CHICAGO – June 8, 2015 – Lindsey Ueberroth, President & CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts — a global provider of sales, marketing and distribution services to independent luxury hotels — today announced four executive appointments from within the organization: Casey Ueberroth has been named Chief Marketing Officer; Ken Mastrandrea has been named Chief Operating Officer; Hiren Chandiramani has been named Chief Financial Officer; and Michelle Woodley has been named Executive Vice President. Coming less than 100 days after a major rebranding, the promotions represent a pivotal expansion in the leadership structure of the family- owned and –operated company, helping better position Preferred Hotels & Resorts to achieve its goals of strategic growth globally.
“Casey, Ken, Hiren, and Michelle have all been instrumental in guiding the company’s development over the past decade, and I am very proud to have these exceptionally talented executives transition into enhanced leadership roles,” said Ms. Ueberroth. “As we embark on an exciting new chapter in the history of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, I have explicit trust and confidence that their invaluable expertise and strategic foresight will help the company further elevate its profile as one of the world’s top travel and hospitality brands.”
Casey Ueberroth leads the company’s marketing strategy globally, including its website, guest loyalty program iPrefer, all co-op marketing programs, and communications to external partners including hotels, travel agents, meeting planners, and consumers. In addition to his new role as Chief Marketing Officer, he continues to serve as President of Preferred Golf, a niche membership program that connects travelers with VIP access to world-class golf destinations. Since joining Preferred Hotels & Resorts in 2005, Mr. Ueberroth has supported the company’s marketing and development efforts in various roles, including Area Managing Director of the United States and, most recently, Senior Vice President of Marketing.
As Chief Operating Officer, Ken Mastrandrea oversees all brand development and corporate operations for Preferred Hotels & Resorts, including contracts, deal reviews, and corporate administration. Upon the promotion, he was appointed to the Board of Advisors for Historic Hotels of America, a sister division of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Mr. Mastrandrea also directs PHG Consulting, another sister division of the company, which he launched in 2012 while serving as Executive Managing Director of Corporate Operations, and oversees Preferred Residences, a hospitality branding program for luxury shared ownership resorts with membership and exchange benefits that also offers transient vacation experiences. Prior to joining Preferred Hotels & Resorts in 2007, Mr. Mastrandrea spent more than 25 years in executive-level positions overseeing operations for branded and unbranded hotels and directing leisure, tour, and corporate travel management efforts for North American companies.
Chief Financial Officer Hiren Chandiramani works directly with Ms. Ueberroth to sustain the strategic growth of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, overseeing all global financial activities including general accounting, financial planning and analysis, treasury, global tax, and compliance. In his previous position as Senior Vice President of Finance, Chandiramani implemented major changes to improve financial reporting and facilitated the successful rollout of new revenue opportunities such as iPrefer. Chandiramani joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts in 2010 and has nearly 20 years of experience in corporate finance.
Previously serving as Senior Vice President of Distribution & Revenue Management, Executive Vice President Michelle Woodley now has cross-functional and departmental responsibilities, which include working directly with Ms. Ueberroth on identifying new revenue development opportunities, serving as a corporate spokesperson, and leading the enhancement and improvement of other strategic areas of focus within the organization. She continues to oversee the company’s Distribution & Revenue Management department. Prior to joining the company in 2002, Ms. Woodley spent more than 20 years holding various senior positions in operations, marketing, and distribution for international hotel chains.
John and Gail Ueberroth, who purchased Preferred Hotels & Resorts in 2004, remain active in the company’s global efforts, serving as Executive Chairman and Vice Chairman & Chief Creative Officer, respectively.
For more information on Preferred Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.preferredhotels.com.
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About Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 650 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 85 countries. Through its five global collections, Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that meets their life and style preferences for each occasion. Every property within the portfolio maintains the high quality standards and unparalleled service levels required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. The iPrefer™ guest loyalty program, Preferred Residences℠, Preferred Family℠, Preferred Pride℠, and Preferred Golf™ offer valuable benefits for travelers seeking a unique experience. For more information, visit PreferredHotels.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Caroline Michaud
Vice President, Corporate Communications & Public Relations
Tel: +1 312 542 9218
cmichaud@preferredhotels.com