By now, this is old news in the hotel world, but Ali Kasikci has resigned as managing director of the Peninsula Beverly Hills (his last day was July 31). Normally, this kind of departure is hardly newsworthy, but Kasikci's attention to detail when dealing with the rich and famous - plus his savvy awareness of how to handle the media - made him stand out. And it made the Pen stand out. (LABO). No explanation about the departure (not even a press release) – just boilerplate from one of the hotel blogs about how he was exploring new opportunities. There's obviously more to the story.