Kevin Froemming, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Playa Resorts Management (“Playa”) announced the promotions of Karen Callahan to Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, and Pilar Arizmendi-Stewart to Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product Mexico and Latin America. Both joined the company as directors in 2014 when Playa was launching the newly-created Hyatt Zilara luxury all-inclusive resorts for adults and Hyatt Ziva luxury all-inclusive resorts for guests of all ages.
“It has been an impressive two years for Playa Hotels & Resorts as we’ve successfully opened new resorts throughout Mexico and in Jamaica,” said Froemming. “Both Karen and Pilar have made exceptional contributions to our growth. It is a pleasure to have their leadership and insight as we continue to expand the acclaimed ‘Evolution of All-Inclusive™’ to additional prime ocean-front luxury resort destinations,” he added.
The promotions were announced as part of the Gala Opening Event at the spectacular new Hyatt Ziva Cancun last week. Hyatt Ziva Cancun hosted national and international press, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, executives from both Playa and Hyatt Hotels Corporation as well as key travel industry partners.
Playa Hotels & Resorts also owns and manages Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva, Montego Bay, Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva Cancun, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta, and Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos as well as THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen, Gran Carib Resort in Cancun and Gran Porto Resort in Playa del Carmen.
About Karen Callahan
Callahan leads Playa’s U.S. and Canada marketing and public relations team and brings more than 20 years of experience as a travel industry leader. She has held senior management positions with United Airlines, Renaissance Cruises, Online Vacation Center, Vantage Deluxe World Travel and Regent. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wheaton College and holds an MBA from Babson College.
About Pilar Arizmendi-Stewart
Arizmendi-Stewart has been leading the sales, marketing & public relations teams in Mexico and Latin America. In her new role, she will be overseeing Playa’s Tour Operators and Online Travel Agencies in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Mexico & Latin America. Before joining Playa she was Director of Sales and Marketing at Las Brisas Hotel Collection, owners of Las Brisas Acapulco & NIZUC, where she enjoyed a 21-year career. She has also held key positions at Westin/Starwood Resorts. A hospitality industry veteran, Arizmendi-Stewart began her career with Hyatt International in Mexico and holds a Master’s degree from Universidad Iberoamericana in México.
