Playa Hotels & Resorts have announced the appointment of Karen Callahan as Director of Global Marketing and Public Relations for Playa Resorts Management, Playa’s operational management component.
Ms. Callahan joins Playa from Splash Direct Marketing, LLC where she was the founder and principal of a B2B marketing and sales consultancy for the travel industry. Prior to starting her own firm, Ms. Callahan was Senior Director of Marketing for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Ms. Callahan joins the team to help support “the evolution of all-inclusive,” which embodies the launch of Playa’s and Hyatt’s mission to lead the all-inclusive industry in serving the untapped discerning luxury market. Ms. Callahan will work directly with Mr. Kevin Froemming, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer and the team in overseeing the brand marketing and communications for Playa’s expanding portfolio of all-inclusive resorts that are redefining the luxury all-inclusive experience.
Currently Playa manages Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, Hyatt Zilara Cancun, THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen, Gran Caribe Real Cancun and Gran Porto Real Playa del Carmen. Opening in early November 2014 are Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, Jamaica, followed by Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta (December 2014) and Hyatt Ziva Cancun (2015) with additional properties in the pipeline.
“Karen will play a significant leadership role as our team moves forward in building our brand awareness and commitment to ‘the evolution of all-inclusive,” said Mr. Froemming. “This is especially important for our two new Hyatt all-inclusive brands, Hyatt Ziva (for guests of all ages) and Hyatt Zilara (for adults). Karen will oversee our advertising, marketing and PR efforts to ensure that our messaging reaches a whole new audience of highly selective travelers and their travel agents who may never have previously considered an all-inclusive experience, but now will see that under Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara there is an option to enjoy the ease of an all-inclusive vacation without compromising quality and the uniqueness of the experience.”
Froemming continues, “We are committed to bringing many firsts to the all-inclusive traveler such as distinctive dining like the first Moroccan Rooftop Lounge (at the new Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall) or the first Brazilian Churrascaria Restaurant. We are also adding innovative services such as pillow menus, aromatherapy, and specialty butlers around the pool, at the beach and for original cocktails. With all this innovation and nuance about our brands we know that Karen will be invaluable in helping to communicate these differences to consumers and our very important travel industry partners,” added Froemming.
Ms. Callahan brings more than 25 years of experience as a travel industry leader. She has also held management positions with Renaissance Cruises, Online Vacation Center, United Airlines and Vantage Travel. She is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Wheaton College and holds an MBA from Babson College.
