Mainsail Lodging & Development Announces New Executive Appointments

Posted: January 9, 2023

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Company Names First-ever Chief People Officer, Corporate Director of Retail and Merchandising, and Corporate Director of Beverage

TAMPA, Fla. (Jan. 9, 2023) – Mainsail Lodging & Development has announced the appointment of Susan Marlow as Chief People Officer (CPO); Denis Cruz as Corporate Director of Retail; and Vicente Lavayen as Corporate Director of Beverage. The three have assumed their newly created executive positions at the Tampa-based hospitality company, which develops and operates lodging products throughout the United States and Caribbean.

Prior to joining Mainsail, Chief People Officer Susan Marlow was most recently Vice President of Human Resources and Talent Acquisition for Welbilt in New Port Richey, Florida. In her new role, Marlow is responsible for the overall strategic direction of Mainsail’s Human Resources including talent acquisition, retention, training, compensation and benefits programs, leadership development and maintaining Mainsail’s culture. Mainsail created the new position to bring a more deliberate approach to managing their growth as an organization and continue to focus on their employees.

“Our people have always been our greatest asset and differentiator, and Susan is ideally suited to ensure that is always the case,” said Joe Collier, President and Founder of Mainsail Lodging & Development. “Hiring Susan as CPO represents a major shift in how we envision our future, including our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within the Mainsail family.”

Marlow has held various talent acquisition and HR leadership positions with global, publicly traded companies, including Accenture. In 2019, Marlow received the Tampa Bay Business Journal People First Award honoring the exceptional work of local HR professionals. Marlow earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Michigan State University, a Master of Business Administration degree in Decision Information Sciences from the University of Florida and is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional.

With more than 20 years of extensive retail experience in the hospitality industry, Denis Cruz joins Mainsail from the South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, where he was Director of Retail. In the newly created position of Corporate Director of Retail for Mainsail, Cruz will plan and direct strategies for delivering inventory to on-property retail outlets and carefully curating products for each property in Mainsail’s portfolio. Cruz has worked for the Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott and Loews brands, as well as a few independent hotels. He will be based at Luminary Hotel & Co. in Fort Myers, Florida, where he will engage with Mainsail’s entire portfolio to elevate retail offerings and programming.

“The retail experience has become an increasingly important part of the guest experience, as they look for ways to own and share their favorite Mainsail hotel brands,” said Juli Corlew, Vice President and Managing Partner of Mainsail Lodging & Development. “With his knowledge and insight, Denis will help drive revenue and find new ways to further connect our guests with our various brands.”

Newly appointed Corporate Director of Beverage Vicente Lavayen began his career with Mainsail in May 2019, bringing with him more than two decades of food and beverage experience to Tampa’s Epicurean Hotel. In his new role on the corporate team, Lavayen will support Mainsail’s entire portfolio while maximizing beverage supplier partnerships. Lavayen is a former managing partner of South Tampa’s On Swann, where he developed beverage programs for it and another new restaurant, Oak & Ola. A former General Manager for TAPS Restaurant Bar & Lounge in Tampa, his other industry highlights include Hudson at Waterway East, JB’s on the Beach, and the Boca Raton Resort & Club.

“When Vicente first joined Epicurean, it was clear his skills and leadership would help take the beverage program to another level,” said Charles Albanos, Vice President of Operations at Mainsail Lodging & Development. “His penchant for creating a stylish beverage program focused on unique cocktails, driving sales and maximizing profit has really paid off in Tampa and will soon impact dining outlets and events at our other properties.”

For more information on Mainsail Lodging & Development, call (813) 243-2613 or visit MainsailHotels.com.

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About Mainsail Lodging & Development LLC
Mainsail Lodging & Development is an award-winning, Tampa, Florida-based company specializing in hotel, furnished housing, and resort property management and development, marketing and sales. An established company with a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, Mainsail prides itself in finding unique lodging opportunities with a purpose and applying its passion and expertise to each project. Founded by President Joe Collier with a combination of daring vision and dogged determination, Mainsail has built an impressive portfolio of top-branded properties throughout the southeastern United States and Caribbean. Each Mainsail property inspires guests with a distinct character and meticulously crafted, sophisticated style, from a private island resort, and urban culinary showplaces, to waterfront marvels, boutique southern hotels, and a historic jazz era icon. Stay Sojo, Mainsail’s newest brand, provides short-term furnished living options across the country, while Mainsail Vacation Rentals manages a collection of private vacation homes in Florida and the Caribbean. To ensure long-term success and profitability, Mainsail relies on the dedication of its high-performing leadership team, a growing group of enterprising investors, and a commitment to giving back, every step of the way. MainsailHotels.com