A number of hotels across the country appointed sales and marketing leaders in recent weeks. Here are some names to know.
Eden Roc Cap Cana
In the Dominican Republic, Eden Roc Cap Cana has promoted Pedro Castillo to director of sales and marketing. A member of the Eden Roc Cap Cana team since its inception, Castillo has helped shape the resort's spa, wellness and lifestyle program.
He transitioned to sales and marketing in early 2023 and later became interim director before taking on the role full time.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach (Fla.) Resort & Spa appointed Ildebrando Salazar as director of sales and marketing. He joins the hotel from Texas, where he most recently was part of the opening team for the Hyatt Regency Conroe.
With more than 15 years of experience working in the hospitality industry, Salazar began his career as a front office agent at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio. While in San Antonio, Salazar held various roles at Hyatt Regency Hill Country and the downtown Grand Hyatt San Antonio property, ranging from housekeeping manager to sales manager. In 2017, Salazar moved to the Woodlands, Texas, where he joined the Woodlands Resort & Conference Center. Following his time in Texas, Salazar was hired as associate director of sales at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. In 2022, Salazar moved back to Texas to join the opening team at Hyatt Regency Conroe as director of sales, marketing and events.
Originally from San Antonio, Salazar attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government.
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel in Sacramento, Calif., appointed Claire Johnsen as director of sales and marketing.
Johnsen has been with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants since 2015, holding various leadership roles. She most recently was director of sales at The Sawyer and previously was associate director of sales, overseeing the hotel’s corporate- and sports-focused group business, as well as director of catering.
Before her time at The Sawyer, Johnsen was director of catering at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, establishing and fostering key relationships with both local and national restaurants. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and a minor in communications from the University of Oregon.
King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort
Pacifica Hotels, owner and operator of over 30 brand and boutique hotels on the Pacific Coast, has promoted Chris Blunt to director of sales and marketing at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort in Hawaii. He has 30 years of hospitality and customer service experience and 22 years of sales experience with Hawaiian resorts. Most recently, he was sales manager at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort. He also held positions at Kailani Tours, Fair Wind Cruises, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows, Marriott Resorts Hawaii, Grand Wailea Resort & Spa and Prince Resorts Hawaii.
St. Regis Aspen Resort
The St. Regis Aspen Resort appointed Ramona Florian director of leisure sales. Florian has more than two decades of experience in hospitality, having worked at properties from the Cayman Islands to Barcelona.