Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Hyatt has unveiled significant leadership changes and a new divisional setup in the Americas, spurred by remarkable expansion in the region. This reorganization aims to bolster Hyatt’s commitment to growth, enhancing operations, and boosting performance across its principal territory. The restructuring introduces two main subdivisions within the Americas: U.S. & Canada and Latin America & the Caribbean (LAC), each headed by newly appointed leaders, Susan Santiago and Gabriel Felip, who report directly to Pete Sears, Group President for the Americas, starting January 2024.
In her role as President for U.S. & Canada, Santiago will spearhead the development and performance improvement of Hyatt’s properties, both owned and managed. Bringing over three decades of experience with Hyatt, she has significantly contributed to the company’s operational success, including her recent position as Senior Vice President of the Lifestyle Division and the Miraval brand.
Felip, as President for Latin America & the Caribbean, will direct the operational success of Hyatt’s entire portfolio in the region, covering all brands and including the Hyatt Inclusive Collection. With a career spanning three decades in the hospitality and tourism sector, Felip previously held the position of Group President for Inclusive Collection Global Operations at Hyatt.
“Our new Americas structure enables us to further support our hotel teams and owners in more customized, regionalized ways – and this is designed to help us continue driving strong results through intentional and sustainable growth for the region,” said Sears. “With these changes, we continue our momentum in positioning Hyatt as the preferred hospitality brand, delivering meaningful and memorable experiences for guests and driving results for our owners.”
This newly minted structure for the Americas is tailored to provide enhanced, region-specific support to Hyatt’s hotel teams and property owners, fostering sustained, impactful growth. According to Sears, these organizational adjustments are key to maintaining Hyatt’s competitive edge as a leading hospitality brand known for its unforgettable guest experiences and solid owner returns.
The revamped subregional framework also introduces three key roles aimed at boosting operations, commercial services, and finance. Yvette Martinez-Edwards has been elevated to Senior Vice President, overseeing luxury and Miraval hotel operations in the Americas. Shyla Gardner returns to Hyatt as Vice President of Commercial Services for Latin America & the Caribbean, and Juan Pablo Puerta steps into the role of Senior Vice President of Finance for the same region.
Martinez-Edwards, with her new position, is charged with enhancing the operational excellence of Hyatt’s luxury brands. Gardner is tasked with leading a dedicated commercial services team to craft distinct brand narratives and strategies for the LAC market. Puerta’s role focuses on leading the financial strategy and optimizing property performance throughout Latin America & the Caribbean, continuing his leadership within Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection in the area. These appointments reflect Hyatt’s strategic focus on fostering sustainable growth and operational superiority across its diverse portfolio.
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
