Four Seasons Hotel Austin has announced the appointment of Rich McGonnigal as Director of Sales and Marketing, overseeing sales, catering, public relations and reservations at the 291-room luxury hotel in downtown Austin.
McGonnigal leaves behind an 11-year career with Hyatt Hotels spanning six properties and roles of increasing responsibility ranging from sales manager to, most recently, director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. Of note, he was a member of the Park Hyatt team in Aviara when the brand assumed management of the San Diego-area resort from Four Seasons in 2010, an experience he says sparked his interest in joining the Canadian hotel company.
“The culture and level of service excellence that existed in Aviara is, in part, what inspired me to pursue this position with Four Seasons,” says McGonnigal. “The fact that Austin is such an active city, with incredible dining, music and culture, makes this move especially exciting for my family and me.”
According to Rob Hagelberg, General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Austin, McGonnigal’s proven record of success – both in hotel performance and leadership of his sales and marketing teams – at four- and five-star hotels in competitive markets made him a stand-out candidate for the key Austin role.
“Rich’s background in a variety of dynamic destinations and distinct roles, combined with his energy and passion for creating exceptional experiences, make him a great fit for both Austin and Four Seasons,” says Hagelberg.
McGonnigal is an alumnus of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina, where he played baseball and graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree in Business Management. He currently maintains memberships with the American Society of Association Executives, Meeting Planners International and the Professional Convention Management Association.
