HFTP Names 2026-2027 Global Leadership Team
The Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals group has seated its new Global Executive Committee and 12-member Board of Directors.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Hospitality
HFTP, the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals organization, announced its 2026-2027 Global Executive Committee and Board of Directors, which includes new and returning members from diverse hospitality sectors. Andrew Buwalda, CHAE, serves as Global President for the term.
Why it matters
The leadership slate sets the direction for HFTP's global membership of hospitality finance and technology professionals during the 2026-2027 term. The board is positioned to guide the organization's mission, professional growth and industry standards.
The 2026-2027 Global Board of Directors lists 12 members, and the Global Executive Committee lists 6 members. The source does not provide prior-term figures for comparison.
The players
Andrew Buwalda, CHAE
Andrew Buwalda is Vice President of Hotel Operations at Freed Corp. and serves as HFTP Global President for the 2026-2027 term.
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)
HFTP is a global professional association serving finance and technology professionals across the hospitality industry.
James Bina, CHAE+, CHTP+
James Bina is HFTP's Global Immediate Past President, carrying prior leadership experience into the new term's governance.
The details
HFTP published the announcement from Austin, Texas, naming its officers, including Barry Thomas, CHTP, as Global Vice President, Ian Millar, CHTP, as Global Treasurer, and Tessa Leverett as Global Secretary. James Bina, CHAE+, CHTP+, serves as Immediate Past President, and Scot Campbell, CHTP, as Executive Advisor.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: HFTP announced the new leadership.
2026-2027: Term of the new Global Executive Committee and Board.
Market Landscape
The announcement reflects how HFTP's credentialing structure, including the CHAE and CHTP designations held by several officers, shapes leadership within hospitality finance and technology. The new term continues the organization's focus on professional certification as it serves a global membership.
For hospitality finance and technology professionals, the new board sets priorities for HFTP's programs and certification offerings during 2026-2027. Members can expect the leadership to guide the organization's professional development resources over the term.
The takeaway
Hospitality finance and technology professionals should watch the new board's program announcements over the coming year, since its priorities will shape HFTP's offerings for members worldwide.
Further reading
For more on the industry this organization serves, explore the Hospitality coverage on Wisevoter.
