Kirsten Ponza has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Chaminade Resort & Spa

Kirsten Ponza
Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Kirsten Ponza director of food & beverage for Chaminade Resort & Spa, the award-winning Benchmark Resort® located in Santa Cruz, California. Kevin Herbst, general manager for the resort, which overlooks the city and Monterey Bay, made the announcement. Kirsten Ponza was previously executive chef for Chaminade Resort & Spa, a position to which she was appointed in 2013. She has also served as executive sous chef and as pastry chef for the resort. While Chaminade’s executive chef, Ms. Ponza actively brought the resort into the community, with annual participation in Santa Cruz’s Grazing on the Green Food, Wine & Beer Festival to help raise funds for the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group. She remains active with the culinary arts program at Cabrillo College in Aptos, California, near Santa Cruz. Never one to shy away from a particularly unique opportunity, Kirsten Ponza has served as tour chef for the legendary English rock band, The Rolling Stones. A native of Canada where she launched her culinary career, Ms. Ponza is a graduate of Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, where she earned her Culinary Management Degree. She resides in Santa Cruz.
Food & Beverage USA & Canada United States California Santa Cruz

Pyramid Global Hospitality was formed by the 2021 merger of three hotel and resort management companies, creating the most owner-focused, experiential company in the industry and establishing a position as a best workplace. The organization’s global portfolio spans more than 240 properties across the U.S., Caribbean and Europe. It maintains offices in Boston; The Woodlands, Texas; Cincinnati; and London.