Meeting News - May 25, 2009 - (Page 18)

Meeting People VisitBritain Promotes Dawe To CEO National tourism agency VisitBritain this month promoted former deputy chief executive Sandie Dawe to chief executive. Dawe has held a variety of positions in VisitBritain in communications, public relations, policy, marketing and strategy since she joined the British Tourist Authority from the London Tourist Board in 1991. In 2008, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to tourism. Dawe said, “It will be a real privilege to lead VisitBritain in its support of the tourism industry in the toughest economic climate in years, to win marketshare for Britain and to ensure that tourism is recognized as an important British industry.” “The Nomination Committee interviewed a number of skilled candidates and was unanimous in its view that Sandie has the best combination of knowledge, experience, insight, creativity and leadership skills to do the job,” said VisitBritain chairman Christopher Rodrigues in a statement. “More importantly, in Sandie these skills are combined with a passion for promoting Britain and its nations and regions, which the Board regards as an essential quality in the VisitBritain CEO.” Christopher Rodrigues now will relinquish his executive responsibilities and revert to the role of chairman, VisitBritain said. By Chris Davis cdavis@meetingnews.com launch several new initiatives, including the Meetings Technology Network, a professional services group to provide solutions to corporate, association and independent meeting planners. Marks was Cardinal’s vice president of sales from 2000 to 2002, when Cardinal sold its attendee management software RegWeb to StarCite. Marks joined StarCite as well. “We are thrilled to have Dan back at Cardinal Communications,” said Cardinal CEO Rodman Marymor. “He was a seasoned professional when he was here before, and now after seven years in technology sales, he is probably the most qualiﬁed expert in the industry.” Marks joins Marymor, the other equity partners are COO Katherine Dunmire and chief technology ofﬁcer Stephen Holland Chang as Cardinal equity partners. Marks received his start with Westin Hotels and Resorts at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. He also previously served as vice president of sales for the Network Conference Co., where he helped develop three high-end, full-service conference centers in Silicon Valley. Cardinal Hires StarCite’s Marks To Launch Professional Services Group Meetings technology ﬁrm Cardinal Communications this month said former StarCite executive Dan Marks has rejoined the company as an equal equity owner and executive vice president. Cardinal plans to Choice Taps Former Marriott Exec To Head Global Sales Michael Murphy, a former Marriott International executive, this month began work heading global sales and intermediary marketing efforts at Choice Hotels International. Choice—which franchises more than 5,800 hotels under brands including Comfort Inn and Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites and Suburban Extended Stay—appointed Murphy, a 25-year veteran of the hospitality industry, as its vice president of global sales. Murphy most recently served as senior vice president of sales for Marriott and also has worked in senior sales and marketing roles at Renaissance and Stouffer Hotels. “Michael will play a leading role in elevating Choice’s global sales efforts as we continue to focus on delivering more business directly to Choice-branded hotels,” Choice chief marketing officer Chris Malone said in a statement. “Michael and his organization will also concentrate on helping our owners and operators take advantage of the many resources available to maximize property-level sales.” In a statement provided to MeetingNews, Murphy said one of his top goals would be to leverage further the global distribution of Choice’s brand portfolio, matching customers with the most appropriate lodging products. He also wants to drive innovations through the Choice Privileges rewards program and better use of technology, and “implement a strategic account management structure within the global sales team which recognizes and rewards our best customers,” according to Murphy. Murphy also will serve as Choice’s primary liaison with travel industry associations and conferences, including the National Business Travel Association and Meeting Professionals International, according to Choice. Additionally this month, Choice hired Cindy Murphy, no relation to Michael Murphy, as the director of hotel performance support for its Cambria Suites brand. Cindy Murphy, who most recently worked for InterContinental Hotels Group in leadership positions for its Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn brands, will work with hotel owners and management to enhance local sales, revenue management, service and operations. —Michael B. Baker Hyatt Names Clearwater Beach Management Team Hyatt Hotels & Resorts this month announced the opening management team for the 250-room Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, which is scheduled to open in December 2009. Hyatt Regency Long Island general manager Brian Kramer, who joined Hyatt in 1989, will serve in the same role at Clearwater. With more than 28 years of industry experience, Hyatt Regency Sarasota director of sales and marketing Nancy Longstreth will serve in that role in the new Florida property. She started with Hyatt in 2000. r Please e-mail meetings industry personnel announcements to cdavis@meetingnews.com. www.meetingnews.com 18 MeetingNews May 25, 2009 http://www.meetingnews.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Meeting News - May 25, 2009

Meeting News - May 25, 2009
Contents
Newsmakers
MeetingNews Research
Viewpoint
Meetings Tech
Meetings Spotlight
Construction Cites
Meeting People
Incentive Insider
Travel Dashboard
Dateline: Reno, Nevada
East Regional
Dateline: Texas
Mid-America Regional
Golf Meetings
Resort Showcase Contents
Atlantis
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
Bellagio
Harrah’s/Harveys Lake Tahoe Casino & Resort
The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas
Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa
Special Section: Florida

Meeting News - May 25, 2009