Last week, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts officially announced that long-time executive Sharon Siskie had been named the new senior vice president of sales in the United States. The move is effective immediately.
Carns brings with him over 26 years of hotel management experience, including his most recent position as general manager at Waldorf Astoria Orlando. In addition to his leadership roles at Ritz Carlton Naples, Renaissance Waverly Hotel, and New Orleans Marriott Hotel among others, Carns also played a vital role as general manager at the resort’s sister property, Boca Beach Club, when it reopened in 2009.
A hospitality leader with extensive management and operational capabilities, Tolbert previously held the position of president of sales and marketing for Blackstone, during which he launched the LXR brand of luxury hotels. Earlier in his career, TolbBrt led the team of sales and marketing executives in the opening of one of the most significant resort developments in the Caribbean, the El Conquistador Resort and Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort.
The Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa is pleased to welcome Robert Grossman as General Manager, bringing a wealth of leadership experience to the luxury, beachfront resort.
In an effort to further support its expansion in North and Latin America, Room Mate Hotels has appointed Felip Boyero Managing Director of the Americas and launched its first headquarters for the region in Miami, FL.
As Director of Weddings North America, Felipe leads a team of wedding sales professionals, as well as oversees sales and planning for all U.S. and Canadian wedding customers for the company and its first-of-a-kind all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels in Mexico and Caribbean, including Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta and Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. Felipe will ensure that all sales and business standards are met and in line with the company’s overall vision by working closely with executives, with an end goal of surpassing performance targets for speed, efficient sales and quality wedding programs.
Eddie Maddox has been named Complex Director of Catering and Conference Services. During his more than 30 years in convention services and catering, Maddox developed a nationally-recognized reputation for superior service and food and beverage innovation. He has worked at The Peabody Orlando, the Venetian/Palazzo/Sands Expo in Las Vegas and GES, one of the world’s largest general services contractors for tradeshows, exhibitions and live events. Maddox holds a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation and is a certified sommelier.
Leonard Kong is the Complex Director of Rooms, overseeing the new Loews Sapphire Falls Resort as well as Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Kong has extensive experience across the Orlando hotel campus, having served in key roles at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Hard Rock Hotel. He has been instrumental in improving guest satisfaction scores and overall hotel performance. Kong brings a deep understanding of the best practices and operational excellence at the on-site hotels. He is a recipient of the Loews Legacy award, one of the company’s highest honors.
John Askew has joined the team as Complex Director of Food & Beverage. A seasoned hospitality professional with formal training from the world-famous Culinary Institute of America, Askew began his career at The Peabody Orlando. He is a Certified Food and Beverage Executive from The Educational Institute and a recipient of the prestigious Silver Plate award from the International Food Manufacturers Association. During his 30-year career, Askew also led the food and beverage operations for the Colonial Williamsburg Company, where he oversaw four hotels and four historical taverns.
Nando Belmonte has been promoted to Complex Executive Chef. A driving force in the development and ongoing operation of several of Loews Hotels’ most successful food and beverage concepts at Universal Orlando Resort, Belmonte was on the opening teams for Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. He graduated from the Sydney TAFE College of Culinary Arts in Australia and is a member of the American Culinary Federation. Belmonte and his teams have won numerous culinary awards in the industry’s most respected competitions.
Playa Largo Resort & Spa, the newest addition to Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, is proud to announce the appointment of Patrick Scully as Director of Food & Beverage for the resort, set to open in Spring 2016.
Playa Largo Resort & Spa, the newest addition to Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, is proud to announce the appointment of Jason Roma as Director of Restaurants for the resort, set to open in Spring 2016.
To continue the success of event management partnerships at Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, Heather Eubank, CMP is announced as the new director of events.
Professionally trained culinarian, Jeffrey Powell joins Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport as executive chef. In this role, Powell oversees all banquet, catering and restaurant food service in this premiere destination gateway hotel.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress recently welcomed the return of Executive Chef David Didzunas to its culinary team.
The AAA Five Diamond Ponte Vedra Inn & Club announces Troy Bennett as its new Vice President and General Manager, effective immediately. In his position, Bennett is responsible for leading key operations, overseeing sales and marketing, and leading a staff of over 700 at the Florida resort.
Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach today announced the promotion of Jessica Quiroz to director of sales and marketing. In her new role, Quiroz is now responsible for the successful execution of the hotel’s sales and marketing strategy for all revenue generating areas, as well as overseeing the property’s advertising, public relations, social media and direct sales initiatives.
Ms. Garcia holds extensive experience in the management and marketing of both major and independent hotel brands. Most recently as the Director of Sales & Marketing at Sonesta Coconut Grove in Miami, Florida she successfully increased visibility for the hotel in key markets by developing and leading strategic e-commerce, public relations, sales and revenue management programs. Previous to that, Ms. Garcia served as General Manager of The Grove Isle Hotel & Spa where she was responsible for day-to-day operations of the waterfront hotel and managed a staff of 100. Prior to her tenure with Grove Isle, Ms. Garcia held the position of Senior Director of Global Sales, Latin America with Wyndham Hotel Group and successfully led worldwide efforts in developing Latin American segments. Ms. Garcia has also held executive management positions with the Hyatt Miami at the Blue and Marriott International.
Most recently, Key served as opening general manager of the St. Regis Abu Dhabi, which since its opening in 2013 is now established as one of the city’s most successful hotels in terms of service, financial and operational performance.
Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach today announced the appointment of Patrick Morey as food and beverage director, responsible for creating exceptional experiences in all food service operations for the hotel, including its dining outlets, Oasis Grill and The Drawing Room.