US: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has appointed two female managing directors at The Carlyle in New York and Kona Village in Hawaii.
Marlene Poynder has been named managing director of The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel. She was previously general manager at The Conrad New York Downtown, and Waldorf Astoria in Chicago.
Poynder’s appointment at The Carlyle marks the first female managing director in the hotel’s history.
She said: “The Carlyle has been an iconic New York institution for over 90 years, and I am honoured to be the next managing director of this renowned hotel. I am particularly looking forward to collaborating with the talented team and leading The Carlyle into the future, while also maintaining our commitment to the hotel’s traditions and loyal guests.”
Radha Arora, president of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to welcome Marlene as the first woman managing director at The Carlyle and we are thrilled for her to take the beloved property into the next chapter of its illustrious history. With her international experience and extensive knowledge of the hospitality industry, Marlene will be an invaluable asset to welcome the next generation of travellers while also embracing The Carlyle’s storied legacy.”
Sandra Estornell will oversee Rosewood’s first property in Hawaii at Kona Villa, opening in 2023. She joins Rosewood after more than 20 years at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, starting her tenure at front desk and advancing to roles such as corporate director of global rooms operations and general manager.
Arora said: “Sandra is a welcome addition to the Rosewood family. Her passion and enthusiasm for the destination and Kona Village’s community, coupled with an impressive, long-standing background in luxury hospitality, will be key in bringing to fruition our vision for this piece of paradise.”
Kona Village spans 81 acres and will debut 150 standalone guest hales as well as private lānais. Amenities include dining venues, a spa, fitness centre, multiple pools and tennis courts. The project is being led by Greg Warner of Walker Warner Architects and designed by interior design firm NICOLEHOLLIS.
