Memphis, TN (July, 2023) – Rowland Cheeks has been named area director of sales marketing & events of Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis and Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis. In this role, Cheeks is responsible for leading all aspects of sales, marketing and events, including developing processes to improve alignment and optimize Hyatt resources, building community relationships with local businesses, and working with marketing and PR to ensure consistent media messaging and social communication strategy for both properties. He will also manage a team of sales associates to create one-of-a-kind group experiences that reflect the culture of the city and maximize revenue potential for the hotels.
A seasoned Hyatt team member, Cheeks brings over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and an exceptional wealth of knowledge to this new position. Before planting roots in the Home of the Blues, Cheeks served as director of sales, marketing & events at El Capitan Hotel in Merced, CA.
“We’re so grateful for Rowland to join the team at these history-making sister hotels,” said Michelle Geiger, area general manager. “With his widespread knowledge of the Hyatt brand and inspiring energy, we’re confident that he will become a huge asset to the continued success of these hotels.”
Cheeks also represented the Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center, Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland, and Hyatt House Beaverton pre-openings, where he held the title of area associate director of sales & marketing. His other previous positions include leadership roles in sales, food and beverage operations across a variety of Hyatt properties in Colorado and California. Cheeks also served as associate director/regional senior sales director for Disney Resort Destinations in Anaheim, Orlando and Denver.
“I’ve been fortunate to work in some truly spectacular destinations with Hyatt, but there’s some special magic to Memphis that has me particularly energized to take on this new role,” said Cheeks. “There is something unique about the culture here that sparks a certain livelihood within myself and everyone who visits the Home of the Blues. From BB King’s Blues Club to Sun Studios, the spirit of Memphis is contagious throughout, and I hope to ensure that same magical feeling for every guest who walks through our doors.”
