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Jonathan M. Raz has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, two premier hotels surrounded by the Walt Disney World® Resort, have appointed Jonathan M. Raz as director of food and beverage. With nearly 20 years of experience in food and banquet operations, Raz will manage the culinary program for the entire dual-hotel property, including 12 restaurant and bar outlets, in-room dining for 1,498 guest rooms and the extensive 175,000 square foot banquet facility. Raz has dedicated the majority of his career to the development of culinary programs at a variety of properties under in Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Most recently, he served as director of food and beverage for Hilton Orlando, where, under his leadership, the property was awarded Hilton Worldwide’s highest honor, The Connie Award, three times during his five-year tenure – an unprecedented accolade. Prior to this position, Raz assisted with the opening of Hilton Baltimore, the city’s largest and newest convention center hotel and also held the role of assistant director of banquets at Waldorf Astoria New York, where he gained comprehensive experience in complex banquet operations, overseeing the production of presidential dinners, galas and exclusive gatherings for up to 1,800 guests.

Tina Gerson has been appointed as Director of Sales at Nobu Hotel Eden Roc

Gerson brings more than 15 years of luxury hospitality sales focused experience in the Florida region and a network to her new role. Previously, she held sales director roles at The Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, FL and spent more than 10 years at Loews Miami Beach where she led benchmark corporate, association and third party accounts from the Midwest and New York markets. Gerson brings knowledge of the local Florida and key international travel markets to her new position.

John Carns has been appointed as General Manager at Boca Raton Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

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.

John Tolbert has been appointed as president at Boca Raton Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

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.

Carilis Felipe has been appointed as Director of Weddings North America at All Inclusive Collection

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 appointed as Complex Director of Catering and Conference Services at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

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 has been appointed as Complex Director of Rooms at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

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 Loews Sapphire Falls Resort as Complex Director of Food & Beverage

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 at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

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.

Jessica Quiroz has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach

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.