PUNTA MITA, Mexico (January 21, 2016) – Starwood Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: HOT) has announced the appointment of James Hughes as General Manager of The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, located in Mexico’s most exclusive beach community along the coast of the Riviera Nayarit. A veteran in the luxury hospitality industry with more than 30 years of experience, Hughes is the ideal candidate to lead one of the most unique and captivating beach resorts in Mexico. Hughes was previously the General Manager of W Santiago and replaces Carl Emberson.
"With more than thirty years of experience and nearly a decade with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, we are very happy to welcome James and his visionary leadership to The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort," said Jean-Marc Janod, Vice-President of Operations for Mexico, Central America & Caribbean. "James’ detailed understanding about hospitality management, sales, and marketing, combined with his longstanding passion for personalized customer service, will further enhance guests’ luxury experience when they visit The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort.”
Ideally located within Mexico’s most exclusive beach community along the shores of Riviera Nayarit, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort offers modern sophistication, unparalleled luxury and bespoke service at one the best addresses in the world. The luxury resort is the recipient of several accolades including, most recently, Number One Hotel in Mexico by TripAdvisor, World’s Best Award by Travel + Leisure, Readers’ Choice Award by Condé Nast Traveler, AAA Five Diamond Rating, and Best Hotels in the World by Business Insider, among others.
“I am excited to return to Mexico and lead the talented team at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, which is distinguished by its genuine and impeccable personalized service leading the warmth of Mexican hospitality to new horizons,” said James Hughes. “My vision is to continue the legacy of The St. Regis, ensuring that every stay is memorable for our guests by offering unique experiences that exude sophistication and comfortable elegance which is only enhanced by the natural beauty of Punta Mita.”
Hughes is widely recognized in the luxury hospitality field as a visionary and successful hotelier. Prior to joining The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, Hughes served as General Manager at the W hotel in Santiago de Chile, where he led its opening in 2008, including the arrival of the W brand to the Chilean market. Under his leadership W received several awards and was recognized as Best Business Hotel in Chile by the World Travel Awards, honored as one of the World's Best by Condé Nast Traveler, and included on the It List of Best New Hotels by Travel + Leisure.
Prior to joining Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Hughes was Director General of The Ritz – Carlton, Santiago, the first hotel chain in Latin America. A native of Montevideo, Uruguay, and graduate of the University of Maryland in the United States, Hughes has a celebrated career in various leadership roles at hotels such as W, The Ritz -Carlton, Hyatt, and Holiday Inn. His visionary leadership has led Hughes to hold executive positions with several associations and institutions including President of the Association of Luxury Brands; Board Member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Chile; Vice President of the Office for the Promotion of Santiago; and Board Member of the Tourist Promotion of Chile.
Hughes is a father of four, a wine enthusiast, and shares his passion for horses with The St. Regis guests who enjoy the signature St. Regis Polo Cup organized around the world.
