St. Regis Hotels & Resorts announced in late March its executive team for The St. Regis Chicago, ahead of the hotel’s opening this May. Designed by world-renowned architect Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang and developed by Magellan Development Corp., The St. Regis Chicago, at 101 stories, is the tallest building in the world designed by a female architect and will offer guests a waterfront luxury oasis with best-in-class services and amenities. Led by General Manager Oliver Gibbons, the executive leadership team brings together seasoned luxury hospitality experts.
“Building a dynamic team to exceed on the brand’s rich legacy of service and uncompromising commitment to excellence was crucial to introducing the iconic St. Regis brand to Chicago,” says Gibbons. “We have curated a team of highly accomplished, passionate, and gracious leaders, with impressive luxury hospitality experience, and we look forward to introducing guests to Chicago’s premier destination, offering five-star accommodations, ultra-luxury living, elevated dining, and restorative wellness experiences.”
The St. Regis Chicago executive team includes:
Oliver Gibbons, General Manager of The Hotel
Gibbons will lead The St. Regis Chicago Hotel team and oversee the day-to-day operations of the property, which includes a 192-room hotel, 393 ultra luxury residences, two restaurants in partnership with Chefs Evan Funke and Hisanobu Osaka, a holistic wellness spa and fitness center, and more than 10,000 square feet of dynamic meeting and event space. Gibbons has played a vital role in leading the team through the completion of the hotel’s development over the last two years.
With extensive knowledge and more than two decades working in the international luxury hospitality industry, Gibbons has held leadership positions at esteemed properties, including the Forbes Five-Star recognized L’Ermitage Beverly Hills and Waldorf Astoria Chicago, which followed over a decade’s tenure with Accor luxury hotels and resorts in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the United States.
Frederick J. Pérez, General Manager of The Residences
As the general manager of The Residences at the St. Regis Chicago, Pérez will oversee day-to-day operations of The Residences and ensure resident satisfaction at the 393-unit ultra-luxury property. Beginning his career with Marriott in 2000, Pérez has worked in a variety of hotel roles over the last two decades, most recently as director of operations at The Ritz-Carlton Club & Residences, Vail, and as director of residences at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Mexico City.
Yago del Rincon, Director of Operations
With more than two decades of luxury hotel leadership experience across seven Ritz-Carlton hotels (including Hotel Arts Barcelona–A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, and the Forbes Five-Star Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park) and executing nearly 20 hotel openings, del Rincon joins the team as director of operations, with the goal of enhancing operations through his commitment to impeccable service and industry-leading innovation.
Jackie Collens, Director of Sales and Marketing
As director of sales and marketing, Collens is responsible for exceeding guest room and catering sales, revenue, and marketing goals. Collens brings two decades of experience from flagship, luxury hotels throughout New York City. Collens held leadership positions at the famed Waldorf Astoria and Towers as well as The St. Regis New York. Previously, she was the asset manager for Ty Warner, owner of Four Seasons Hotel New York. These iconic hotels further validate her invaluable industry experience and deep insight into the luxury marketplace.
Becker Lara, Director of Engineering
Lara will lead the engineering teams and projects for The St. Regis Chicago Hotel and Residences. Lara has vast experience in the Chicago hotel market, including leading engineering operations for the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile during a successful major renovation.
Kamil Kowalski, Director of Finance and Accounting
As director of finance and accounting, Kowalski will be responsible for guiding all financial operations. Kowalski has served in leadership roles across several Marriott Chicagoland hotels, including Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel and Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel.
Rita Grant, Director of Human Resources
Grant will lead human resources efforts for both The St. Regis Chicago Hotel and Residences including building, acquiring, and retaining top talent across all divisions and levels. Grant has held several human resources roles, most recently at the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, where she was a member of the 2015 opening team and contributed to the property winning many accolades.
Megan Candioto, Director of Revenue Management
Candioto brings nearly two decades of experience working with international hotel brands and will be responsible for the hotel’s top-line revenue strategy. She has held positions at the Forbes Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lake; Four Seasons Resort Nevis; Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel; Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara; and most recently with Park Hyatt Chicago, relaunching the property after an extensive renovation.
Supporting the executive leadership team are Director of Wellness Kerri Stokes and Executive Butler Rafael De Valdes. Stokes joins the team with more than a decade of luxury wellness and spa experience, including the Spa & Health Club at Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Chicago, and The Spa at the Peninsula Chicago, and will oversee all spa, wellness, and fitness operations. As executive butler, De Valdes will oversee the St. Regis Butler Service team, a personalized, signature offering that ensures each guest’s individual preferences are understood and anticipated at every turn. De Valdes previously held the role of director of guest services at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, where he managed a team of 25 butlers.
