ORANGE COUNTY, CALIF. (August 15, 2017) – Montage International today announced significant movements within the company with the appointment and promotion of five executive-level hires. With this year's openings of two Pendry Hotels and next year's opening of the company's first international resort, Montage Los Cabos, the creation of new roles and internal promotions are a testament to the growth and expansion of the company. Each new appointee brings in-depth experience within their respective fields.
"I am delighted to congratulate these five talented individuals," said Alan J. Fuerstman, founder, chairman and CEO, Montage International. "They each bring a unique background and special skillset that will be valuable to the growth and success of the company."
Shawn Jereb – Corporate Director, Revenue Management, Montage International In the newly created position of Corporate Director, Revenue Management for Montage International, Shawn Jereb is responsible for maximizing overall revenue generation and profitability at all properties under the Montage International portfolio, as well as developing revenue strategies to position the company for continued growth and sustainability.
Jereb brings more than two decades of hospitality experience, 19 of which focused specifically on revenue management. He joined Montage following nine years at Belmond Ltd. in London as Vice President of Revenue Management & Distribution. Jereb oversaw all aspects of revenue management including infrastructure, culture, strategy and distribution for 30 properties in 20 countries, as well as six touring trains, three river cruises and three safari camps. He also worked closely with the company's development team to assess new markets and assets. Previously, Jereb spent over six years as Director and Regional Director of Revenue Management at various Morgans Hotel Group locations, and held revenue management and sales roles with Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Marriott.
A native of Caldwell, Idaho, Jereb studied business and science at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon.
Julie De Witz – Corporate Director, Restaurant Operations, Montage International In the newly created position of Corporate Director, Restaurant Operations for Montage International, Julie De Witz develops innovative and creative restaurant programming for both the Montage Hotels & Resorts and Pendry Hotels brands. Her responsibilities include consulting with operations leadership and property management teams to deliver the high-quality and high-margin food and beverage offerings that delight guests and deliver brand experiences.
De Witz first joined Montage International from Proper Hospitality, where as a Corporate Director she oversaw food and beverage operations at Avalon locations in Palm Springs and Beverly Hills, as well as Hollywood Proper Residences, while also planning all food and beverage operations for the brand's new hotels set to open through 2020. Previously, De Witz spent six years in leadership roles with ThinkFoodGroup by José Andrés, most recently as Director of New Restaurant Openings and oversaw multiple openings with hotel partners from around the globe. She also spent five years with Hillstone Restaurant Group in positions ranging from Executive Baker of the research and development team to General Manager and Service Manager on location at restaurants in Los Angeles, California.
De Witz earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish literature and culture from the University of California, Irvine, as well as an Associate of Arts degree in culinary arts from Le Cordon Bleu.
Victorio Gonzalez – Hotel Manager, Montage Los Cabos Victorio Gonzalez has been promoted to Hotel Manager at Montage Los Cabos, set to open in 2018. In this role, Gonzalez will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day hotel operations with emphasis on food and beverage, rooms, Spa Montage and engineering.
Gonzalez joined Montage Deer Valley as Resort Manager in May of 2015. As an integral part of the management team since Montage Hotels & Resorts inception in 2003, Gonzalez brings thirty years of experience in luxury hospitality. He first joined Montage Hotels & Resorts in Laguna Beach prior to the resort opening as a consultant for the Five Star/Five Diamond restaurant Studio; was promoted to Director of Restaurants in 2004 and further expanded his responsibilities to Director of Food & Beverage at Montage Laguna Beach and Montage Beverly Hills. Prior to joining the company, Gonzalez was Managing Member of Executive Dining Consultants LLC, an independent restaurant owner/operator and held senior management positions at several iconic restaurants, including General Manager at the Ventana Room at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort; Mary Elaine's at The Phoenician; Picasso at Bellagio Hotel & Casino; and Renoir at Mirage Hotel & Casino.
Gonzalez attended the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México and the University of Arizona where he studied economics and classical history.
Will Jones – Hotel Manager, Montage Palmetto Bluff As Hotel Manager of Montage Palmetto Bluff, Will Jones is responsible for all operational areas of the resort, including rooms, food and beverage, and Spa Montage.
Jones joined Montage Palmetto Bluff from Keswick Hall and Golf Club in Charlottesville, Virginia, a 48- room, Forbes Five Star Luxury Property with a 575-member private golf club, where he was General Manager. Previously Jones served various roles at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, rising from Assistant Front Office Manager to Director of Rooms during his eight-year tenure. Jones started his hospitality career at Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center in Breckenridge, Colorado, where he served as a Concierge and Assistant Front Office Manager.
A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Jones holds a degree in parks, recreations and tourism management from North Carolina State University.
Craig Thomas – Director of Sales & Marketing, Montage Deer Valley Bringing more than two decades of luxury hospitality experience to Park City, Utah, as Director of Sales & Marketing for Montage Deer Valley, Craig Thomas is responsible for overall resort-wide revenue and yield strategies, as well as managing the resort's sales and marketing teams.
Thomas joined Montage Deer Valley from The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, where he was most recently Director of Sales and Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton in Cancun, Mexico, and, before that, at The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica. Thomas also previously served as Regional Director of Global Sales for The Peninsula Hotel Company, Area Director of Incentive Sales for The Ritz-Carlton Hotels of the Caribbean & Mexico, and Director of Sales at The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun.
Born in Kenitra, Morocco as part of a diplomatic family, Thomas grew up internationally and is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He has extensive experience both living and traveling around the globe.
For more information, please visit www.montage.com.
