ORLANDO, FL – (June 17, 2024) – Loews Hotels, the co-owner and operator of a portfolio of hotels at Universal Orlando Resort has named three senior executives to leadership roles amid the destination’s unprecedented growth.
Loews will open three new hotels in 2025, when Universal’s most ambitious theme park yet – the new Universal Epic Universe, is also set to open. The joint venture partnership between Loews Hotels & Co and Universal Orlando now spans more than two decades.
Robert Rivers has been named managing director for Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, the destination’s first-ever hotel inside a theme park. A veteran hotelier, Rivers will lead the team that brings the vision and mission to life at this 500-room hotel featuring one-of-a-kind views and a dedicated entrance into the theme park.  Most recently, Rivers has served as managing director at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando and has an extensive career as general manager at hotels in Boston, Minneapolis and St. Louis.
Jonathan Barisano has been named complex managing director for Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, two new 750-room hotels that will open adjacent to Universal Epic Universe. He will lead the teams that bring to life these new hotels inspired by galaxies and diverse planetary elements. Barisano has an impressive career with Loews Hotels in Orlando and most recently, served as general manager at Universal Aventura Hotel.
Chris Coles has been named complex managing director for Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal Aventura Hotel, two established hotels at Universal Orlando Resort. A seasoned hotelier, Chris brings a depth of hospitality experience from his general manager roles with Marriott International and most recently, Walt Disney World, where he opened two new resort concepts.
For headshots of Robert Rivers, Jonathan Barisano and Chris Coles, click here.
