VANCOUVER, February 21, 2017: Fairmont Hotels and Resorts is pleased to welcome Peter L.J. Finamore as Regional Vice President, Pacific Northwest and General Manager of Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, BC.
An international globe-trotter, Finamore brings over 35 years of hospitality experience and has worked with acclaimed properties around the world in the United Kingdom, Philippines, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and locations across the United States.
Born and raised in Canada, the 'hotelier life' seems to be genetic. He grew up in the business and followed in his father's – Louis Finamore – footsteps. The senior Finamore was a hotel icon and oversaw operations for Hilton International and Canadian Pacific Hotels. Peter says, "I lived in The Empress Hotel in Victoria for five years when I attended high school. At the time, my father held the same regional position with Canadian Pacific Hotels that I now hold with Fairmont."
In 1985, he left Canada for international destinations and opportunities. Working his way up the hotel ladder, Finamore held a variety of progressive roles with iconic brands such as Hilton International, The Peninsula Hotel Group, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Regent Hotels & Resorts, and MGM. His most recent position was Chief Operating Officer Hospitality for MGM China Holdings Limited, based in Macau.
A seasoned hotelier, Finamore has specialized in luxury brands and has successfully opened, rebranded and launched a variety of hotels and resorts. Under his leadership, "his" properties have been recipients of prestigious accolades including the AAA Mobile Five-Star award at The Peninsula Chicago, Forbes Five-Star at MGM China, and the Saudi Arabia Leading Luxury Hotel award at Rosewood Al Faishalia Hotel and Hotel Al Khozama.
Known for his hands-on management style, he explains his philosophy is, "to surround himself with others whose strengths outshine his." He takes great pride in attracting, developing and mentoring the best talent in the hotel at every level, and makes a conscious effort to stay connected throughout their careers.
It's a full circle with his return to Canada, and in his new role Finamore will oversee the six properties in Fairmont Hotels' Pacific Northwest portfolio and manage Fairmont Pacific Rim. He is looking forward to the evolution of the Fairmont brand which is now part of ACCOR Hotels, and specifically the region's heritage properties which will unveil major restorations in 2017 and include his former home – the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, and Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle.
"I get excited about building and renovating hotels so they become the best they can possibly be," comments Finamore. "We must continuously sharpen our service standards to provide guests with an experience that reaches beyond what they anticipate."
Outside the hotel, he can be found spending time with his family on long walks around the city and seawall, or catching a good movie. On top of his list is re-discovering Vancouver and the diverse culture and culinary scene that have established the city as a dynamic destination during the time he was "away". And, to complete his homecoming, he has settled his two sons in the same Victoria High School he attended more than 40 years ago.
