Search

Roye Mbarah has been promoted to Senior Director of Facilities and Strategic Long Term Capital Planning at Terranea Resort, A Destination Hotel

Roye Mbarah has been promoted to Senior Director of Facilities and Strategic Long Term Capital Planning at Terranea, where he will continue to lead the Engineering function and oversee responsibility for all Capital Projects. Prior to joining Terranea, Mbarah oversaw a 1200-room 1.45 million square-foot property in San Francisco’s Union Square and served in a leadership role with the emphasis on short and long-term asset maintenance, rehabilitation strategy of an aged product, and energy and sustainability efforts. Previous roles also include Director of Technical Services with responsibilities of project management for the $72M renovation of The James Royal Palm Miami Beach, and Area Director of Engineering with Interstate Hotels and Resorts Worldwide with management responsibilities for the orientation of new chief engineers and capital expenditure projects.

Deborah Josue has been appointed as Complex Senior Sales Manager at Hilton San Francisco Union Square and Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel

Hilton San Francisco Union Square, one of the largest hotels on the West Coast, and Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel, a vibrant yet relaxed boutique-like business hotel, has appointed Deborah Josue to the position of complex senior sales manager. In her new role, Josue will serve as the head representative for the California association market by catering to prospective clients and customers to further propel both hotels as industry leaders in meetings and conventions services. Most recently, Josue served as a national sales manager at Caesars Entertainment where she worked with the in-market Western region. Prior sales experience includes serving as Director of National Accounts for Bacara Resort & Spa, Western Sales Director for the Anaheim Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau and Senior Sales Manager for the Monterey Convention Authority. Event experience includes serving as Event Supervisor for the Monterey Conference Center, Catering/Conference Services Manager for Pebble Beach Resorts and Assistant to Conference Reservations Manager for the Asilomar Conference Center.

Jason Yu has been appointed as Chef de Cuisine at The Langham Huntington

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Southern California's iconic landmark hotel, has appointed Jason Yu as its new Chef de Cuisine at The Terrace at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena. Chef Yu's culinary philosophy and use of local ingredients, will complement the existing California bistro-style menu, as well as bring a fresh outlook to some of the restaurants signature dishes.

Hector Rubio has been appointed as Director of Catering and Special Events at Monarch Beach Resort

The newly reimagined AAA Five Diamond beachside getaway, Monarch Beach Resort, today announced the appointment of Hector Rubio as Director of Catering and Special Events. A seasoned professional, Rubio brings 15 years of industry experience to his new role where he will oversee catering and conference services for the 400-room luxury property. The resort debuted June 1 after a transformative $40 million redesign that includes a new Miraval Life in Balance Spa, distinguishing itself among the Southern California hospitality marketplace. Most recently, Rubio served as the director of catering and conference services for Four Seasons Resorts Lanai where he was responsible for all stages of social events, meetings and conferences. Prior to that, he served as the director of catering and convention services at The St. Regis Washington, DC. During his time at The St. Regis Princeville Resort, he was twice recognized by the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association through “Manager of the Year” nominations. Rubio also held catering and conference services management positions at Windsor Court Hotel, W Los Angeles and Park Hyatt Los Angeles. Already an in-demand venue, Monarch Beach Resort offers over 90,000 square-feet of lush botanical gardens, spacious verdant lawns, ocean view terraces and elegant ballrooms as the setting for milestone occasions, both grand and intimate. On-property catering and dining options are available at six ocean-view restaurants, including Chef Michael Mina’s acclaimed Stonehill Tavern and the recently opened, Mediterranean-inspired AVEO Table + Bar. A new Miraval Life in Balance Spa, which includes a Drybar and Deborah Lippmann Nail Salon, offers 24 treatment rooms wherein guests may opt for pre- or post-event pampering from a spa menu inspired by the resort’s coastal location. Originally from Puerto Rico, Rubio earned a psychology degree from the University of Puerto Rico. He is fluent in Spanish and English.

Max Pilz has been appointed as Food & Beverage Operations Manager at InterContinental San Francisco

The InterContinental San Francisco is pleased to announce Max Pilz as Food & Beverage Operations Manager. Most recently Assistant Director of Food & Beverage, Pilz’s new responsibilities include managing all food and beverage at the 550-room property from the Michelin-star Luce restaurant to the hotel’s 43,000 square feet of event and function space. Born and raised in Germany, Max has worked in the hospitality industry for nearly 20 years, getting his start with an apprenticeship at the Holiday Inn in the historic town of Bautzen in Germany. He later joined the InterContinental Frankfurt team, working in a number of roles from server at the hotel’s Veranda restaurant to Chief Steward before being promoted to Assistant Manager of Banqueting and Catering for the property, which boasts 467 rooms and 19 function spaces. The opportunity to experience another InterContinental Hotels & Resorts destination led him to the InterContinental San Francisco where he accepted the position of Assistant Banquet Manager. After just one year he was promoted to Banquet Manager, running day-to-day banquet operations for the hotel and managing a team of up to 80 employees during peak event days. He stepped into an even larger role as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage, working with the many facets of food and beverage on property while also collaborating with other departments throughout the hotel. In addition to Luce restaurant and the hotel’s banquet space, Max oversees room service, Bar 888, and the Club Lounge as the new Food & Beverage Operations Manager. He is also part of the hotel’s executive committee.

Jeff Gillick has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Southern California's iconic landmark hotel, has announced the appointment of Vern Lakusta as Director of Hotel Operations and Jeff Gillick as Director of Sales and Marketing to its senior management team. Each brings their own unique hospitality industry experience and knowledge to the Pasadena hotel.

Vern Lakusta has been appointed as Director of Hotel Operations at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Southern California's iconic landmark hotel, has announced the appointment of Vern Lakusta as Director of Hotel Operations and Jeff Gillick as Director of Sales and Marketing to its senior management team. Each brings their own unique hospitality industry experience and knowledge to the Pasadena hotel.

Brian Healy has been appointed as Executive Chef at Hotel Nikko San Francisco

Hotel Nikko San Francisco today announced the appointment of Chef Brian Healy as executive chef.Chef Healy holds more than 25 years of experience in the luxury hotel industry, both in the U.S. and abroad. Prior to joining Hotel Nikko, Healy most recently was executive chef at Parc 55 Hotel, San Francisco, overseeing Cable 55 and banquet operations. Healy's culinary career began at the National Culinary & Restaurant College of Ireland. Following, his passion, Healy moved to California in 1995 and took a position at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco. Healy's next venture brought him to the Sheraton Sonoma County in Petaluma, Calif. and later to the executive sous chef position at The Pacific Union Club, San Francisco.

Thuong Luong has been appointed as Chief Investment Officer for New Division at Gehr Hospitality

The Gehr Group (www.gehr.com) announced today the appointment of Ms. Thuong Luong as Chief Investment Officer for its new division, Gehr Hospitality, which will own and operate the Group’s current and future hospitality portfolios. The appointment of Ms. Luong to the newly created role of CIO is part of a plan to grow Gehr Hospitality’s portfolio through the acquisition and development of hotel properties throughout the United States.

Gabriele Originario has been appointed as Director of Beverage & Food at W San Francisco

W San Francisco is pleased to announce the appointment of Gabriele Originario as director of beverage & food. With nearly 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Originario will oversee operations for W San Francisco’s acclaimed beverage and food program, including the hotel’s signature TRACE restaurant, dedicated to socially responsible food created from locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, Upstairs Bar & Lounge, a dynamic lounge fuses signature cocktails with vibrant design, and The Living Room Bar, a chic hangout that couples craft cocktails with dynamic décor and electric beats spun by a live DJ. Over the years, Originario has worked with renowned chefs and sommeliers, including Thomas Keller, Larry Stone, Gaston Acurio and Hubert Keller, providing an invaluable and inspiring foundation for his career. Prior to joining W San Francisco, Originario held the title of director of operations at Emporio Rulli’s, a beloved artisan bakery in downtown San Francisco and general manager of La Mar, where he developed, implemented and maintained exceptional customer service standards. Originally from Rome, Italy, Originario made his way to the U.S. bringing along a passion for wine, shoes and fitness.

William Block has been appointed as Director of Finance at InterContinental San Francisco

InterContinental San Francisco announces William Block as Director of Finance. He has been part of the InterContinental Hotels Group for more than 40 years, working in various financial positions across properties in the United States, beginning with the InterContinental Maui. He has worked with the InterContinental San Diego, InterContinental Houston, InterContinental The Willard, Washington D.C., and the InterContinental Mark Hopkins. Most recently, William was Controller for the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Airport.

Mark W. Hyde has been named Director of Human Resources at InterContinental San Francisco

Mark Hyde has been named Director of Human Resources for the InterContinental San Francisco. His experience includes human resource and general management roles with a number of hotels and restaurants in Silicon Valley and San Francisco including Dinah’s Garden Hotel & Trader Vic’s Restaurant in Palo Alto, Hyatt San Jose and Hyatt Sainte Claire, Handlery Hotels, and most recently, the Holiday Inn Civic Center. He also brings experience from Levy Restaurants/Compass Group, providing human resources support and leadership for the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, NASCAR Infineon Raceway, and more. Mark is a US Air Force veteran and has served as an Adjunct Professor for San Francisco State University since 2012.

William Block has been appointed as Director of Finance at InterContinental San Francisco

InterContinental San Francisco announces William Block as Director of Finance. He has been part of the InterContinental Hotels Group for more than 40 years, working in various financial positions across properties in the United States, beginning with the InterContinental Maui. He has worked with the InterContinental San Diego, InterContinental Houston, InterContinental The Willard, Washington D.C., and the InterContinental Mark Hopkins. Most recently, William was Controller for the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Airport.

Maggie Ann Yan has been promoted to Assistant Director of Finance at InterContinental San Francisco

Maggie Ann Yan has been promoted from Credit Manager to Assistant Director of Finance for the InterContinental San Francisco. Her early career began at The Claremont Hotel & Spa in Berkeley, where she worked as Payroll Assistant and Accounting Clerk before moving to the Westin San Francisco Market Street as Income Auditor. In 2007, Maggie Ann joined the team at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco as Accounts Receivable Clerk, Auditor, and General Cashier before being promoted to Credit Manager and later Accounting Manager. She holds a Bachelor in History and Asian American Studies as well as a Masters in Asian American Studies from San Francisco State University.

Karyna Flores has been appointed as Business Development Manager at InterContinental Hotels of San Francisco

Karyna Flores brings an international background and commitment to customer service to the position of Business Development Manager at the InterContinental Hotels of San Francisco. Karyna has returned to the InterContinental from the Taj Campton Place in the Sales and Marketing department. In addition to her previous work at the InterContinental Hotels of San Francisco, she worked for the Doubletree by Hilton and the Hilton Concord. Karyna began her global career in hospitality in the Philippines with an internship as part of the Personality Development team with Philippine Airlines and later as a member of the Front Office team of the Mandarin Oriental Manila. She landed her first job with The Bellevue Manila Hotel in the Reservations department and was later promoted to Sales Executive. Prior to transitioning to the United States, Karyna was part of the in-flight crew for Qatar Airways, stationed in Doha, Qatar.

David Valencia has been promoted to Director of Front Office at InterContinental San Francisco

From his early hospitality days as a Bell Person to a number of front office roles, David Valencia has been working in the hotel industry since 2005. In addition to a degree in hospitality and tourism management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, David worked for the Marriot, Hyatt, and Crowne Plaza brands before joining the InterContinental Hotels of San Francisco team as an Assistant Manager and later Front Office Manager at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins. He recently accepted the position of Director of Front Office at the InterContinental San Francisco.

Kendra DeLeon Monroe has been promoted to Front Office Manager at InterContinental San Francisco

Kendra DeLeon Monroe has been promoted from Assistant Front Office Manager to Front Office Manager for the InterContinental San Francisco. In addition to earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Hospitality Business Management from Washington State University, Kendra’s early career included roles as Guest Services Agent at the Lodge at Suncadia in Cle Elum, Washington and positions as Concierge and Welcome Desk Supervisor for W Seattle. She was most recently the Assistant Front Office Manager for the Hilton Bellevue in Washington, where she was named Manager of the Year.

Kirk Jones has been named Distinguished Alumni at California State Polytechnic University

Benchmark Hospitality International®, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has announced that Senior Vice President of Finance Kirk Jones has been honored with the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award, presented by the Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Association. A 1992 graduate of the California State Polytechnic University, Mr. Jones was present at the Awards Ceremony to receive his honor. Recipients of the Distinguished Service Award are nominated based on: - Outstanding achievement in a profession or a vocation - Service to a local, national, or global community - Service to Cal Poly Pomona Kirk Jones is a senior vice president at Benchmark Hospitality International, responsible for the overall financial operations of the global hospitality management company and its portfolio of 40 hotels, resorts and conference centers. Additionally, he lends strategic direction to and oversees the deployment of Benchmark’s financial assets system-wide. Mr. Jones earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Administration from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from Cleveland State University. Jones resides in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston.