Hilton is expanding its offerings in Mexico with the opening of Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya and Hilton Tulum All-Inclusive Resort in early 2022, and is delighted to announce the executive leadership team for the new-built hotels. Santiago Rivera joins as managing director of the two properties overseeing guest experience and operations, and Javier Martinez joins Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya as hotel manager.
“We are delighted to welcome Santiago Rivera and Javier Martinez to the team,” said Jorge Giannattasio, Hilton senior vice president, Latin America and The Caribbean. “Both are seasoned hospitality professionals and dynamic leaders, well-suited to successfully debut our newest offerings in the beautiful destination of Quintana Roo.”
Santiago Rivera – Managing Director, Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya & Hilton Tulum All-Inclusive Resort
As the managing director of both the 349-room Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya and 735-room Hilton Tulum All-Inclusive Resort, Rivera is responsible for leading the opening of both properties, administering management across hotel operations, and spearheading the development and execution of strategic sales and marketing initiatives.
Rivera has more than 15 years of hospitality experience, building his career with Meliá Hotels International, where he led four openings and four rebranding’s. Most recently, he acted as the area managing director for Meliá properties in the Dominican Republic. His experience in hospitality includes food and beverage manager, director of rooms, resident manager, hotel manager and general manager, across six countries and four continents from Tunisia to Shanghai to the Mediterranean coast of Spain. The last decade of his career has been in the Caribbean and Latin America, serving as hotel manager at Paradisus Playa del Carmen and general manager at Meliá Cabo Real, Paradisus Cancun, Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort and Meliá Caribe Beach Resort.
Rivera holds a degree in business administration for hotels and tourism from the Centro Superior de Hostelería de Galacia. He also has a certificate of hospitality strategy through Cornell University’s Certificate Program.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the openings of the properties, and excited to join Hilton and Conrad teams in offering guests a new experience in Tulum come 2022,” says Rivera.
Javier Martinez – Hotel Manager, Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
As the hotel manager of Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, the brand’s first-ever property in the Mexican Caribbean, Martinez will manage the administration of all day-to-day hotel services and activities at the new hotel. The new build is set to open in January 2022 and will provide a haven for travelers with direct access to a secluded beach on the resorts’ private bay. Featuring oceanfront accommodations alongside seven specialty world-class restaurants and bars, multiple pools and a luxury spa, Martinez will manage all operational efforts throughout the hotel, and ensure the successful alignment of property services with the global brand strategy.
Martinez brings with him a wealth of hospitality expertise, having most recently served as the general manager of Palmaïa – The House of Aïa. His impressive industry background spans over 15 years and touches all facets of hotel operations from F&B to guest and employee satisfaction, to service strategy and overall financial performance. After graduating Les Roches Marbella International School of Hotel Management, one of Martinez’s first roles was with Hilton as an intern in 2006. From the beginning, Javier’s dedication to exceptional service and delivering the highest standards of hospitality has set him apart as a leader in his field.
He has led teams of leading hotels across the world and has earned impressive accolades and awards for his outstanding service, including InMexico Best General Manager 2020 and Hotels Magazine Top Independent Lifestyle Operators.
“I am honored to join the Conrad Hotels & Resorts team and look forward to providing our guests with seamless experiences that delight them in unexpected ways,” says Javier Martinez, hotel manager of Conrad Tulum.” As a native of the area, I am excited to be a part of this new chapter for the destination’s tourism.”
