Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Dec. 14, 2016 – Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach today announced that it has expanded its team, naming Thomas Russo III executive chef, Russel Jenkins senior sales manager and Jamaloan Abraham its new executive meeting manager.
Effective immediately, executive Chef Russo will oversee all aspects of the culinary experience to include Bistro, the hotel’s full-service beach-chic restaurant, and the entire Catering experience. Most recently, he headed up the Westin Colonnade’s food and beverage team in Coral Gables, Fla.
Chef Russo is an accomplished Certified Executive Chef by the American Culinary Federation and has won two IKA (Internationale Kochkunst Ausstellung) Gold Medals at the 1996 International Culinary Olympics in Berlin, Germany. He holds a degree in Food Service Management from Central Texas College.
Russel Jenkins will be responsible for developing and implementing effective sales strategies to attract group clients including the corporate, incentive and association markets. Most recently, he was the senior sales manager for Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach and consistently exceeded his quarterly and annual revenue goals while developing strategic plans for maintaining and increasing share from association group accounts. He was also responsible for proactively seeking new leisure wholesale and receptive accounts, with ability to drive market share to Fort Lauderdale.
Jamaloan Abraham -who previously served as executive meeting manager for the oceanfront Fort Lauderdale hotel– rejoins the team in a similar capacity, responsible for groups of 25 rooms and below. She will handle all aspects of the sales process and the execution of all events during the conference. Her previous experience includes conference and convention service manager positions at the Colonnade in Coral Gables, Fla. and B Ocean Fort Lauderdale.
“Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach is thrilled to bring Jamaloan back to our family, and also welcoming Russell and Chef Thomas onboard,” said Eduardo Fernandez, the hotel’s general manager. “Our amazing team continues to grow as we head into the new year, and we are excited about what is to come.”
To learn more about Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach, current offers or to make reservations, visit http://www.sonesta.com/FortLauderdale/ or call 954-315-1460.
