Colaianni joins the firm’s executive board and will be based at the group’s headquarters in Poole, Dorset.

Colaianni was previously vice president human resources, Europe at Hilton Hotels Corporation, where she was responsible for the HR function in a region comprising more than 20,000 employees across 180 hotels in 26 countries.

Merlin chief executive Nick Varney says: “Tea joins the company at a time of very dynamic growth for Merlin. I have no doubt that her strategic, commercial and international experience will be invaluable to us and will allow Merlin to drive excellence across the human resources agenda in line with our vision and values.”

Merlin’s attractions in the UK include Sea Life, Legoland, Alton Towers and Madame Tussauds, along with other sites worldwide, such as Legoland parks in the US.

Insurance provider Groupama Insurances has appointed Jordan O’Connor to the newly created role of talent and resourcing manager, as it introduces a three-year talent plan. O’Connor, responsible for talent management, people development and resourcing throughout the company, reports to Groupama’s HR director Paul Cann and will be based at Groupama’s London head office.

Multi-sector recruiter Blusource has appointed Chris Bailey director of its newly-launched division - Blusource Executive.

Senior level interim executives provider BIE Interim Executive has appointed Kirk Rogers as director. Rogers joins the firm’s specialist team sourcing executives for public and private sector clients.

Richard Boggis-Rolfe, chief executive of executive search firm Odgers Berndtson, has been appointed chairman of the National Employer Advisory Board (NEAB). Boggis-Rolfe joins the voluntary committee of up to 15 members who are selected to represent public and private sector employers across the UK as well as employer-related bodies such as the CBI and TUC.

Doug Haggart has been promoted to regional HR business partner - South at retailer TK Maxx. Haggart was previously TK Maxx’s resourcing and talent manager.

The Construction Industry’s Training Board (CITB-ConstructionSkills) has appointed James Wates as its new chairman, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has announced. Wates takes over from outgoing chair, Sir Michael Latham, at the end of March.

Job board for the hospitality sector Leisurejobs has appointed Simon Kar as online director, overseeing the online teams for both Leisurejobs.com and Barzone.com. As part of his responsibilities, Kar will promote the relaunch of the Barzone job board.

Former director at hospitality recruiter Wedo Recruitment, Matt Barrett, has been appointed franchise recruitment manager at mobile coffee franchise Cafe2U UK. Barrett is a former managing partner at The Malt restaurant and was co-owner and managing director at hospitality and catering recruiter SVB Recruitment.

IT and engineering recruiter Connections Recruitment has promoted three of its account managers within the firm. Simon Voice, Martin Litherland and Henry Wellesley-Davies have all been promoted to practice manager.

Global executive search firm for the hospitality sector HVS Executive Search has appointed Andrew Hazelton as vice-president based in New York.

Senior level interim provider Curzon Interim has appointed Michael Kaltz as managing director. Kaltz, who for the last five years has been an interim himself, was previously a partner in Ernst & Young, dividing his time between HR consulting for clients and running parts of the firm’s business.