Detroit, MI – Detroit Foundation Hotel, Southeast Michigan’s premier destination for culture and cuisine, is pleased to welcome three new faces to its executive team: James Dannecker, Jaimie Skriba and Laia Whitfield. With decades of experience in the hospitality industry, the new team aims to continue the property’s legacy of being a true cultural catalyst for the city; paying homage to the Detroit of then while maintaining its spirit of innovation.
Leading the team is James Dannecker, who joins as General Manager. Dannecker previously served as Director of Task Force Operations for Aparium Hotel Group, supporting multiple properties across the portfolio. Prior to joining Aparium, Dannecker spent five years with Davidson Hospitality Group and Pivot Lifestyle Hotels, managing several properties across the United States, including the award-winning Hotel Zephyr and Hotel Madera. Dannecker has worked with boutique properties across the country for the duration of his career, from The Restoration On King Boutique Hotel to the SLS Las Vegas and Hotel Palomar. At Detroit Foundation Hotel, Dannecker hopes to use his expertise to bring the community together and create the foremost hospitality experience in Detroit.
Joining Dannecker is Jaimie Skriba, the property’s new Director of Lifestyle. Skriba started her hospitality career in Michigan working across the art and beverage industries. Skriba then moved to France, where she traveled the country studying wine and working with various hospitality groups on photography and marketing. Since moving back to Michigan Skriba has held various production roles with brands including Skymint Brands, Capitol Records and The Sundance Institute and has continued her work as a freelance marketing consultant and photographer. In her new role, Skriba plans to further integrate the Motor City community into the Detroit Foundation Hotel’s events and programming, uplifting those who make up the expansive culture while providing guests the opportunity to experience a slice of Detroit.
As Detroit Foundation Hotel’s new Director of Sales, Laia Whitfield brings with her eleven years of dedication within the hospitality industry. Her ability to seamlessly foster long-lasting business relationships is evidenced in her previous roles where her hands-on approach to sales allowed her to engage a diverse audience, changing the trajectory of client relations at all properties she has touched. At Detroit Foundation Hotel, Whitfield will spearhead sales and marketing initiatives that will showcase all that makes Detroit Foundation Hotel a hub for the community.
“Having grown up in the area, I’m excited to come back to my roots at such an important time for Detroit,” says James Dannecker, General Manager of Detroit Foundation Hotel. “I’m thrilled to have such an exceptional team working alongside me to bring both guests and locals together over unforgettable experiences.”
Located in the heart of Motor City, Detroit Foundation Hotel brings together world travelers and neighbors alike while showcasing Detroit’s legacy and knack for innovation through thoughtful touches from Detroit businesses and artisans. Its food and beverage concept, The Apparatus Room, is led by James Beard Award nominated Chef Tom Lents. The Apparatus Room is a gold standard within Detroit’s food and beverage industry and utilizes fresh, local ingredients from Michigan farmers to bring a fresh take to American cuisine, creating innovative, seasonal dishes that incite feelings of nostalgia, embodying all that is Detroit.
For additional information about Detroit Foundation Hotel and The Apparatus Room please visit www.detroitfoundationhotel.com.
