US: Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG), an Atlanta-based, private hotel investment, ownership and management company, has named Wilson Turner as vice president of human resources programs and support.
In his new role, Turner will “further augment and implement human resources solutions, programs and processes aligned with HVMG’s strategic plan and culture”.
“While not immune from the ebbs and flows of sourcing and retention, we put our talent and associate engagement front and centre. Wilson has excellent experience in human resources, giving him a wealth of knowledge and tools to support our teams and navigate the talent challenges facing our industry right now,” said Robert Cole, president and chief executive officer, HVMG.
Sue Sanders, EVP and chief human resources officer, HVMG, added: “Wilson’s promotion is an important step forward to continue to build the infrastructure to support our associates at both the property and corporate levels. Tactics are working as our 2021 turnover was 25% below the industry and 10 per cent below our own 2019 numbers. We are on track to run these same or better retention numbers in 2022.”
With more than 30 years of human resources experience across multiple industries, Turner joined HVMG in 2020 as director of human resources following a one-year role as an onsite human resources specialist with Paychex/Oasis. Previously, he was human resources director with OrthoSensor, Inc., where he was responsible for the creation, evolution, leadership and strategic/daily direction of the innovative, start-up technology-based medical device company’s HR division. He has held similar roles with companies including Cox Media Group, Tampa Bay Times Publishing Co., E-One and Tyson Foods.
“The top three issues facing the industry right now are labour, labour and labour, making human resources more invaluable now than ever,” said Turner. “This new position allows me to take proactive steps that directly impact associate engagement and retention, ranging from offering a daily product to rethinking merit increases. Our 2022 annual performance-based increase potential started 2% higher than any prior year to account for inflation, meaning HVMG associates can earn up to an 8% pay increase this calendar year. I look forward to creating innovative solutions as we move further into the post-pandemic world.”
