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Appointment

Tony Bowen has been named Regional Managing Director at Elite Island Resorts

Bowen was just awarded the Gold Award for Outstanding Contribution to Caribbean Tourism (2010) by Virgin Holidays. He was chosen the prestigious Caribbean Hotelier of the Year in 2006 and the St. Lucia Hotelier of the Year in 2005. He is currently president of the St. Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association, a position he has held on three separate terms. He graduated from Bournemouth College’s University of Dorset United Kingdom with Membership to the Hotel & Catering Institutional Management Association and has held senior positions in the region’s leading resorts including Sandy Lane, Glitter Bay and Royal Pavilion, all in Barbados, Ciboney in Jamaica, St James's Club in Antigua and Windjammer Landing in St Lucia.

Elite Island Resorts
Deerfield Beach, Florida, United States
Appointment

Craig Martin has been appointed as Managing Director at Gansevoort Miami Beach

Martin brings more than three decades of national and international senior-management level experience to Gansevoort Miami Beach. Most recently, Martin was chief operating officer of Sunset Resorts in Jamaica where he was outwardly involved in marketing and sales, and managed quality control programs, budgets and organizational structure internally.

Gansevoort Hotel Group
Miami Beach, Florida, United States
Appointment

Chris Mueller has been appointed as Resident Manager at The Hilton Orlando

With more than twenty years of hospitality experience, Mueller has acquired valuable insights into making people feel at home. Greeting his office visitors with gummy bears and savory snacks, Mueller shows his hospitable philosophy and explains that any failure can be a success if a valuable lesson is learned, “People, Parties and Partnerships” rule all, and being surrounded by visionary staff and collaborative attitudes yield the greatest success stories. Perhaps those wise words have something to do with his recent promotion. In his new role as Resident Manager, Mueller leads and manages hotel operations, implements and oversees the daily quality process of the hotel, and is responsible for the hotel’s daily operation.

The Hilton Orlando
Orlando, Florida, United States
Appointment

Jeffrey Baldasarre has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at the The Betsy Hotel

He brings over 20 years of experience in marketing, sales and public relations with leading hotel groups, individual hotels and resorts. “His overall experience will be a tremendous asset. Our recent multi-million dollar renovation and service levels have garnered numerous accolades from around the globe. Jeffrey will help us as we look to achieve even greater success moving forward,” says Jeff Lehman, General Manager.

the The Betsy Hotel
Miami Beach, Florida, United States
Appointment

Amanda Totaro has been appointed as Vice President of Marketing at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Totaro comes to the Seminole Hard Rock with more than 12 years of experience in the gaming industry, including the position of senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Isle of Capri Casinos, St. Louis, Mo. She has held senior marketing positions in Las Vegas at both American Casino & Entertainment Properties, where she also was chief marketing officer, and Harrah’s Entertainment, where she was vice president, brand marketing. Most recently, Totaro was senior vice president at The Fine Point Group, Las Vegas, where she led the marketing effort for the company’s casino management contracts. As The Fine Point Group’s head of marketing at Greektown Casino in Detroit, Michigan, Totaro increased revenue by 15 percent and market share by 24 percent, within a year of taking over marketing, revenue management, hotel sales and reservations and IT at the property. Totaro’s career also includes marketing positions at MasterCard International and Dime Bancorp of New York. She was also senior vice president at a New York City advertising agency and managing director at Hill & Knowlton communications, New York. She moved to New York from South Florida, where she was a radio news anchor, an anchor and reporter at what is now Miami’s CBS affiliate station, and the director of the Office of Public Information for the City of Miami Beach.

the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hollywood, Florida, United States
Appointment

Dinah Marzullo has been appointed as New Director Of Marketing at Club Med North America

Marzullo is a leader in the hospitality industry with 18 years of marketing and public relations experience for some of the world’s largest hospitality brands including Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Carnival Cruise Lines and Costa Cruises. As director of marketing for Club Med, Marzullo will oversee advertising, public relations, social media and customer relationship management. She will play an integral role in the rebranding and relaunch of Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Florida, the only all-inclusive family resort in the U.S. With renovations to be completed by Dec. 18, 2010, Sandpiper Bay will serve as the flagship resort for premium sports offering elite sports training and wellness programs.

Club Med North America
Miami, Florida, United States
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Appointment

Thomas Petrillo has been named Vice President/Hotel Manager at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center

Petrillo, who most recently was Resident Manager at the 1418-room Hilton Orlando Convention Center, will be responsible for all day-to-day operations at the 63- acre convention center resort. Petrillo’s established career also includes executive food and beverage positions with Hilton Hotels Corporation as well as management positions at the Hilton Short Hills, NJ and the Hilton Waikoloa Village, Hawaii. He is a graduate of Cornell University.

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
Kissimmee, Florida, United States
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Appointment

Debbie Schembri has been appointed as Director of Events and Catering at Hilton Orlando

Schembri brings more than 24 years experience to the Hilton Orlando in a variety of capacities within the hospitality industry. Most recently, she served as the director of conference services at the Arizona Biltmore. Prior to that position, Schembri worked for the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort as assistant director of meetings and conventions, director of catering, convention catering manager as well as catering sales manager. Additionally, she served the resort as director of events and oversaw a staff of 140 employees across five departments.

Hilton Orlando
Orlando, Florida, United States
Appointment

Erika Johnson has been appointed as Spa Director at The Peabody Orlando

The Peabody Orlando, is pleased to announce the appointment of Erika Johnson (pictured) as the new spa director for the hotel’s new 22,000-square-foot spa. In this newly created position, Johnson, a corporate team member of WTS International, will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the new spa and fitness center, which is set to open September 23 as part of the hotel’s $450-million expansion. WTS International and Johnson collectively bring more than 40 years of hospitality, spa and recreation experience to The Spa at The Peabody. Prior to joining The Peabody Orlando, Johnson held various roles at Walt Disney World Resort, South Seas Plantation Resort and Pinehurst Spa & Resort. While at WTS International, Johnson has worked as an account executive overseeing more than a dozen WTS leisure facilities and was involved in numerous openings and the daily operations of spas, fitness centers, residential community clubhouses and resort activity centers throughout Florida. Her move to The Peabody Orlando allows her to focus in on developing the best spa and fitness facility Orlando has seen. Johnson is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University and has a bachelor’s degree in recreation and leisure management.

The Peabody Orlando
Orlando, Florida, United States
Appointment

Mark Butcher has been appointed as at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa announces the addition of Mark Butcher as the resort’s director of food and beverage. Butcher oversees the operations of more than six restaurants, lounges and eateries, including the upscale Augustine Grille and V. Kelly’s restaurants. Butcher has more than 30 years of experience in the culinary arts. Before joining the Sawgrass Marriott, he worked at such locations as the AAA Five Diamond-rated restaurant The Oakroom at the Seelbach Hilton, the Eden Roc Renaissance Resort & Spa, the Fort Lauderdale Marina Marriott and the Marco Island Marriott. As director of food and beverage, Butcher plans to focus on ensuring exceptional guest experiences, leadership development, menu creation and fostering a culture of innovation. Sustainability at the resort’s restaurants, through using local and regional farmers, growers and artisans to supply menu items, is also a priority for Butcher.

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, United States
Appointment

Chuck Kelley has been named Principal at G7 Hospitality Group Inc.

Chuck joins the group in the US to expand client services in the US, Caribbean and Latin American markets. Chuck started his hospitality career waiting on tables while earning his college degree. He began his Marriott career as an Assistant Restaurant Manager at the Chicago O’Hare Marriott. Thirty-two years later he retired with the title of Executive Vice President for Marriott’s Caribbean/Latin America Region. His diverse professional experience has taken him from food and beverage operations through sales and marketing and on to general and regional management around the globe. In his role as Executive Vice President for Marriott, Chuck was able to grow the Caribbean/Latin America Region by more than double the number of hotels (53 operating and 20 confirmed pipeline hotels) through a results-oriented and relationship focus. Over ten years managing the region, Chuck has confronted almost every hospitality asset management scenario imaginable—we are pleased to be able to offer this unparalleled skill-set to our clients. Chuck is based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and is focused on providing advisory and management services to hotel clients in the USA, Caribbean and Latin America.

G7 Hospitality Group Inc.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Appointment

Martin Diehr has been appointed as General Manager at the Cabana Beach Club of the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa

Diehr has more than 15 years experience working in the hospitality industry. Before joining the Sawgrass Marriott, Diehr held positions at the Ritz-Carlton Jupiter Golf Club & Spa, the Tampa Marriott Waterside, and Disneyworld in Orlando. Since joining the executive team, Diehr has implemented a membership survey and dining surveys that allow Cabana Beach Club members the opportunity to provide feedback on their club experiences. Diehr has also increased the number of themed events for members such as the popular Casino Night recently held in March. These nights involve fun for the whole family, with a range of adult activities and a camp for kids.

the Cabana Beach Club of the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, United States
Appointment

Bonnie Biumi has been appointed as President, Chief Financial Officer at Kerzner International

Sol Kerzner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kerzner International Holdings Limited, is pleased to announce the promotion of Bonnie Biumi, Chief Financial Officer, to President of the Company. Biumi will assume her new position immediately. Biumi, who has been with the company since 2007 has made significant contributions in the overall finance and accounting functions of the Company. She will continue to report directly to Chief Executive Officer Sol Kerzner and will be based out of the Company’s Plantation, Florida, offices.

Kerzner
Plantation, Florida, United States
Appointment

Pam Monnier has been appointed as Director of Meetings and Special Events at Hotel Duval

Monnier’s decorated background includes her most recent experience at Florida State University as the director of industry relations for the Dedman School of Hospitality. Previous to academia, she spent eight years with Club Corp, Inc. at the University Center Club in Tallahassee, Fl. as the senior director of catering and private events, where she added the roll of director of skybox catering to her repertoire. In prior years, Monnier, served as general manager and banquet sales coordinator and event planner of Chez Pierre restaurant in Tallahassee. Before making the move to Tallahassee, Monnier also opened a restaurant in Sanibel Island, Fl., which focused on catering and event planning. She began her career at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, Fl. in various food and beverage positions after completing the M.I.T. program on property.

Hotel Duval
Tallahassee, Florida, United States
Appointment

Jason Heath has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa

Heath has more than 18 years of sales and marketing experience in the hotel and resort industries throughout the Southeastern United States. Prior to joining Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, Heath spent 10 years with Starwood Hotels and Resorts at properties including the Westin Atlanta North and the Westin Resort Hilton Head Island. Heath also has worked at independent golf and beach resorts including Daufuskie Island Resort and Breathe Spa, and The Sea Pines Resort, which is home to Harbour Town Golf Links and the Verizon Heritage PGA TOUR event. Heath has a bachelor’s degree in hotel, restaurant and tourism administration from the University of South Carolina.

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
Ponte Vedra, Florida, United States
Appointment

Stuart Newmark has been named General Manager at The Westin Lake Mary, Orlando North

Newmark who is no stranger to the Central Florida community, has been in the hospitality industry for the past 34 years. Most recently, he worked for Obaluxe Hotel Advisors as a Managing Director where he oversaw two resorts and marinas in the Florida Keys focused on repositioning and redeveloping these assets for owner Starwood Capital Group. He also served as a hospitality consultant on several other Starwood Capital Group projects in Florida and New York.

The Westin Lake Mary, Orlando North
Orlando, Florida, United States
Appointment

Didier Pouzier has been appointed as Executive Chef at the Mandarin Oriental

With nearly 25 years in his multi-faceted career, Chef Pouzier joined the Mandarin Oriental, Miami team in its opening year of 2000 as Executive Sous Chef. During his decade of service at Mandarin Oriental, Chef Pouzier has demonstrated the culinary flair needed to take on the hotel’s three food and beverage outlets, as well as its catering and banquet functions. Chef Pouzier brings international expertise to Mandarin Oriental, Miami, having learned a variety of cuisines and methodologies while working for fine restaurants in France, Italy, Greece and the Bahamas. Since arriving in Florida, Chef Pouzier has worked at the Miami landmark, Grand Bay Hotel, along with other top-rated restaurants in Coral Gables and Port Charlotte. Chef Pouzier has also participated in several charities and community foundations, donating his skills to organizations such as Share Our Strength and Fertile Earth Foundation. Originally from France, Chef Pouzier learned to appreciate exceptional cuisine at a young age. In his hometown of Lyon, Chef Pouzier attended the Lycee Rabelais a Dardilly where he received Professional Certification for Classical Cuisine (C.A.P.) in 1985.

the Mandarin Oriental
Miami, Florida, United States
Appointment

Mark Jeffrey has been appointed as Area VP for the Southeast and Caribbean at RockResorts, a subsidiary of Vail Resorts

In this new position, Jeffrey will oversee The Landings St. Lucia, A RockResort and two new RockResort properties that will debut this year: Balcones del Atlantico, A RockResort in the Dominican Republic and Tempo Miami, A RockResort in Miami. Jeffrey comes to RockResorts with more than 28 years of hospitality industry experience, including roles in food and beverage, human resources, housekeeping, front office and operations. Most recently, Jeffrey served as general manager of the Doral Golf Resort and Spa Marriott in Miami, where he was responsible for overseeing nearly 700 guest rooms, over 100,000 square-feet of meeting space, nine food and beverage outlets, five golf courses, a world-class luxury spa with 50-plus treatment rooms and a private club. Previously, Mark spent seven years as area general manager of Marriott’s Griffin Gate Resort and Spa in Lexington, KY. Originally from Michigan, Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Management from Michigan State University.

RockResorts, a subsidiary of Vail Resorts
Miami, Florida, United States