Marcus Hotels & Resorts has announced that Laurie Hobbs has been named Vice President of Marketing. In her new role, Hobbs will provide executive leadership and management of operational areas including marketing, e-commerce, customer relationship marketing, advertising, social media and public relations.
“Laurie’s extensive experience in lodging and hospitality, particularly in the areas of brand strategy, integrated marketing communications, customer relationship marketing and public relations, will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow and expand our presence as a leading hotel management company. We are very excited to welcome Laurie to our executive team,” said Joseph Khairallah, chief operating officer of Marcus Hotels & Resorts.
Hobbs joins Marcus Hotels & Resorts with 30 years of experience in marketing communications for the hospitality industry, most recently serving as Director of Marketing for Blue Harbor Resort, Spa & Conference Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Her career includes 15 years with Edelman Worldwide, the largest independent international communications firm, where she served as a vice president with responsibilities for major corporate and travel accounts. She later served as marketing and public relations counsel for lifestyle and technology companies including GE Healthcare.
In 2008, Hobbs joined Sandestin Investments in Sandestin, Fla. as Director of Marketing and Public Relations and oversaw integrated public relations and brand communications programs for Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, the number-one resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Prior to her work at Blue Harbor Resort, she served as director of marketing and communications for Chicago Oakbrook Hills Resort in Oak Brook, Ill., operated by Destination Hotels & Resorts.
Hobbs has received numerous honors and awards for her work, including the Publicity Club of Chicago Silver Trumpet Award and the Golden Bell Award from the Hotel Sales & Marketing Association. She received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Ill.
