Susan Santiago has been appointed Area Vice President and General Manager of Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. In this role, Santiago is responsible for managing all operations for the 726-room Century Plaza hotel, while also overseeing the operations of additional Hyatt Hotels in the Los Angeles area. Santiago is Hyatt?s first female Area Vice President and the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza?s first female General Manager.
Most recently, Santiago was Vice President of Food and Beverage ?Americas operations for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, where she was responsible for the overall success of food and beverage operations at Hyatt Hotels and Resorts in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Latin and South America. Last year, Santiago led Hyatt?s launch of its global?Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served?philosophy that was heralded as, ?industry leading,? and later the same year, launched Hyatt?s,?For Kids, By Kids, and?Alice Watersmenus which offer fun, fresh, flavorful and interactive food choices for youth aged guests. These food philosophies helped drive Hyatt?s goal to be the most preferred hotel brand, and were acknowledged byThe Today Show,?The New York Times,?Wall Street Journal,?USA Today among other national and trade organizations. Also last year, Santiago and team along with Hyatt?s partner, Folio Fine Wine Partners, a Michael Mondavi company, developed and debuted a Pinot Noir varietal for Hyatt?s Canvas wine collection.
?In addition to her strong business acumen and leadership skills, Susan brings her great sense of community and passion to the Los Angeles area,? said Marc W. Ellin, Senior Vice President, Americas for Hyatt Hotels and Resorts.
?I am thrilled to call Southern California home again, especially at a landmark hotel steeped in such vibrant tradition, and to be among a community that wholly respects the great institution the property is? said Susan Santiago. ?I look forward to making a difference in the lives of our guests and patrons that visit Hyatt properties in the LA area,? continued Santiago.
Santiago began her career at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay and worked her way through an ascending series of food and beverage positions at the Hyatt Orlando Airport, before being promoted to Assistant Food and Beverage Director for Grand Hyatt New York.? In 2000, Santiago moved to Hyatt Newport Beach as Food and Beverage Director and was promoted in the same role to Hyatt Regency Phoenix and Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. Santiago later moved to Chicago as Director of Food and Beverage for Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and in 2006 was appointed General Manager for Hyatt Key West. In 2008, Santiago moved to Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino as General Manager, where she was recognized as Hyatt?s General Manager of the Year.
Santiago is a Board of Directors member of the American Hotel & Lodging Association?s Women in Lodging Council, as well as a member of its Food and Beverage Committee.? Santiago was also appointed by the Mayor of Chicago to sit on the Board of Directors for City Colleges.? In 2010, Santiago was named one of the Top Five Latino Executives of the Year by Latina Style Magazine.
Santiago, a native of Miami, Florida, attended Florida International University where she studied Elementary Physical Education. In her spare time, Santiago enjoys the outdoors including a day at the beach, golfing and tennis.