Embassy Suites San Luis Obispo has a new general manager. Kevin Phipps, a 20-year veteran of the industry, has been hired to lead the 195-room conference hotel following the recent departure of Tim Billing. Phipps began his new job earlier this month, after relocating from Joplin, Missouri where he was the general manager at the John Q. Hammons’ Holiday Inn Convention Center and Spa. Phipps has an extensive background in diverse brands of hotels as well as in many areas of hotel operations including risk management, human resources, quality management and operations.