Tijs KlerxOriginally from The Netherlands, Tijs Klerx got his start in hospitality with a degree from the International Hotel Management School at the NHTV University of Applied Sciences in Breda. Before graduating, Klerx began working with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Over the course of his seven years spent with the company, he worked largely with guests in leadership roles, starting as Duty Manager at The Park Lane Sheraton Hotel in London and worked his way up to Director of Front Office at The Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel. In 2012, Klerx joined the Viceroy Hotel Group as Hotel Manager of the Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills and then moved on to hold the same role at the Viceroy Miami Hotel & Residences, where he oversaw the day to day activities of all operational departments including guest services, housekeeping, maintenance, food & beverage, and loss prevention. He was later promoted within to the Director of Sales & Marketing, overseeing all commercial activities for the property. During his tenure at Viceroy Hotel Group, he has also assisted with the opening of Hotel Zetta in San Francisco and supported the Viceroy Maldives and Viceroy Anguilla teams on several short-term projects. After a brief stint as the Director of Sales & Marketing for the W Miami Hotel, Klerx rejoined the Viceroy family as the General Manager of Viceroy Chicago in September 2016. As a first time General Manager of a new-build hotel, he oversees operational development, staffing and service at the property. He is focused on building a local operations team that is passionate and committed to an authentic and impeccable guest experience, as well as one that will be the first choice of future hotel professionals who are looking for their opportunity to break into the industry. Possessing a strong love of travel, Klerx is fascinated by different cultures around the world and has lived in Mexico, United Kingdom and Spain. He is always looking for opportunities to further his leadership skills by attending seminars and conferences within the industry. He also enjoys cooking at home and running along the paths on Lake Michigan.