Joe Mauro
The Ritz-Carlton, Boston, appoints Mauro as director of sales & marketing. Mauro began his career with Marriott International over 24 years ago, and brings extensive experience in sales leadership. In his most recent role as senior account executive for Marriott, he was responsible for delivering total account management across 22 corporate accounts. He has also served as market director of group sales for the Marriott International Northeast Group Sales Office, where he led above-property group sales for all 35+ Marriott managed Premium and Select Service brands in the greater New York area, including New York City.
Anna Livingston
Livingston takes on the role of director of sales at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. She began her hospitality career as an events manager before moving into catering and group sales, and has been serving as a director of sales since 2019. She is committed to leading teams with enthusiasm and mentoring colleagues to help them grow both professionally and personally.
Armelle De la Porte des Vaux and Ron Gulaskey
Club Med, a leader in all-inclusive vacations, appoints two experienced professionals to its executive team.
De la Porte des Vaux assumes the role of vice president of marketing for North America. She brings over a decade of experience in the luxury industry and has held senior roles at L’Oréal and Dior, through which she has developed a strong understanding of brand development and marketing strategy. She joined Club Med in 2019 as a marketing director for Benelux, and since, has spearheaded transformative campaigns, including revitalizing the Belgian market and overseeing strategic initiatives for the German market. Her leadership has been integral to the launch of new openings and management of major projects. She will now further cement the brand’s leadership in the all-inclusive space as she drives the continued expansion of Club Med’s L’Espirit Libre philosophy in the North American market.
Gulaskey takes on the role of vice president, US sales & strategy. He brings over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, most recently serving as associate vice president of global sales at Celebrity Cruises. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles across both the leisure and MICE segments, and he brings a strong track record of strategic partnerships with key industry associations, including ASTA, ACTA and CLIA. As he leads sales strategy for Club Med, he will oversee travel agency partnerships and MICE sales to further enhance Club Med’s footprint in the US market.
Kamia Kinchlow
Kinchlow is the new vice president of global luxury leisure for Visit Newport Beach. She brings over 15 years of experience in luxury travel, strategic sales planning and innovative marketing initiatives, most recently serving as director of sales, transient at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club in Dana Point. She has been consistently recognized for her strategic vision, innovative sales programs and ability to deliver top-line revenue growth.
Jason Sojka
Louisville Tourism appoints Sojka as vice president of convention development. He will manage the convention sales team to achieve annual room night goals, develop and implement the convention sales and marketing plan, outline specific sales objectives and priorities for the convention sales staff and establish sales policies and procedures to maximize Louisville as a convention destination. He brings over two decades of experience, and most recently served as director of sales for the Ritz-Carlton Dallas as part of its opening team.
Vincent De Croock
Park Hyatt New York appoints De Croock as director of sales and marketing. He brings over 15 years of experience with the Hyatt portfolio, most recently working as director of sales & marketing for Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort. He brings a passion for excellence and a dynamic approach to sales leadership, which he will draw from in his new role as he focuses on growing strategic accounts, cultivating key relationships and further strengthening the hotel’s reputation as a leading luxury destination.
Melissa Plymal
Lansdowne Resort names Plymal as national sales manager. She brings over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, most recently serving as director of sales and marketing for Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards. She brings extensive connections within the Virginia and D.C. areas and vast experience working with high-profile groups, which she will draw on in her new role to attract high-end group business to Lansdowne Resort.
Laurie Helley
Helley is appointed as senior sales manager for Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek. She will oversee the U.S. northeast region and international groups, with over 20 years of sales experience inside and outside of the hospitality industry. She spend her early career with Wyndham and has held key roles at prestigious properties including Hyatt Regency Orlando and Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas, where she was recognized for her success in revenue growth and developing high-performing sales strategies.
Anca Trifan
Meetings & Incentives Worldwide (MI&W) welcomes Trifan as senior manager, strategic partnerships, event technology. She will lead the strategy, positioning, contract negotiations, onboarding and management of MI&W’s event technology partners to help clients achieve impactful event experience. She brings over 20 years of experience in event production and technology, eight of which she spent leading Tree-Fan Events.
Kellie Linder
Visit Savannah promotes Linder to the role of vice president of sales. She has worked with Visit Savannah for eight years as director of midwest/west sales, and has played a crucial role in establishing Savannah as a top destination for meetings, conventions and tourism. She brings 25 years of hospitality industry experience and will work to drive sales and marketing initiatives, especially promoting the newly expanded Savannah Convention Center, area hotels and the broader hospitality community.
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