Questex’s Hotel Management Announces the 2026 List of “Forty Over 40,” Recognizes Excellence in Hospitality Leadership

NEW YORK, Jan. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questex’s Hotel Management today announces the 2026 “Forty Over 40” list, which celebrates exceptional leaders aged 40 and above who exemplify dedication, innovation and influence within the hospitality industry.

As part of its commitment to honoring excellence, Hotel Management invited industry-wide nominations to spotlight hospitality professionals whose expertise and passion are shaping the future of the sector.

More than 100 nominations were received, and 40 outstanding professionals were chosen by Hotel Management’s senior editorial staff for their dedication and outstanding achievements and enduring impact on the hospitality landscape.

The 2026 Forty over 40 include:

Justin Bain, Co-Head of Development, UMusic Hotel Development
Cole Baker, Vice President of Hospitality Management Services, Oldham Goodwin
Linnet Bautista, Director of Sales and Marketing, Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy
Dr. Jennifer Belk White, Ed.D., Vice President of Human Resources & Compensation, General Hotels Corporation
Melissa Blettner, CEO, Ancient Lore Village
Joseph Blewitt, Senior Vice President of Hospitality Development, Jackson-Shaw
Darrell Buettner, Director of Operations, DKN Hotels
Adam Butts, SVP of Procurement Operations and Systems, Crescent Hotels & Resorts
Timothy Conklin, Director of Food and Beverage, Sonesta Hotels and Resorts
Gregory Day, President of Hospitality for Mani Brothers Real Estate Group and Managing Director of the Malibu Beach Inn, Mani Brothers Real Estate Group and Malibu Beach Inn
Patrick Durbin, Area General Manager, Ivy Hospitality
Chris Ellison, Vice President of Revenue, Brittain Resorts & Hotels
Liz Flurry, Vice President of Growth Marketing, Hotel Equities
Paula Forero Sepulveda, General Manager, Meliá Hotels International - Paradisus Palma Real
Eric Gavin, President, Makeready
Diana Gonzalez, Director of Sales, AC Hotel Jacksonville St. Johns Town Center, OTO Development
Mike Kuzmar, Vice President of Business Intelligence and First Analytics, First Hospitality
Jordan Langlois, Senior Vice-President, Franchise Operations, Sonesta International Hotels
Jaonna Livingston, Area Director of People + Culture, Hotel Dover, Exchange Hotels Management
Brandon McConnell, Corporate Executive, Delavan Lake Lawn Management LLC
Ali Momin, Principal & Co-Founder, SLTX Capital
Eric Monteiro, Corporate Director of Marketing & Digital Strategies, OTO Development
Carita Montgomery, Director of Sales & Marketing, Hospitality Ventures Management Group
Brian Murtagh, Director of Operations, Stay Ridgeline
Riley Nail, Head of Brand & Lifestyle Experiences, Makeready
Mahendra Patel, Founder, MHO Hotels
Adam Patenaude, President, Dreamscape Hospitality
Diana Peru, General Manager, Holiday Inn Express by IHG Las Cruces (N.M.) North
Chelene Potvin-Bird, Complex Director of Sales & Marketing, Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport
Jennifer Preciado, Director of Revenue, Auric Road
Tayran Richardson, Director of Rooms, Sage Hospitality Group
David Salcfas, General Manager, Hard Rock Hotel New York
Frank Santos, President & CEO, Rosen Hotels & Resorts
Jessica Sarley, General Manager, Residence Inn Marriott Cleveland-Airport/Middleburg Heights, Ivy Hospitality
Gabriela Settles, Director, Property Ops, Hilton Supply Management
Myisha Smith, Corporate Director of Training, Pacifica Hotels
Lindsey Snell, Regional Director of Operations, Raines Co.
Matteo Soldatini, CEO, At Mine Hospitality
Luciano Sperduto, Hotel Manager, Caribe Royale Orlando
Mark Williams, SVP of Business Development, Hotel Equities

“Recognizing hospitality professionals over 40 is about celebrating a deep commitment to service,” said Esther Hertzfeld, Executive Editor, Hotel Management. “These leaders bring creativity, resilience and perspective to everything they do—raising the bar for the industry. Congratulations to the Class of 2026 – your leadership inspires us.”

The 2026 “Forty Over 40” winners are featured in the January issue of Hotel Management. Click here to see the winners.

About Hotel Management, a Division of Questex Hospitality Group
Hotel Management creates content for the hospitality ecosystem with one shared goal of operating hotels efficiently and profitably. Hotel Management is a leading B2B centralized source for the latest news, trends and analysis across the hospitality industry. Stay up to date on breaking news in global and local development, technology, investment, operations, food & beverage, design and more.

About Questex
Questex fuels exceptional business connections—where every buyer and seller interaction matters. Through live events enriched with data insights and active year-round digital communities, we deliver measurable results. It happens here.

Media Contact
Kate Lester
Marketing Manager, Hospitality Group
klester@questex.com

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