Lisa Ares has been appointed as General Manager at InterContinental San Diego by IHG

Ares was also recently appointed a board member for the San Diego County Lodging Association. In this role, Ares is actively involved in shaping the future of the local tourism community and driving economic growth across San Diego County.

Ares joins the property following a successful tenure as general manager of the Kimpton Gray Hotel in Chicago and previous experience at InterContinental properties, including InterContinental Boston and InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile. She was also a board member for the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association.Ares’ hospitality career began in Whistler, British Columbia, where she discovered her passion for service as a room attendant while competing as a snowboarder. She transitioned into management with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, rising through leadership ranks at world-renowned properties including Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Royal York, and Fairmont San Jose. Her experience also includes management roles with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, and Sonesta.

Throughout her career, Ares has successfully led teams at major international events, including the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Super Bowl 50 in the Bay area, Formula One races in Austin, and the 2021 Ryder Cup in Milwaukee.

A graduate of IHG’s RISE leadership development program, Ares advocates for inclusive team building and mentoring future hospitality professionals. Outside the hotel, she is an avid traveler and Muay Thai fan, and she plans to immerse herself in San Diego’s culinary and martial arts scenes.

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Lisa Ares is an alumnus of Royal Roads University – Class of 2014.