Names in the News - May 2009
Desires Hotels, a collection of modern boutique hotels, appointed David Moth to director of operations. Moth will oversee the day-today hotel operations with hotel general managers, service standards and the maximization of revenues. After joining Desires Hotels in 2006, he held management positions at The Sagamore in South Beach, The Glenn Hotel in Atlanta and The Strand Ocean Drive in South Beach.
Ono Poortier, president of The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts received the Five Star Diamond Award as “one of the finest corporate hoteliers worldwide” May 7. The recipients of the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences honor are recognized for their unrivaled level of excellence. Poortier joined The Leela group in February 2008 with experience in corporate business development, marketing and operations.
Sunset Resorts in Jamaica appointed
Michele Oliver senior vice president of sales May 6. Oliver will oversee the areas of sales, marketing, public relations, revenue management and channel distribution for the company and its three properties, Sunset Beach Resort & Spa, Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa and Sunset at the Palms.
Sue Brush, senior vice president and global brand leader, announced that she will retire December 31, 2009, from a career as a leader of Westin Hotels & Resorts and its parent company Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. May 5. The 30-year veteran of Westin is responsible for the standards, marketing an strategic direction of the brand. One of her career highs includes the launch of the Heavenly Bed.
The Galveston Island Convention and Visitors Bureau named
Meg Winchester president of the CVB after two years as the director of sales. Winchester has more than 20 years experience in the hospitality industry and is a Certified Meeting Professional.
Positively Cleveland brought in three new hires who understand the value of social media, public relations, niche marketing and sales toolsl. The CVB welcomed executive sales administrator Nancy Artale, web manager Freddie Coffey, and communications coordinator Lexi Robinson-Hotchikiss.
Kathryn Garcia joined the Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau as the new communications manager. Garcia will focus on building local awareness of the CCCVB and the marketing of Corpus Christi to regional, state and national audiences.
GroupConnect.com announced the selection of Jennifer Lynne Powers as vice president of sales and marketing for the joint American Bus Association-Ontario Motor Coach Association online portal. Powers brings experience as a veteran travel industry business leader to the website.
Ashly Gabri was promoted to vice president of incentives and strategic accounts for Associated Luxury Hotels International. Gabri will offer meeting professionals national sales service for the Associated Luxury Hotel’s nine million square feet of meeting space worldwide.
