Hotel Heroes

The Hotel Heroes are a panel of trusted experts sharing their experience and knowledge with the wider hotel industry with the aim of educating and empowering their peers.

Panel of 2022

Joe Pettigrew

Chief Commercial Officer, Hotel Asset Management, Starwood Capital Group

Joe is responsible for maximising profit for all hotels in the Starwood Capital Group. His prior experience includes senior roles at YOTEL, The Principal Hotel Company and Expedia.

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Maury Lundahl

Extended Stay America Vice President, Marketing and eCommerce

Maury Lundahl is VP, Marketing and eCommerce at Extended Stay America. She has previously worked at WoodSpring hotels and Choice Hotels responsible for growing digital demand and revenue.

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Alex Cass

General Manager, Carousel Inn on the Beach

Alex is the General Manager of Carousel Beach Inn and provides operations and revenue consultancy for hospitality businesses. He’s previously worked at Renaissance Hotels and Marriott.

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Christoph Peppers

Director E-Commerce, H-Hotels

Christoph is the Director of E-Commerce at H-Hotels. He has held previous positions in revenue, digital and marketing fields at Samuel Braun Hotel, Hotel Berlin and Leonardo Hotels.

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Robert Speirs

Marketing Manager, Cheval Collection

Rober Speirs is the Marketing Manager at Cheval Collection where he is responsible for all on and offline activity. He has previously worked at Virigin Limited Edition and Marriott.

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Yogesh Ram

Director of Marketing, Safestay

Yogesh is the Director of Marketing at Safestay. Yogesh has a longstanding expertise as a Marketer having worked more recently with Home House London and Kish and Chips.

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Derek Brewster

Director of Revenue Management, Lotte New York Palace.

Derek is the Director of Revenue Management at Lotte New York Palace. Derek has been working in the hotel industry since 2004 and has recently been appointed as the President of HSMAI NYC.

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Blessy Townes

Vice President & Head of Digital, Discovery Hospitality

“With over 17 years of experience in Digital Marketing, eight years of those in hospitality, I am inspired to share best practice and expertise from an out-of-the-box perspective.”

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Panel of 2020

Joe Pettigrew

Director of Revenue Maximisation, Europe Hotels, Starwood Capital Group

“I'm excited to take part in creating a constructive forum where we can share ideas and make the entire travel industry better for our guests.“

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Blessy Townes

Vice President & Head of Digital, Discovery Hospitality

“With over 17 years of experience in Digital Marketing, eight years of those in hospitality, I am inspired to share best practice and expertise from an out-of-the-box perspective.”

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Katherine Solomon

Corporate Director of Revenue Management, Arlo Hotels

“I look forward to sharing and collaborating with other passionate hospitality professionals.”

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Inderpreet Banga

“I love to help hotels and owners reach their maximum profitability. I’m looking forward to assisting the industry with best practices and ensuring we’re working in tandem to make the industry stronger and more resilient than ever before.”

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Rob Paterson

CEO, Best Western Hotels & Resorts GB

“I'm most passionate about creative, commercial marketing. I believe commercial creativity is what separates the good from the great hoteliers.”

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Sunish Sadasivan

Vice President of E-Commerce & Revenue Management, Chroma Hospitality

“As hoteliers, we should be able to give the best offers to our bookers direct. If OTAs are able to take advantage of our rates - shame on us! But, together, we take the power back from them. Direct should always be best.”

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Colette Labis

Director of Partnerships & Distribution, Westgate Resorts.

“Direct really is best! It can enable you to service your customers without having to consult with a third party and even protect your guests from encountering fraudulent third parties that can ruin their vacation!”

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Nicolas Durand

Distribution expert

“I'm excited to share best practices with hoteliers who go through similar challenges. I will also represent hotels in the Middle East!”

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Chetan Patel

Vice President, Digital & CRM, ONYX Hospitality Group

“Direct just makes more sense! With 18 years of distribution, digital marketing, loyalty and CRM experience, I know the levers that affect hotel performance online.”

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Panel of 2019

Joe Pettigrew

Director of Revenue Maximisation, Europe Hotels, Starwood Capital Group

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Blessy Townes

Vice President & Head of Digital, Discovery Hospitality

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Rob Paterson

CEO, Best Western Hotels & Resorts GB

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Katherine Solomon

Corporate Director of Revenue Management, Arlo Hotels

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Justyn Hornor

Senior Product Manager, Las Vegas Sands Corp.

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Nicolas Durand

Senior Director of Global Distribution, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts

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Pelayo Pando

eCommerce Business Development & Market Strategy Director, NH Hotel Group

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Dr Jan Sammeck

Director of eCommerce, Deutsche Hospitality

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Inderpreet Banga

Vice President Channel & Distribution Strategy, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

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Ludovic Cacciapaglia

Assistant Vice-President Global Distribution, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts

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