Mike DeFrino has been promoted Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group, LLC
A 16-year Kimpton veteran, DeFrino is stepping up from his most recent position as executive vice president of hotel operations — replacing the seat left vacant by former COO Niki Leondakis, who left the San Francisco-based company last November to head Commune Hotels & Resorts. DeFrino has had a number of jobs throughout the Kimpton brand, starting with general manager of the Alexis Hotel in Seattle. In 2001, he became the hotel group’s first East Coast vice president. Five years later, he moved to Kimpton’s San Francisco officer as senior vice president of hotels and later became executive vice president.In his new role, DeFrino is responsible for national sales, revenue, catering, facilities, guest experience on property and sustainability and social responsibility initiatives. He also will oversee all operational aspects of new hotels. Kimpton operates 60 hotels and 68 restaurants and bars in 25 cities nationwide.
