Former Boykin Lodging Co. COO Richard Conti joined Tampa-based consulting firm The Plasencia Group as president. He replaces founder Lou Plasencia, who remains chairman and CEO.

Opening general manager of The Grand Del Mar in north San Diego County, CA is Vikram Sood. The 261-room mixed-use resort opens next fall.

Former Best Western executives Jim Evans and Si Sloman formed OPUS Hospitality Advisors, a hotel and asset management firm based in Scottsdale, AZ. Evans is a former CEO of Best Western, while Sloman was senior vice president of operations for the membership group.

The National Association of Condo Hotel Owners elected Bernard Meyer as its first chairman of the board. Meyer is also chairman of DCI Association.

Paul O'Neal joined Accor North America as senior director of safety and security. He has 33 years experience as a private investigator.

Remington Hotels founder Archie Bennett, Jr. received the Above & Beyond Award during The Lodging Conference in Phoenix in September. Bennett received the award for his “40 years of innovation in the industry and philanthropic efforts.”

New president of Kor Hotel Group is Nicholas Clayton. He joined the 19-property company from Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

Crestline Hotels & Resorts appointed three new general managers: Marlin Keranen at the Crowne Plaza in Williamsburg, VA; Dimitri Lourbas at the Crowne Plaza in Englewood, NJ; and T. Steele Edwards at the Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort in Cumberland, MD.