First Hospitality, a national hotel operating and development company, announces the appointment of Christina Santarelli-Foster to vice
president of marketing. Santarelli-Foster brings more than 15 years of expertise in strategic marketing, communications, and brand strategy to this position.
president of marketing. Santarelli-Foster brings more than 15 years of expertise in strategic marketing, communications, and brand strategy to this position. In her new role, Santarelli-Foster is a key member of the First Hospitality senior leadership team responsible for driving marketing strategies and overseeing the deployment and management of all marketing efforts for a growing team that supports a portfolio of 50+ hotel properties. Santarelli-Foster will lead B2C marketing performance, as well as B2B marketing for the First Hospitality brand and new business development.
“Christina is a results-driven marketing executive with a proven track record in the hospitality and food and beverage industries,” said David Duncan, president and CEO of First Hospitality. “Christina’s passion for creative thinking and collaboration, paired with her thoughtful approach to all functions of marketing will be a tremendous asset to First Hospitality as we continue to strengthen and grow our portfolio.”
Prior to joining First Hospitality, Santarelli-Foster held multiple positions for Levy – Compass Group in Chicago. Most recently, she served as senior director of marketing and communications leading Levy’s brand vision and marketing strategies plus experiential activations for its portfolio of 200+ properties coast to coast, ranging from iconic sports venues, signature events, and restaurants. Prior to that, Santarelli-Foster led the opening of Hilton’s theWit Hotel Chicago, along with the hotel’s two award winning restaurants and catering events marketing.
Santarelli-Foster is an active member of the Illinois Restaurant Association and Choose Chicago Committees, as well as a member of the Marketing and Communications Committee for the James Beard Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Columbia College Chicago, where she is also an active participant of the Alumni Committee.
In her spare time, Christina can be found with her nose in a book, paintbrush in her hand, or spending time with her close-knit family. Christina resides in the west suburbs of Chicago with her husband Scott and three young children, Forrest, Walker, and Cash.
