Assuming a newly created position, Rona Kay – a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of hospitality industry
experience – has been named vice president of operations for Santa Ana, Calif.-based Carter Hospitality Group.
In her new position, Kay will supervise more than 450 employees – overseeing management teams for each property in the Carter portfolio with an emphasis on supporting general managers, improving efficiencies, driving financial objectives, designing new guest experience opportunities and elevating guest satisfaction scores.
According to Jeff Carter, president of Carter Hospitality, a family-owned hospitality company with four hotels and resorts and three wineries across the United States, Kay is a forward-thinking leader who will work closely with onsite management teams to ensure a positive guest experience and productive company culture.
“We are thrilled to have Rona join our team,” he said. “She is an exceptionally talented and experienced hospitality industry professional – and understands all aspects of the industry. Her knowledge and insight will be invaluable as we continue to enhance the guest experience and grow our brand.”
With considerable industry credentials, Kay was most recently the general manager for Canyon Ranch’s Woodside Retreat, leading all business and operational components for the company’s San Francisco destination. For 24 years, she worked for Disney – holding multiple leadership roles in the multinational company’s entertainment, hospitality, guest services, attractions, food and beverage and hospitality divisions, including 14 years as a general manager in the hospitality division at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Additionally, she worked as the general manager of guest experience at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and launched her career with Sizzler International, a national restaurant chain, where she served in various operational, regional training and corporate compliance roles.
Affiliated with multiple professional organizations – among them California Hotel & Lodging Association, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association, Women in Lodging Association and American Culinary Federation, she was recognized by California Hotel & Lodging Association as Hotel Manager of the Year in 2014.
