HSMAI25 PPT 2018 CD.pptx - Read-Only...company but also motivate her employees to work together toward those goals is unparalleled. ... George Galinsky has played a critical role in

HSMAI TOP 25Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization

Learn more about our Top 25 honorees

in the words of the people who nominated them

BIO

“

JENNIFER ANDRESenior Director, North America

and Latin America

Expedia Group Media Solutions

1

“Through her impassioned leadership, Jennifer pushes her

team across the Americas to grow their skillset and

expertise, and advance hospitality partnerships in new ways,

including data-driven and innovative methods. In addition,

she continues to encourage her team and partners to

experiment with new forms of digital marketing, further

promoting the Expedia Group Media Solutions business and

driving additional value for our partners.— Hari Nair, Expedia Group Media Solutions

With more than 17 years of experience in the online travel industry, Jennifer Andre

has an exceptional record of developing strategic marketing programs that generate

impressive sales and revenue results. In her current role at Expedia Group Media

Solutions, she leads a team of more than 40 experts in North America and Latin

America and has developed many successful strategic partnerships within the region.

Much of my career has been spent helping partners drive success through online

travel agency channels, so I have been in the very lucky position to be constantly

learning about a variety of different businesses within the travel industry. The most

challenging moments in my career have often been my greatest learnings, so

constantly leaning out of my comfort zone is key.

“Staying Challenged

DUSTIN BOMARHead of Industry, Travel

Google, Inc.

2

“Dustin is a thought leader in the digital marketing/hospitality industry, with

hands-on experience with both Hilton and Google. He has paved the way across

DR and digital branding in the hospitality space, with impact extending to cruise

lines and airlines.— Matt Jones, Google Inc.

BIOAn integral thought leader in the travel digital media landscape, Dustin Bomar has had

meaningful business impact across Hilton Worldwide, where he served as vice president of

digital acquisition and brand marketing, and InterContinental Hotels Group and Choice Hotels,

through his work at Google. He has been an innovator in travel product development, brand

building/awareness development, and digital acquisition strategy development.

With natural disasters, new hotel entrants, economic swings,

consolidation, new shopping tools, and evolving consumer preferences,

there is no shortage of potential headwinds that keep me challenged.

The hardest part is keeping up with all the variables in our industry.

““Staying Challenged

BIO

“

RONALD CASTROChief Strategist

Roca Marketing

3

“Ron is an inspiring individual in so many ways. His work with

Puerto Rico, a destination that has faced unbelievable

challenges in recent years, is indicative of why he is so

successful: He combines his impressive expertise with a

human warmth and the ability to build meaningful

connections. — Lynn Minnaert, NYU Tisch Center for Tourism and Hospitality

Ronald Castro is a strategist with more than 17 years of progressive marketing

experience in travel, hospitality, travel-tech, consumer package goods, and the

financial services. Retained as chief strategist for the Puerto Rico Tourism

Commission in 2017, he engineered a robust marketing plan and demand-generation

strategy that helped the destination recover from the triple-punch of Hurricane

Maria, the Zika epidemic, and government bankruptcy.

By seeking new, diverse, and complex projects all the time. Embracing new

opportunities, especially those that nobody wants to work with, are the most

enriching experiences.


CHRIS CRENSHAW,

CRMEVice President of Digital Data

Solutions

STR

4

“Chris is a natural for this type of nomination because of his ability and

enthusiasm to enhance the tools and resources available to industry

professionals who are tasked with identifying revenue opportunities and

developing the strategies to grow their businesses.— Veronica Andrews, STR

BIOPrior to joining STR, Chris Crenshaw served in market intelligence and revenue roles with

Lowes Hotels, Marriott International, and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. As clients require

more on-demand access to their data and reports, he has spearheaded a number of

initiatives to fulfill this requirement, including STR’s new dSTAR digital data platform as well

as the STR Central project, which provides partners with a streamlined dashboard to access

report, edit compsets, and more.

“ Everything I do is focused on the customer experience. Data must be useful, not just

interesting. With data options expanding in the hotel world, ensuring relevance and

usability is a top priority.


BIOFRED DIXONPresident and CEO

NYC & Company

5

“As a highly respected and popular leader, Fred has been able

to rally the city’s tourism industry — hotels, restaurants,

attractions, transportation companies, and shops — to work

together in a grand effort to increase both domestic and

international tourism to all parts of New York City.— Kathie Stapleton, HSMAI Greater New York Chapter

With more than 27 years of experience in the travel industry, Fred Dixon is

responsible for developing and implementing New York City’s tourism marketing and

convention strategy internationally as well as in domestic leisure and business

markets. As a result of his efforts, the city welcomed 62.8 million visitors last year —

its eighth consecutive year of tourism growth.

“ First off, I am incredibly fortunate to live and work in one of the most

dynamic and inspirational cities on the planet. But I also work alongside the

very best hospitality professionals in the business throughout our

community. They inspire me every day to keep challenging myself to keep

our work fresh, vibrant, and best in class.


DAVID DOWNINGPresident of Brand

United Landmark Associates

6

“I’m always proud to recognize leaders who create a culture of success — and

that is exactly what David has done. David deserves this recognition, because he

is one of the great marketing minds of our industry today.— Roger Dow, U.S. Travel Association

BIODavid Downing’s recently ended 12-year tenure as president and CEO of Visit St.

Pete/Clearwater coincided with rapid growth in travel and tourism — shaped in large part

by his creative, results-oriented approach to marketing. He effectively repositioned the

destination as a hip, culture-rich gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast through efforts such as the

award-winning Gulpcoast.com campaign, an industry-first approach to craft-beer trails.

“ We are in such a fast-paced and competitive industry that you really don’t have to

actively challenge yourself — the industry will present you with fresh challenges every

day if you pay attention. From staying completely relevant and on-brand to keeping up

with seemingly weekly changes in technology and web trends, the hospitality sales and

marketing world sometimes feels like a state-of-the-art roller-coaster ride. Which is

exactly why I love it.


BIO

“

ERICA DOYNEVice President of Marketing

AMResorts

7

“Erica is truly cut from a different cloth than most marketers.

Her ability to not only align her marketing and

communications strategies with the overall goals of the

company but also motivate her employees to work together

toward those goals is unparalleled.— Jennifer Valdes, rbb Communications

A savvy industry leader who has leveraged her talents to create and lead award-

winning marketing programs, promotions, eCommerce and social-media campaigns,

brand management, event planning, and sales, marketing, and business

development tools, Erica Doyne oversees AMResorts’ global marketing, public

relations, and advertising strategies. She has been instrumental in the conception,

development, and execution of AMResorts’ integrated brand campaigns.

Being an innovator in a technology-driven world means staying attuned to

the latest advances and what others are doing, even outside of hospitality.

We’re all about ‘firsts,’ creative solutions, and even disruption to deliver

out-of-the-box yet on-brand messaging that resonates in an oversaturated

consumer market.


GINO ENGELSCo-Founder and Chief

Commercial Officer

OTA Insight

8

“Gino is an enthusiastic, hardworking, and perceptive leader who everyone can

get behind. He has taken the business from birth to its current flourishing state

in a short period of time and always stays focused on reaching the next

milestones in our journey. — Andy Tam, OTA Insight

BIOGino Engels has become a foremost expert in understanding revenue managers’ pain points

in a range of areas, including dynamic pricing and distribution. In the last 18 months, he has

spearheaded OTA Insight’s growth in the U.S. market and driven the diversification of its

solution offerings with the addition of Revenue and Parity Insight to its market-leading Rate

Insight product.

“ Striving to better empathize with our customers is a huge challenge but a worthwhile

one; knowing that the knowledge it brings will improve OTA Insight’s performance

and that of our partners’ properties keeps me at it.


BIO

“

GEORGE GALINSKYSenior Vice President of

Marketing Communications

Mohegan Gaming &

Entertainment (MGE)

9

“George is an inspiring, creative, and innovative thinker who

encourages out-of-the-box thinking and continually strives to

showcase the best of each and every brand he oversees.

— David Rubinsky, Media Storm

George Galinsky has played a critical role in advancing MGE’s brand awareness, brand loyalty,

and engagement. He developed Back of House, Mohegan Sun’s award-winning digital TV

series, and was instrumental in bringing TV and movie productions to film at the property,

including Undercover Boss, The Bachelorette, Sneaky Pete, and more.

You have to like variety. You have to think strategically. You have to be creative,

and you have to build on past experiences. It’s all about learning, optimizing,

and executing, especially in today’s media environment.


DARREN GREENSenior Vice President of Sales

Los Angeles Tourism &

Convention Board

10

“Darren has energized each member of his team to consistently exceed their

goals and expectations every year. He has truly cultivated an atmosphere of

teamwork while also making sure every member of his team continues to push

themselves to elevate their success.— Ernest Wooden Jr., Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board

BIODarren Green is responsible for leading L.A. Tourism’s citywide convention sales team, hotel

sales team, and destination services team. He has overseen the creation of the Virtual

Discovery L.A. 360-viewing destination tour and the meetL.A. exchange to connect L.A.

Tourism’s sales team with local hospitality partners, and recently reimagined the

organization’s Customer Advisory Board.

“I challenge myself regularly and decisively, knowing it’s necessary for

continued growth. One area of focus is educating and informing key

stakeholders about the overall impact hospitality has on local

communities. “

Staying Challenged

BIOCHAD HALLERTVice President of Performance

Marketing

Noble Studios

11

“Chad relentlessly pursues our company mission to be better

every day and is willing to challenge the status quo in order to

provide increased returns for our clients. He provides high-

level insights while still diving into the nitty-gritty of

performance marketing tactics to architect revolutionary

campaigns.— Michael Thomas, Noble Studios

Chad Hallert oversees performance marketing for Noble Studios, including specific product

and service offerings for primary verticals such as hospitality and tourism, education, health

care, and B2B. He has designed and developed digital marketing strategies for clients such as

the Islands of Tahiti, Newport Beach, Santa Monica, Tahoe South, and more.

“One of the coolest things about digital marketing is that it’s always changing and

evolving. Since digital marketing is based upon platforms created by tech

companies like Google and Facebook, who innovate at a rapid pace, you have no

choice but to be committed every day to learning and developing new skills.


ALLISON HANDYSenior Vice President of Sales

and Marketing

Prism Hotels & Resorts

12

“The quality of Allison’s work speaks for itself. Her track record of success is

second to none. But the creativity, curiosity, and drive to innovate and excel is

something that you can only really appreciate when you are around her on a

daily basis.— Morgan Mark, Identity

BIOA member of Prism’s executive committee, Allison Handy provides sales and marketing

support for the company’s portfolio of hotels and oversees its marketing, public relations,

and new business development efforts. Her leadership has resulted in not just the creation

but the true cultivation of a sales-based culture across the Prism portfolio.

“Every team member at every one of our hotels teaches me something new

every day. Working with them, I pick up new ideas to implement, new best

practices to share, new issues to address, and new trends to investigate.


BIOADAM HAYASHIVice President of Revenue

Management and Business

Intelligence

AccorHotels North & Central

America

13

“Adam is a natural born leader. He is smart and approachable

and highly engaged. Adam is focused on data-driven

decisions, and specifically in revenue management, the

balance of art and science.— Michael Innocentin, AccorHotels

Adam Hayahi has been working in hospitality revenue management for nearly 20

years. At Accor he is a big advocate for total hotel profit optimization and has worked

hard to create a culture of driving ancillary revenue streams — achieving 8-percent

year-over-year revenue growth, among other results.

“ I’m driven by two things at work: my desire to win and my desire to learn. I

believe both of these push me to stay focused, engaged, and to constantly push

for better results.


CAROLYN HOSNAVice President of Marketing

White Lodging

14

“Carolyn’s work ethic, commitment to excellence, and ability to drive results are

unmatched. She’s dedicated to pushing the boundaries while respecting the

lines that have been drawn.— Michael Bennett, Cendyn

BIOCarolyn Hosna is responsible for the digital strategy and execution of all hotel and

restaurant integrated marketing initiatives for more than 100 premium branded hotels and

restaurants across North America. Over the last 12 months, her strategies have driven a

consistent 10-times return and more than $15 million in additional topline revenue.

“Staying on top of all the changes and trying to find a niche in which to

present brands to win travel preference is and will always be challenging.

That’s what makes it so fun.


BIOJAY HUBBSSenior Vice President of

eCommerce and Digital

Marketing

Remington Hotels

15

“Jay has been an incredible partner, always willing to lend a

hand, look at a hotel, or help train our asset managers on

digital and distribution topics.— Chris Nixon, Ashford

Jay Hubbs possesses the rare talent of being highly analytical while able to speak

sales, revenue management, and digital marketing. In the last 18 months, he

spearheaded an in-depth analysis on acquisition costs for each of Remington’s

branded and independent hotels, identifying channels and opportunities to grow

market share.

“Whether it’s monitoring campaign efficacy, new-shiny-object syndrome, owner

requests, or just staying on top of the rapidly changing digital environment,

there is not a day in my role that’s like the day before it, which keeps me

energized and constantly challenged. “

Staying Challenged

JODI KERNSenior Director of Digital

Merchandising

Marriott International

16

“Jodi believes that strategy is paramount but flawless execution is equally as

important. Her ability to synthesize and develop complex strategies while also

focusing on the details that are important to guests enables her to deliver

simple and custom digital merchandising experiences time and time again.

— Sarah Lukas, Marriott International

BIOJodi Kern leads merchandising strategy and activation across Marriott’s omni-channel digital

commerce journey. In this capacity, she marries creative, messaging, and technology with

guest intent to deliver customized experiences that drive brand preference, loyalty, and

direct bookings.

“I try to keep myself challenged by learning about business models and new digital

initiatives across all industries. It’s also important to have a rigorous

understanding of our guests and members across different types of travel and

how to evolve the customer experience to meet their changing intent and needs.


BIOGIL LANGLEYPresident and CEO

Amelia Island Convention &

Visitors Bureau

17

“A recognized leader in both the Florida and U.S. tourism

industry, Gil never backs away from a challenge and is always

ready to stand up as a champion for the cause. Neither

Amelia Island nor the State of Florida would be where they

are today without his guidance, direction, and leadership.

— Jack Healan, Amelia Island Tourist Development Council

Gil Langley has overseen the development of innovative, award-winning sales and

marketing strategies that have resulted in record-breaking numbers for Amelia Island

year after year. Since 2010, occupancy has increased by 34 percent, lodging taxable

room sales by 97 percent, and RevPAR by 84 percent, with tourism now supporting

36 percent of all jobs in Nassau County, Florida.

“The marketplace keeps us challenged. To be effective, we need to anticipate where

the market is going and change our strategies that embrace the turmoil to enhance

our chance for success.


DAVID LORENZVice President of Travel

Michigan

Michigan Economic

Development Corporation

18

“Dave continues to look for innovative approaches to develop marketing programs

comprised of traditional media relations, partnerships, influencer relations,

advertising, and digital campaigns to inspire Michigan travel.

— Cindy Kamerad, Weber Shandwick

BIOWith nearly 20 years of experience in international travel marketing, David Lorenz is

responsible for leading Michigan’s tourism branding, advertising, and public relations efforts

— including the award-winning Pure Michigan campaign, which in 2017 alone resulted in

nearly 6 million out-of-state trips to Michigan.

“In addition to understanding the need to keep a focus in staying up-to-

date with new communication techniques, I realize that we have a unique

opportunity to make people’s lives better … every day. That’s all the

motivation I need.


BIOSARAH MUROVVice President of Public Relations

and Commercial Communications

Loews Hotels & Co.

19

“PR is not always recognized for driving revenue, but Sarah is

exceptional at holding herself and her team accountable for

this. Everything that’s driven out of PR at Loews has a

revenue impact target which is often exceeded.— Monica Xuereb, Loews Hotels & Co.

A 20-year PR and communications veteran, Sarah Murov led the creation of the Flavor by

Loews program, which makes eating like a local easy for guests by bringing the area food scene

right to their hotel. Flavor by Loews garnered more than 35 stories in local and national media,

driving an additional $2 million dollars at Loews hotels.

“ One of the things I love most about working in PR is that no two days are the

same. PR is constantly changing, and couple that with working in the

hospitality niche, change is inevitable.


LETICIA PROCTORSenior Vice President of Sales,

Marketing, and Revenue

Management

Donohoe Hospitality Services

20

“I’m nominating Leticia because she inspires me, and I believe I’m one of many

she motivates on a regular basis. I’ve found her to be wickedly smart, incredibly

personable, genuinely caring, and widely successful.

— Jeff Roark, IDeaS Revenue Solutions

BIOLeticia Proctor is responsible for all sales, marketing, and revenue management for

the entire Donohoe Hospitality Services portfolio, which includes Hilton, Marriott,

and IHG brands. Most recently as SVP of sales, revenue management, and digital

strategies for PM Hotel Group, she implemented a “back to basics” approach to

revenue that drove strong RevPAR gains.

“ In addition to pursuing my master’s at Georgetown University, I believe it is

important to keep abreast of emerging trends and the industry as a whole by

reading trade articles and magazines, completing industry certifications,

attending industry events, and networking with peers and industry leaders.


BIOJULIE SCOTTPresident

Colwen Hotels

21

“Julie is a well-respected industry leader. Even with the

demands of her schedule she has been a strong supporter of

HSMAI, especially HSMAI Boston. It means a great deal to

have an industry leader support our chapter.— Debbie Howarth, Johnson & Wales University/HSMAI Boston

During her 30-year career in the hotel industry, Julie Scott has served as a sales, marketing, and

revenue management leader. As president of Colwen Hotels, she has led the company on an

aggressive expansion program, making it one of the largest Marriott franchisees — among

other brands — in the United States.

“I think it is pretty easy to stay challenged as a hotelier since the industry is

constantly changing and evolving. I do strive to remain current with industry

webinars, traveling to new-built hotels, and brand meetings. I also visit our hotels

and meet with our associates on a weekly basis.


JIM STRUNA, CRMERegional Director of Revenue

Management – Eastern U.S. and

Caribbean

Rosewood Hotel Group

22

“Jim sees the long game and goes about his work with patience, kindness, humor,

and wisdom. He is a colleague who encourages deep thinking and new ways of

moving through challenges.— Nicole Young, Rosewood Hotel Group

BIOJim Struna directs revenue management for a diverse assortment of properties — from The

Carlyle in New York City to Rosewood Baha Mar in the Bahamas. Throughout his career he

has developed strategies that have significantly improved RevPar performance at both

equity and managed hotels.

“ Changes in technology and distribution mean revenue managers are

constantly in a state of flux. This forces learning and innovation, which is

what drives me personally.


BIOMATT TEIXEIRADirector of Sales

Best Western Hotels and Resorts

23

“This was an exceedingly tough assignment requiring thought

leadership and courage to take such a collaborative path with

our partner suppliers and to build the business case for our

hotels to align with this key distribution strategy. Matt

delivered on this plan exceptionally well.

— Dorothy Dowling, Best Western Hotels and Resorts

Matt Teixeira is responsible for relationship management strategy and business development,

and also leads Best Western’s B2B leisure strategy. He has been a thought leader in crafting a

strategic distribution plan to ensure Best Western evolved its connectivity and ARI efforts to

support this important buyer segment and address seismic changes in the distribution space.

“Understanding the changes taking place in the hospitality industry today is of

paramount importance. Finding the best ways to adapt to these changes is

how I keep myself challenged.


THERESA

VAN GREUNEN Senior Director of Corporate

Communications

Aqua-Aston Hospitality

24

“Theresa is a passionate and thoughtful hospitality marketing executive whose

love for her profession and her products shines through in everything she does.

She inspires all those around her to reach for the stars and has thus ensured

ongoing success for the hotels for which she is responsible.

— John Frazier, Quinn

BIOTheresa van Greunen plays a key role in shaping how investors, employees, and the

general public perceive Aqua-Aston Hospitality. Since joining the company, she has

achieved several career milestones, including PRSA accreditation, the high-profile opening

of The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, the successful rebranding of Aqua-Aston, and the

launch of the Advocate With Aqua-Aston CSR program.

“I challenge myself every day by trying to understand what makes others

tick, and to come up with ideas that promote our business but also have

the power to make a meaningful difference to others.


BIOCHERILYN WILLIAMSDirector of Global Portfolio

Marketing

Marriott International

25

“Cherilyn is a friend, mentor, and sounding board for new

ideas that challenge the norm. Her openness to campaigns

that push boundaries and tackle topics that make some

uncomfortable makes her someone that everyone around her

aspires to emulate.— Ryan Hallett, Grey New York

Cherilyn Williams leads Marriott’s multicultural and purpose-driven marketing initiatives aimed

at LGBT, African-American, U.S. Latino, and women travelers — including the award-winning

#LoveTravels campaign, which has significantly improved consumer perception among key

segments.

“I am challenged every day with not just innovating how Marriott views diverse

consumers groups, or even the hospitality industry — I am challenged with

figuring out how we can have the greatest impact on our guests and forge a

way that others can follow.


Documents

HSMAI25 PPT 2018 CD.pptx - Read-Only...company but also motivate her employees to work together toward those goals is unparalleled. ... George Galinsky has played a critical role in