vice president of sales.

Scott Mumma was appointed national director of sales for Benchmark Hospitality International. He was sales and marketing director of North Maple Inn, a Benchmark property in Basking Ridge, NJ.

Hospitality veteran Don Fraser was named corporate director operations for Denihan Hospitality Group. He will work with Affinia Hotels and The Benjamin in support, training, guidance and back-house operations.

Lynn Ericksen is the new general manager of the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort. He comes to the property from the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa, where he was GM for the past three years.

Veteran lodging executive Kevin Hanley succeeds Jim MacCutcheon as CEO of Sunburst Hospitality. MacCutcheon is retiring after seven years in that post. Hanley was Sunburst's president and chief operating officer.

Tecton Hospitality appointed Jon K. Wubbena as general manager of the new Betsy Hotel, formerly the Betsy Ross Hotel in South Beach, FL.