What position are you holding at the moment?

Marketing & Online Manager

The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, Marbella

What did you do after you finish your program?
(Career Path/First Position):

Online Marketing & Distribution Executive (2 prop’s)

Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville

The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, Marbella

What was your goal when you started the program?

1) Learn as much as possible about Starwood.

2) Establish a networking platform with management & peers.

3) Gather knowledge in as many departments as possible

4) Be ready to take a managerial position after the program

Did you change your goal towards the end of the program?

No. Originally wanted to pursue my career in Front Office or Sales & Marketing. Ended up in Sales & Marketing

What were the challenges that you faced during your program?

The program was new to the Iberia Region so I was the first VF on board. The property at that time was not 100% clear of the program purpose. No previous VF’s to seek guidance.

Did the program go as you expected?

Yes, the greatest thing of the program was its flexibility to move across departments.

Currently, where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself in a regional marketing position supporting the Iberian properties.

What are the benefits for being VF Alumnus?

NETWORKING & Exposure with senior leadership.

What were highlights of your career with Starwood?

Obtain a fixed managerial position upon graduation.

Be able to work in a multi-property environment.

Deliver double digit increase in online sales revenues Year On Year.

Give support to the online team members across the properties in Spain & Portugal.

Other Comments/Stories:

à My advice to new VF’s is

Listen, listen & listen. Be patient and learn as much as possible from all the department heads. Obtaining an overall view of the property will help understand any role within Starwood after VF. Take ownership and be accountable for what you do.

à Little story

Sunday after the April Fair in Seville. It is the busiest time of the year. Hotel running 100% occupancy. 120 transient check-outs waiting just for me to settle there bills sometimes up to 15K. It is 12.30 pm and the cue at the front desk is getting VERY impatient… Suddenly a loud voice interrupts my busy shift. “Who is going to pay me, who is going to pay me”. My face turns red, I am tired, overworked and everyone seems to be staring at me. My desperate answer was “Well I am sorry Sir but it seems that for sure I won’t be the one paying you”. The cue starts to laugh. Later the concierge told me it was just a taxi driver claiming his ride!