OUR RECuritment TEAM
VICE PRESIDENT OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT Karen Watkins
Karen Watkins is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) with over 20 years of progressive human resources and talent acquisition experience within the luxury hospitality industry. Throughout her career, she has held key HR and recruiting roles with leading hotel brands including Marriott Hotels, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, supporting properties throughout Miami and New York.
Karen brings extensive expertise in full-cycle recruitment, employee relations, workforce planning, onboarding, training and development, performance management, and talent retention. She has successfully managed recruitment initiatives for multi-location hotel operations, attracting top talent across front-of-house, back-of-house, management, and executive leadership positions.
Recognized for her ability to build strong workplace cultures and develop high-performing teams, Karen partners closely with hotel leadership to align human resources strategies with operational goals and guest service excellence.
Her deep understanding of the hospitality industry, combined with her commitment to employee engagement and organizational success, has made her a trusted HR leader throughout her career.
Karen is passionate about developing people, fostering inclusive work environments, and helping hospitality organizations achieve sustainable growth through strategic talent management and exceptional employee experiences.
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF HR Yolanda Jacobson, CHRP
Yolanda Jacobson is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) with more than 20 years of executive human resources leadership experience across the hospitality, vacation ownership (timeshare), and sports and entertainment industries. Throughout her distinguished career, she has partnered with some of the most recognized global brands, including Marriott Hotels, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts.
In addition to her extensive hospitality background, Yolanda has successfully led talent acquisition, employee engagement, workforce planning, and organizational development initiatives within large-scale vacation ownership organizations and premier sports and entertainment venues. Her expertise includes full-cycle recruitment, labor relations, succession planning, compensation and benefits, leadership development, compliance, and culture transformation.
Yolanda has a proven track record of building high-performing teams in fast-paced, service-driven environments, overseeing the recruitment and development of thousands of employees across hotel operations, timeshare sales and marketing organizations.
Recognized as a strategic business partner and trusted advisor, Yolanda collaborates closely with executive leadership teams to foster inclusive workplace cultures, strengthen organizational capabilities, and drive sustainable growth.
LEADERS WHO WILL ELEVATE
visionary leaders who will elevate
Our expertise extends across a broad spectrum of hotel and hospitality positions, including but not limited to:
- General Manager
- Director of Operations
- Director of Food and Beverage
- Director of Sales and Marketing
- Director of Human Resources
- Director of Finance
- Director of Engineering
- Executive Chef
- Director of Rooms
- Director of Revenue Management
- Vice President of Hotel Development
- Regional Manager
- Area Director
- Director of Spa and Wellness
- Director of Security
- Director of Sustainability
- Director of IT and Systems
- Director of Guest Experience
- Corporate Director of Purchasing
- Hotel Asset Manager
OPEN POSITIONS
Director of Food & Beverage – The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles Oversees all culinary and beverage operations, elevating dining experiences at this renowned luxury hotel in Beverly Hills, while managing multiple outlets and event spaces.
Director of Rooms – Four Seasons Hotel Miami Leads guest services, front desk, housekeeping, and concierge teams to deliver seamless and personalized experiences at this premier luxury hotel in Miami.
Director of Sales & Marketing – The Langham, Chicago [Develops and executes strategic sales and marketing plans to increase market share and revenue at this elegant luxury hotel in downtown Chicago.
Director of Spa & Wellness – The Peninsula Beverly Hills Manages the spa and wellness programs to provide world-class relaxation and health services, enhancing the luxury guest experience at this prestigious property.
Chief Engineer – The St. Regis Aspen Resort Ensures all engineering and maintenance operations are running smoothly to uphold the hotel’s high standards of safety, comfort, and operational excellence in a luxury mountain resort.
Director of Finance – The Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas Oversees financial planning, reporting, and budgeting to maximize profitability while maintaining the hotel’s high standards of service and luxury.
Director of Security – The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills Develops and implements security protocols to ensure guest safety, staff security, and asset protection at this ultra-luxury hotel in Beverly Hills.
Director of Sustainability – The Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San DiegoLeads sustainability initiatives and eco-friendly practices to promote environmental responsibility while enhancing guest experiences at this luxury resort.
Regional Director of Operations – Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, West CoastOversees multiple luxury properties, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and brand consistency across the West Coast region.
