San Francisco’s historic Palace Hotel, a Marriott International Luxury Collection property, is pleased to announce the appointment of Owen Rundall as director of sales and marketing. With an expansive career in the San Francisco hospitality industry, including a former position at Palace Hotel, Owen returns to the iconic property bringing invaluable experience and a fresh vision to his new role as the hotel celebrates its 150th anniversary this year.
Having previously worked at Palace Hotel as director of citywide sales for Starwood, Owen possesses deep insight into the hotel’s unique place within the San Francisco market. He is driven to further solidify the Palace Hotel’s position as a landmark in the city while engaging a new broader, younger audience.
“I’m honored to return to Palace Hotel during its 150th anniversary, a milestone that celebrates not just the hotel’s storied past, but its enduring legacy as a cornerstone of San Francisco’s history,” said Owen. “The Palace has withstood the test of time, evolving alongside the city itself, and I’m excited to be part of its continued journey. I look forward to preserving and celebrating its rich heritage while introducing this iconic institution to a new generation of luxury travelers.”
“With a proven track record of success across diverse hotel sectors, Owen is poised to lead the Palace Hotel into its next era, ensuring it remains a celebrated destination for luxury, history, and unparalleled hospitality,” added Angie Clifton, general manager, Palace Hotel.
Before rejoining Palace Hotel, Owen served as director of sales and marketing at Omni San Francisco Hotel, where he led group sales, individual business travel, catering sales, event operations, and marketing. For more than six years, he revamped the hotel’s revenue strategy, focusing on long-term customer relationships and shifting marketing efforts to digital platforms. Prior to Omni, Owen was the director of sales at Hotel Nikko San Francisco, where he led Group Sales, Catering, and Conference Services, and was influential in exceeding the hotel’s revenue targets and spearheaded a successful rebranding following a renovation.
As director of sales and marketing, Owen is excited to deepen the Palace Hotel’s ties with the local community. As a Bay Area native, he values the hotel’s longstanding status as a pillar of San Francisco’s cultural and historical fabric. His efforts will focus on forging strong relationships with local businesses, building partnerships, and ensuring that Palace Hotel remains not just a hotel, but a continued central part of the city’s identity.
