COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – (June 27, 2019) – Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, Colorado Springs’ luxury resort and private club, today announces the appointment of hospitality veterans Daniel Daughtry as vice president of restaurants, bars and events and Les Pedersen as vice president of sales and marketing.
“Due to the recent expansions at the resort and a drive to enhance service levels, we’re thrilled to be adding two newly established vice president roles. Daniel and Les have been hand-selected to join our growing team,” said James Gibson, president and CEO of Garden of the Gods Resort and Club.
Daughtry began his career after graduating from Washington State University with a degree in hotel and restaurant administration, and has worked in food and beverage leadership roles for more than 25 years, including 19 years of service as a director of food and beverage at many illustrious Four- and Five-Diamond hotels and resorts. Prior to joining Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, Daughtry most recently served as the senior director of food and beverage at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort in Lake Tahoe, Nev. Before that, Daughtry held the role of director of food and beverage for the Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder Resort in New Mexico, where he re-conceptualized and renovated a number of their restaurants. In his new position, Daughtry will utilize his extensive background in hospitality to lead the resort’s food and beverage team and all of their operations.
“Daniel’s extensive and impressive food and beverage experience will be an invaluable addition to our restaurants, bars and events team. We look forward to continuing to elevate the dining experience on-property as a result of his leadership,” said Gibson.
A seasoned hospitality professional, Pedersen will bring proven experience and skill to the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club sales and marketing team. Pedersen began his career after attending the University of Denver, with additional study abroad experience from L’Institut d’Etudes Europeens in Paris. Pedersen has dedicated more than 27 years to the hospitality industry. Most recently, Pedersen worked for Four Seasons for six years as a director of sales, first at The Four Seasons Resort and Residences at Whistler, British Columbia and, subsequently, for The Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina in Hawaii. In his role, he oversaw the opening sales team and all of their operations.
Throughout his career, Pedersen has held numerous sales and marketing positions with various renowned companies, including Westin Resorts, The Walt Disney Company and others. Pedersen has an array of experience in sales leadership, marketing, revenue management, reservations management, ancillary department and revenue growth and he is well-versed in the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond service levels.
“Les’ hospitality background and understanding of the resort marketing landscape will further establish our resort as a nationally recognized wellness destination,” said Gibson.
