Hilton Chicago has announced the appointment of Lisa Selman as its new director of beverage.
Lisa brings more than 16 years of hospitality experience to her new role, where she’ll be responsible for overseeing the entire beverage program for Hilton Chicago’s bars, restaurants, and more than 234,000 square feet of banquet space.
In her new position, Lisa is concentrated on managing the beverage team and day-to-day venue operations, menu planning, inventory and cost management, preparation and presentation of drinks, and adherence to quality and safety standards, all with the goal of building on the success of the hotel’s current beverage program.
“From her management and hospitality experience to her amazing ability to craft creative and delicious cocktails, Lisa is the perfect person to fill the role of director of beverage as we aim to transform the beverage experience we offer our guests,” said John Wells, general manager at Hilton Chicago. “Her in-depth knowledge of whiskey is also a great asset that goes hand-in-hand with our menu of 100 whiskies at Kitty O’Sheas. Her personal collection of more than 50 different types is a near match!”
Prior to joining Hilton Chicago, Lisa served as director of operations at Whiskey Thief Tavern and Pearl Brasserie, where she managed annual revenue goals in excess of $5 million. During that time, she was also co-founder and director of operations for cocktail startup company Femme du Coupe, which specializes in interactive mixology classes and events, cocktail recipe development, as well as cocktail and mixology catering. Other leadership experience includes opening director of beverage at Soho House Chicago and food & beverage manager for Ritz Carlton Chicago.
To further her knowledge of the beverage industry, Lisa has earned certifications and accolades including Certified Specialist of Spirits, Court of Master Sommeliers level 1, Master Mezcalier, Certified Beer Server, Single Malt Scotch Expert, and Whiskey Emissary. Her passion for all things beverage related has also led her to over 50 distilleries, wineries, and breweries across five continents where’s she’s learned technical skills, as well as the heritage of a wide range of spirits and cultures. Lisa has a degree in Art History from Wayne State University and in her spare time can be found volunteering at the Art Institute Chicago and for the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation.
