Charlestowne Hotels is reinforcing its leadership team with strategic executive appointments as the company gears up for further growth and expansion in 2026. With the addition of seasoned professionals to key positions, the hotel management firm is positioning itself for a successful year ahead, focused on optimizing operations, driving sales, and enhancing guest experiences across its diverse portfolio of over 60 award-winning properties. These appointments are set to play a crucial role in Charlestowne’s continued success and its ambition to broaden its reach in the competitive hospitality market.
Charlestowne Hotels, a premier hospitality management firm renowned for its impressive collection of over 60 award-winning properties, has announced the appointment of three key executives. Robert “Ed” Manning will serve as Director of Operations, Kimber Lakes as Director of Sales, and Mark Buot as Director of Food & Beverage. These leadership appointments complement the recent executive additions of Tom Roman as Vice President of Food & Beverage and Alicia Carr as Vice President of Finance, as the company prepares for continued strategic expansion in 2026.
In his new role as Director of Operations, Ed Manning will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of Charlestowne’s diverse portfolio, ensuring performance optimization that addresses both short-term goals and long-term growth. Manning brings a wealth of experience from his time in senior leadership roles at Two Roads Hospitality and Interstate Hotels & Resorts, where he developed high-performing teams and implemented scalable systems that boosted operational margins, strengthened company culture, and fostered guest loyalty. His expertise spans resort, lifestyle, urban, and residential hotels, making him a perfect fit to lead Charlestowne’s operations.
Kimber Lakes, appointed Director of Sales, will lead the company’s sales strategy across its portfolio, supporting property teams in maximizing revenue and expanding market share. Lakes’ background includes senior revenue and operations positions, where she worked closely with ownership groups, managed multiple hotel openings, and supervised portfolio-wide performance. Known for her data-driven and collaborative approach, Lakes will collaborate with Charlestowne’s in-house teams in Marketing, Food & Beverage, and Operations to drive revenue growth, all while preserving the distinct positioning of each property.
Charlestowne has appointed Mark Buot as its new Director of Food & Beverage, a role where he will spearhead the company’s culinary and beverage initiatives with an emphasis on profitability, operational excellence, and creating distinctive guest experiences. With over 15 years of experience in food and beverage leadership, Buot has held senior positions at renowned properties including Park Hyatt Chicago, Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, and various Marriott- and Hilton-branded hotels. Throughout his career, he has successfully managed multi-outlet operations, built high-performing teams, and developed concepts that not only enhanced the guest experience but also boosted financial performance.
These recent appointments underscore Charlestowne’s commitment to investing in seasoned leadership to fuel its long-term expansion. In 2025, the company strengthened its executive team with the addition of Tom Roman as Vice President of Food & Beverage and Alicia Carr as Vice President of Finance. Together, they further solidify Charlestowne’s focus on operational excellence, culinary innovation, and financial discipline. Roman will lead the strategic direction and overall performance of the company’s food and beverage division, while Carr will oversee the financial strategy, capital planning, and performance analysis across the portfolio, ensuring sustainable and scalable growth tailored to each property and ownership group.
“Charlestowne’s ability to remain agile was central to our evolution in 2025,” said Kyle Hughey, Chief Executive Officer of Charlestowne Hotels. “That flexibility allowed us to take on strategic takeovers and new development, and as we move into 2026, this expanded leadership team positions us to continue growing organically, provide our owners with personalized guidance, and deliver distinctive hospitality experiences that keep guests returning again and again.”
Charlestowne Hotels is bolstering its leadership team with key executive appointments as it prepares for strategic growth in 2026. With experienced professionals stepping into pivotal roles, the company aims to optimize operations, boost sales, and enhance guest experiences. These moves are central to Charlestowne’s vision for expanding its portfolio and maintaining its competitive edge in the hospitality industry.
In the past year, Charlestowne has expanded its portfolio by assuming management of key properties such as the Granville Inn and the Inn at Patrick Square. Additionally, the company has secured exciting new development projects in Utah, North Carolina, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Wisconsin. This growth highlights Charlestowne’s commitment to operating independent, experience-centric hotels, backed by a proactive leadership approach and customized support for property owners.
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