KEY LARGO, FL – February 2018 – Playa Largo Resort & Spa, an Autograph Collection beachfront luxury property situated on the Florida Bay in Key Largo, Florida, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kerem Kendigelen as General Manager.
In his new role, Kendigelen will be responsible for overseeing all resort operations, fostering staff development, budgeting and financial planning, increasing sales and revenue, and ensuring total guest satisfaction.
With over 15 years of hospitality experience working within top hotel brands, Kendigelen brings a track record of effectively leading and managing all aspects of the luxury resort experience, as well as executing award-winning food and beverage programs.
“Playa Largo has quickly made a name for itself by redefining the meaning of luxury travel in the Keys, while still embracing the authentic Keys way of life,” Kendigelen says. “I’m looking forward to supporting and enhancing the many guest programs and overall experience at Playa Largo, while steering the property toward continued success.”
Kendigelen has a long and impressive history with the Ritz-Carlton brand having launched his career at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul, where he started as a Rooms Division intern. Over the next nine years, he served multiple Ritz-Carlton properties including Buckhead, Half Moon Bay, Arlington, and ultimately San Juan, where he led the team as the Director of Food and Beverage. Two years with the St. Regis in Washington, D.C. gave Kerem another perspective into luxury hotel product and service. While in San Juan, Kerem also directed the Food & Beverage Council for The Ritz-Carlton brand in The Caribbean & Latin America (CALA). During his time in these positions, he was responsible for exceeding the highest standards of culinary, meetings, and catering excellence, while maximizing all business opportunities to drive sales.
In his new position at Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Kendigelen will apply his passion for food and beverage and leadership expertise to elevate hotel performance even further.
“With his extensive background in hospitality management, Kerem is perfectly suited to take the reigns at Playa Largo,” says Brian Hockenbury, Senior Vice President of Operations at Shaner Hotel Corporation. “We’re enthusiastic to see where he takes the property, including enhancements to the resort’s restaurants and how he will shape the Playa Largo experience.”
Playa Largo Resort & Spa, the 100th addition to Autograph Collection Hotels, first opened its doors in 2016 and brings a new level of personalized luxury to the Florida Keys.
