David Peckinpaugh is taking the reins at Maritz following the transition of CEO and Chairman Steve Maritz, who led the 127-year-old St. Louis-based travel industry and professional services giant for 25 years.

The InterContinental Mark Hopkins announced Michael Pace as the hotel’s new General Manager. Pace was previously area general manager for Sonesta Hotels, based at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, San Francisco.

The Elizabeth Hotel announced Dragan Andrejic as the hotel’s new general manager. In this position, Andrejic is responsible for all aspects of the hotel’s day-to-day operations, long term success of the hotel, creating a successful, creative environment for all his team members and ensuring a superior guest experience.

Hyatt Regency Austin named Jeff Ouradnik as director of sales and marketing. Ouradnik joined the property from Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in the Seattle area.

Royal Palms Resort and Spa welcomed two new additions to the executive team with the appointment of Carlos Morales as general manager and Alex Robinson as executive chef.

The International Exposition (I-X) Center announced Lisa Reau has been appointed to director of business development and events. In this position, Reau will be responsible for all sales initiatives while developing business relationships that drive growth and maximize all revenue streams.

Bahia Resort Hotel, located in San Diego’s coastal Mission Bay neighborhood, announced Jim Chester as its new general manager. Previously serving as the company’s director of food and beverage for nearly a decade, Chester will now oversee daily operations for the 313-room bayside resort in his new role.

Orlando World Center Marriott announced the appointment of Robert Bray as general manager. In this position, he will oversee all operational aspects of the 2,009-room property, including everything from financial performance and the guest experience to food and beverage, while maximizing revenue and maintaining focus on strategic goals.

Robert Murdock is the new president of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau (CTCSB), the state’s official meetings and sports event sales and marketing organization. On January 1, 2019, Murdock stepped into his new job upon the retirement of longtime industry leader H. Scott Phelps, who steered the CTCSB since 2014.

Following an extensive national search, the board of directors for the Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau (VisitNorfolk) has named Kurt J. Krause as president and chief executive officer of the organization, effective January 7, 2019.