InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile (505 N. Michigan Avenue) is pleased to announce the appointment of David Almond as Director of Sales and Marketing, effective immediately. Bringing over 20 years of experience in hotel sales management to his new position, Almond oversees all sales, marketing, and public relations efforts for the hotel along Chicago’s famed Michigan Avenue.
“We are thrilled to welcome David to our team as Director of Sales and Marketing,” says InterContinental Chicago General Manager Raymond Vermolen. “His wealth of experience in hotel sales makes him the ideal candidate for the position, perfectly poised to elevate our stature in the industry.”
Almond obtained a Bachelors of Science in Marketing at Penn State University which led him to several prestigious hotel sales and marketing positions in Washington D.C. and Chicago. In his early career, Almond served as Assistant Director of Sales for Hiltons of Washington Sales Complex in Washington, D.C. and eventually moved to Chicago for a position as Director of Sales for Hiltons of Chicago Sales Complex. There, he represented notable Chicago hotels including Hilton Chicago, Palmer House Hilton, Hilton O’Hare, Conrad Chicago and The Drake. After 11 years with Hilton Hotels, Almond joined the Starwood Hotels Corporation in 2010 as Complex Director of Sales & Marketing for the Sheraton Chicago and Westin River North Sales Complex managing a team of 15 sales executives and reaching an annual goal of $60+ million. Eventually moving to a position as Area Director of Sales and Marketing for Starwood Hotels of Downtown Chicago (Sheraton Chicago, Westin River North, Westin Michigan Avenue, W Chicago Lakeshore, W Chicago City Center, and the Tremont Hotel), Almond managed the relaunch of the W Chicago Lakeshore following a $38 million renovation.
Almond’s philosophy when it comes to hotel service is pretty simple – “Make it Happen!”
“Be genuine, show you care and do everything you can to take care of people,” said Almond. ”People, meaning the customers and clients, but also those that are working with you. If those working with you feel valued and supported, that translates into a happy team. A happy team translates into great service and satisfied customers who will come back and recommend.”
Almond’s passion for the hospitality industry shines through his participation with the GMC-PCMA and Choose Chicago where he enjoys playing an active role in meetings, developing business and being an advocate for Chicago. Almond looks forward to the opportunity to continue his hospitality career in this great city and at such an iconic hotel.
