Virgin Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson, announces James Bermingham’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.Bermingham joins the Virgin Hotels executive team following nearly two decades with Montage
International. He will be responsible for delivering the company’s exciting global growth pipeline, multi-award-winning customer experience, and unique culture.”We are thrilled to welcome James into the Virgin Hotels family,” says Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group.
“For over a decade, we have been devoted to providing entertaining and unforgettable experiences for our guests, and I can think of no one better than James to spearhead this effort as we continue to grow the brand on a global scale.”
Bringing more than 35 years of industry experience to the position, Bermingham began his hospitality career in his hometown of Dublin, followed by ten years in London, including executive roles with ITT Sheraton Corporation. His career then led him to the United States, where he held prestigious General Manager roles at the St. Regis Hotel in Houston and the Montage Laguna Beach. Since 2008, he served as ExecutiveVice President, Operations for Montage International, where he oversaw all aspects of operations for the Montage and Pendry Hotel brands seven hotels and resorts, including owner relations, culture development, and sales and marketing.
“I have long admired Virgin Hotels’ ability to seamlessly blend smart and innovative design with elevated service and – maybe most importantly – fun,” said Bermingham. “Watching the brand grow into itself as a reliable haven for both leisure and business travelers without sacrificing its inherent ‘cool factor’ has been exciting, to say the least, and I’m really looking forward to joining such a dynamic team.”
Bermingham assumes his new role as Virgin Hotels, founded in 2010, experiences its most robust growth to date. In 2021, the brand plans for three coast-to-coast openings in Las Vegas, New Orleans, and New York City while already operating hotels in Chicago, Dallas, and Nashville. Properties in Miami and Edinburgh are also in development, with additional opportunities being pursued in Philadelphia, Glasgow, Cannes, and Ibiza.
“James’ appointment comes at an exciting time of accelerating growth for us,” said Peter Norris, Chairman of Virgin Hotels. “His decades of industry experience and acute global expertise will be a true asset for the brand as we push to expand our footprint both domestically and internationally.”
We had a pleasure of interviewing James Bermingham CEO Virgin Hotels, at the America Hotel Owners Charitable Association Annual Gala -2022, headed by Chairman John Lam, who will be managing The Virgin Hotel in New York City, which will be opening in December 2022, later this year.
See Exclusive interview with James Bermingham CEO Virgin Hotels, in our World Liberty TV, Business Channels and blogs by clicking here.
We had the pleasure of covering close to 100 designers from all over the World. At New York Fashion Shows Fall / Winter 2022. Below are some of the fashion Shows we covered and showcased in our World Liberty TV, Fashion Channels, Blogs and Photo-Galleries.
Adrian Alicea: The Adrian Alicea brand represents an orgy of defiance. Absolution without the fear of retribution. The temerity of Adrian Alicea is only surpassed by the precise execution of his vision.
Adrian Alicea is a new romantic of romantic excesses. Creating a pirate-like fairy-tale of disguises, he walks a tightrope between ironic hedonistic inclination and highly serious commentary. There is an insane carcinogenic, merciless narcissism. There is a deafening, endless shout
of “gimme more!” – Earl Murray. Adrian’s inspiration comes from his strong familial roots in Puerto Rico. The essence of his beautiful mother is etched into every design. Mr. Alicea was also blessed with nine sisters of whom have provided him with the depth of understanding the female form. The fact that he also has real human frailties make him greater than is realized by those who are not able to see through the fog of adulation. His human experience transcends into an emotional confluence felt by every being that adorns his designs. Having been a model himself, he was first discovered at the iconic nightclub “The Tunnel” by Rae Dawn Chong who invited him to walk for Thierry Mugler’s couture show in Paris.
From there his career took off and with persistent effort continued working with the masters of Europe: Hermes, Giorgio Armani, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Gianfranco Ferre, Vivienne Westwood, and Patricia Fields and graced the stage with notable supermodels Iman, Kate Moss, Christy Turlington, Debra Shaw, Veruschka von Lehndorff, to name a few. Adrian Alicea has also been featured on the cover of Italian Vogue and has had editorial spreads in major publications like Vibe. He’d eventually tour the world as a professional dancer alongside the legendary Willi Ninja and Grace Jones. This led to two electrifying performances in “Deep in Vogue” and “Waltz Darling” by the multi-talented Malcolm McClaren. He is currently featured in the CAMP Expedition at the Metropolitan Museum Of Art, Manhattan, New York and was presented with the Emerging New Designer Award at the Cinema Film Fashion Awards 2017, Beverly Hills, California alongside Akon, Sidney Poitier and Samuel L. Jackson. Adrian has styled and dressed the likes of many A List celebrities. Larisa Martine, of whom shared the stage with Grammy Award Winner, Joshua Bell at the 60th Lincoln Center Anniversary hosted by Neil Patrick Harris wore one of his stunning designs. He has also dressed and styled celebrities like Zoe Saldana and Nick Cannon.
The House Of Alicea was born out of his life-time love affair with Avant-garde fashion and the purest freedom of an artist. Adrian sews from hand like a sculptor as he shapes and molds each fabric to fit the human form with such care to the ornate details he creates in each design. The fashion industry has become commercial and lackluster at best with mass-produced designs. Adrian Alicea has a style all his own that is unique and filled with the power to transform this industry back to a time when living breathing artistic beauty of all forms graced the stage. His designs bring forth an explosive amalgamation of emotions that will take your breath away and leaving you screaming for more. Adrian Alicea is that of a demigod. This mythical creature has the innate ability to forge a cult-like dance of the obscure bathed in overt obscenity, and emblazoned in provocative aggression dripping in hedonistic ecstasy. See his fashion Show in our World Liberty TV, Fashion Channel by Clicking here.
Emerge Fashion Show During NYFW -2022: I am truly grateful to present the Emerge! Fashion live runway show during New York Fashion Week! When I created Emerge! 10 years ago my purpose was to highlight the creativity and art that designers create for the runway. I am always at awe at the talent and gifts that designers bring to light. I am equally grateful about honoring legendary designer Karl Kani with the Fashion Innovator Award. Universally- deemed the Godfather of Urban Fashion, Karl Kani’s style and influence impacted the culture in a major way with his iconic brand.
Last but not least, thanks to everyone for supporting the show and I am honored you are here to enjoy this journey! On behalf of our talented designers, production staff and all of our sponsors, I welcome you to witness Emerge! A Fashion Runway Show., Said, Dionne Williams Creator, Emerge! See Emerge Fashion Show as well as Karl Kani God Father of Urban Fashion being honored as well as a special tribute video honoring Andre Talley. In our World Liberty TV, Fashion Channels by Clicking here.
“NYC Live! @ Fashion Week” Fall/Winter 2022 Fashion Showcase, Creative Director and Founder “Michael Reid”: Born and raised in Harlem, New York, Wm. Michael Reid has always expressed a desire to become a world-renowned architect. It was once imagined that he would have an impact on his hometown’s world-famous skyline by designing a magnificent office tower or, better yet, a sports and entertainment complex. However, after attending college in Los Angeles, he shifted into a different gear, which helped him focus on designing and building a first-class company.
Over time, X.E.I. has developed solid relationships with many influential personnel all across the nation – entertainment industry, sports leagues, travel/hospitality, corporate sponsors, modeling, fashion, and the media — radio, television, film, print and interactive. In years to come, it’s X.E.I.’s goal to leave its mark as one of the most highly-successful entertainment companies ever to be assembled. One thing’s for certain, X.E.I. will provide a creative and informative platform for new business clients, as well as family and friends. See NY Live Fashion Shows by clicking here.
We at World Liberty TV, have been covering New York Fashion Week for close to 20 years and showcasing thousands of designers from all over the World, as well as models and people in the fashion world. See More in our World Liberty TV, Fashion Channels blogs and Fashion Photo-Galleries by clicking here.
NYU School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality Hosts the 43rd Annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, Convening Renowned Hospitality Thought Leaders In-Person in NYC.
Featured Speakers Jamie Dimon, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, JPMorgan Chase, and CEOs from Accor, BWH, Hilton, IHG, and Marriott, Among Others, Share Insights and Forecasts.During Enlightening General Sessions Complemented by Innovative Breakout Discussions.
The NYU School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality convened top hospitality industry executives and thought leaders from across the US and around the world for its 43rd Annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City. This leading hospitality forum is one of the first major industry conferences to resume in-person in NYC since the pandemic struck.
Jonathan M. Tisch, chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels and Company, and Co-chairman of the board of Loews Corporation, who serves as Conference chair, opened the event, which spans three days (November 7-9) by delivering remarks on the state of the industry and providing a preview of the content to come. In his opening remarks, while he focused on the issues the hospitality, travel, and tourism industries continue to face due to the pandemic, he also stressed the opportunities at hand, specifically in the areas of business travel, global events, and the power of these industries to bring people together.
The first day of content was highlighted by thought-provoking general sessions with high-profile leaders and innovators sharing their insights.
“The CEOs Check-In: A View from the Top,” featured hospitality executives who discussed the evolving investment landscape, and how the hospitality industry is growing once again. Sara Eisen, anchor, “Closing Bell,” CNBC, moderated this discussion with Keith Barr, chief executive officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts; Sébastien M. Bazin, chairman and chief executive officer, Accor; Anthony Capuano, chief executive officer, Marriott International; David Kong, president and chief executive officer, BWH Hotel Group; and Christopher J. Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton. The executives shared positive outlooks as the industry focuses on 2022. From foreign travel resuming to family members and friends eager to be back together, they expect to see continued growth in the sector, with people feeling more comfortable with traveling. While the pandemic caused tremendous hardship, these leaders are clearly embracing the accelerated change that has come from it—particularly in the area of customer experience. They also see efficiencies across the sector, technology, and remote work, as being key influences now and in the months ahead.
We covered the 43rd Annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Conference-2021, for the first time in our World Liberty TV, Business channels and blogs, and as Mr Andrew Hamilton, President of New York University said, this is our first live Conference in the last one year and half. Close to 1100 hundred people were in attendance, great speakers from around the world in attendance.
A touching tribute to Arne M. Sorenson, President and CEO of Marriott International, who passed unexpectedly on February 15, 2021. In May 2019, the company announced that Mr. Sorenson had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. David S . Marriott, Director of Marriott Board of Directors went on to stay he was truly a great man who made great changes for all people in the Hospitability business. He would be never forgotten; a special video tribute was played in his honor.
I had met and spoke to to Mr Sorenson on two different occasions, one being at the Clinton Global Foundation and other times at the Times Square Marriott hotel events, he was a down to earth guy and would take time to speak to you and listen to you. The two times I met him I was very highly impressed with him and what he was doing for people of color in the Hospitability business and had his heart in the right place. His work will continue to be done and he will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace my friend.
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