Eden Prairie, (Minneapolis) MN, July 18, 2019 … Teneo Hospitality Group took another bold step forward in its ongoing expansion, doubling the size of its Washington, DC Sales Office staff with the hiring of two highly respected hotel sales professionals, Kyla Knudson and Helena Dechant.
Both Ms. Dechant and Ms. Knudson bring valuable luxury sales experience and business relationships to their new positions that will significantly contribute to Teneo.
“We are thrilled to add these outstanding sales executives who have in-depth experience in the Mid-Atlantic and the Association market – one of the largest and most important in our industry,” says Teneo President Mike Schugt. “Teneo now has four highly experienced sales professionals in this market, who will leverage their long-standing client relationships to impact Teneo member hotels and DMCs.”
Since opening its DC office in 2013, Teneo has significantly grown its share of the association market. Long the hub of lobbying activity, the Greater Washington area is home to over 5,000 associations. They are a major segment of the meetings industry, booking everything from major conventions to small seminars and training sessions.
Helena Dechant brings a wealth of hospitality sales experience to her new position – much of it in the Washington DC area. Most recently, she was Director of Global Accounts at Conference Direct. She is an accomplished global sales professional that has held sales leadership positions with Starwood and Hilton. Ms. Dechant also spent several years in the Czech Republic working for Hilton International and Sodexo in Prague.
Helena Dechant holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology School of Food, Hotel and Tourism Management. She resides in Alexandria, Virginia.
Kyla Knudson’s career spans leadership roles in hospitality sales and business development in the US and Canada. Prior to her appointment with Teneo, Ms. Knudson was Director of Sales & Marketing at Business Events Canada, overseeing a multi-million sales and marketing platform. She began her career at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver and held sales positions at Hyatt properties in Calgary, Virginia and subsequently the Washington/Capital Hilton and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando/Hilton Bonnet Creek. Ms. Knudson has also worked in the area of destination sales and management as Director of Business Development for Travel Alberta. She currently serves on the ASAE Meetings & Expo Council.
Kyla Knudson earned a Bachelor of Commerce Degree with a double concentration in Marketing and Tourism & Hospitality Management from the University of Calgary. She resides in Alexandria, Virginia.
