Loews Hotels, the co-owner and operator of a portfolio of hotels at Florida's Universal Orlando Resort, named three senior executives to its leadership roll. Loews will open three new hotels in 2025, when the new Universal Epic Universe, is also set to open.
Robert Rivers has been named managing director for Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, the destination’s first-ever hotel inside a theme park. A veteran hotelier, Rivers will lead the team at the 500-room hotel with a dedicated entrance into the theme park. Most recently, Rivers was managing director at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando and was general manager at hotels in Boston, Minneapolis and St. Louis.
Jonathan Barisano will be complex managing director for Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, two new 750-room hotels that will open adjacent to Universal Epic Universe. Barisano has a career with Loews Hotels in Orlando and most recently, served as general manager at Universal Aventura Hotel.
Chris Coles has been named complex managing director for Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal Aventura Hotel, two established hotels at Universal Orlando Resort. Coles held general manager roles with Marriott International and most recently, Walt Disney World, where he opened two new resort concepts.