Manager Sales

RUBEN A. LUNA, CHA

**** ***** **** | Arlington, TN 38002 | 901-***-****

********@*****.***

HOSPITALITY AND SERVICE INDUSTRY EXECUTIVE

Result-oriented, bi-lingual with more than 20 years experience in the Hospitality Industry showing commitment and proven leadership in operations, sales and marketing, quality, motivation and franchise relations.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ISLAND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, Palm Beach, Fl April 2010 – August 2010

Regional Director of Operations

Responsible for the performance of twelve hotels. Led the daily operation of the hotels as well as the sales efforts and strategies used by each of them to surpassed 100% Occupancy, ADR and RevPAR indices. Hired, trained and motivated General Managers ensuring property-level were in compliance with brand standards, quality assurance and guest satisfaction scores. Implemented initiatives to build team relations, reduced turnover by 30%, improved cost, productivity and sales conversions.

HILTON WORLDWIDE, Memphis, TN March 2001 – February 2010 Director Owner Support – Tennessee and Latin America Regional Director Hampton Brand Performance Support – Canada and Latin America

Provided pre-opening, on-going support and consultation to franchised and company-managed properties including owners, general managers and sales teams to drive top line revenue and local hotel performance through marketing and sales. Ensured ownership and property management teams in the region utilized the tools and resources to maximize occupancy, Average Daily Rate, RevPAR and exceed 100% indices in all areas and best demonstrated practices were used properly in an effort to increase revenue and guest loyalty. Hampton brand was awarded four annual JD Power awards during my tenure and every year this region had award winning hotels.

Implemented Make it Hampton initiative, which successfully re-positioned the brand as well as contributed to the strategic planning and implementation of adding “by Hilton” to the Hampton name in Canada and Latin America. Created sales and marketing initiatives targeted to their culture to increase brand awareness in local markets.

Implemented, in English and Spanish, key brand tools and programs such as: Best Available Rate pricing, Inn Step marketing and sales manual, First Step pre-opening manual, Housekeeping and Maintenance Planner. Translated to Spanish promotional/training material for the region, represented the brand in Tradeshows, Development Forums and in key media events including television and radio.

Evaluated product condition, assisted with improvement plans and ensured risk management compliance requirements along with rules of operations to avoid any deficiencies that could negatively impact the guest experience. Developed product distribution and approved vendors for Latin America in an effort to reduce cost by 20% and still maintain consistency and quality, created brand standards for Latin America and Canada.

Organized semi-annual Regional Owners’ Meetings and yearly General Managers’ Regional Meetings. Worked closely with the owners, management companies and general managers in all facets of the pre-opening process of the hotels including operations and performance once opened. During my tenure, supervised thirty one hotel openings including the first historic Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton outside the United States. I left this position to become Vice President of Operations for the Platinum Companies.

THE CHAMBERLIN HOTEL, Hampton, VA January 1999 – March 2001 General Manager (180 Guestrooms)

This 1926 unique historic full service hotel was located by the Chesapeake Bay and known as a glitzy place for beautiful events including elegant Sunday Branches, lavish weddings and Holiday events. Registered as a National Historic place, this Virginia Landmark featured a waterfront restaurant, lounge, two ballrooms, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, exercise room and a fishing pier. Some of the accomplishments were to improve revenues by maximizing ADR 12% and occupancy by 25%, increased group and weekend business by

60% and built recognition in the community. During this time, served five months as General Manager of the Radisson Hotel in Greensboro, NC.

SIGNATURE TRAINING, INC., Columbus, OH July 1996 – January 1999 Regional Hotel Trainer

Responsible for translation and delivery of Bilingual (English and Spanish) training to Management Companies and 40 hotels in a region that included Southeastern U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, Central and South America.

Training included hotels in Radisson, Sheraton, Omni, Sofitel, Holiday Inn, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn and Boutique Hotels brands.

The primary objective was to maximize hotel revenues through sales techniques and professionally trained team members that would assure a superior guest service level and improve sales calls and reservations conversion by 70%. This training was targeted to Management, Sales Department, Front Desk and Reservations Departments.

LANE HOSPITALITY-VICTOR DIVISION, Newport News, VA October 1989 – July 1996

Regional Director of Operations/Corporate Food and Beverage Director/General Manager

Regional Director of Operations

Multi-hotel responsibility for the overall operation of properties such as Radisson, Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn and others assigned to the region. Worked directly with individual owners to establish and meet financial goals for each hotel. Supervised the opening of the first Hampton Inn and Suites that opened worldwide in Newport News, VA and the historic Radisson Prince Charles Hotel, Fayetteville, NC, developed and approved the yearly hotel’s Operating Budget, Marketing Plan and Capital Expenses for the region. Conducted presentations for Ownership, General Manager Conferences and Regional Meetings.

Corporate Food and Beverage Director

Coordinated and supervised all Food and Beverage operations for Victor Management properties. Developed corporate promotions, updated food and beverage policies, cost controls and worked with the national accounts program with major food and beverage vendors. I was promoted to Regional Director.

General Manager- Holiday Inn on the Waterfront, Portsmouth, V A

Developed a strong corporate market segment for this 270 room full service downtown hotel and exceeded budget by 110%. Also, maximized RevPAR index to above 100% during my eighteen months tenure. As a result of my performance was promoted to the corporate office.

HILTON AIRPORT HOTEL, Memphis, TN June 1989 – October 1989

General Manager (374 Guestrooms)

HOLIDAY INN DAYTON MALL, Miamisburg, OH May 1987 – June 1989

General Manager (195 Guestrooms)

HOLIDAY INN ON THE WATERFRONT, Portsmouth, VA May 1984 – May 1987

General Manager (270 Guestrooms)

Corporate Food and Beverage Manager/Food and Beverage Director

HOLIDAY INN KANSAS CITY

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Kansas City, MO February 1981- May 1984

Food and Beverage Director

EDUCATION

Bilingual – Fluent in both Spanish and English

Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA)-The Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Motel Association

Diploma –Valedictorian -Mariano Moreno (High School) – Rosario, Argentina

Diploma – Academia de Dibujo y Pintura “Ingres” Dibujo Publicitario – Rosario, Argentina

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