Mary Ann Kenmotsu aims to Set the Gold Standard for West Suburban Hospitality.
NAPERVILLE, IL – Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville has announced the appointment of Mary Ann Kenmotsu as General Manager Freedom Plaza Convention Center. In addition to overseeing operations at the two-year-old convention center, Kenmotsu is focused on injecting a new service-based, community-driven culture. By drawing on close to 30 years of experience in hospitality and a relentless commitment to customer satisfaction, Kenmotsu aims to set a gold standard for social and corporate events at the area's largest hotel banquet facility.
"My goal is to be a pillar in the community and establish our reputation for dynamic events, creative food and a relaxing atmosphere," said Kenmotsu, who's passion and knowledge of hospitality come from a career devoted to excellence, hard work and integrity. "My team is tasked on creating personalized, unique stays through outstanding service."
Kenmotsu's previous role as Director of Catering & Conference Services at the IACC-certified Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center has positioned her well to lead a staff of 50 team members at Embassy Suites Naperville Convention Center, which boasts a 13,000 square-foot Grand Ballroom. At Oak Brook Hills, Kenmotsu was responsible for the creation and execution of memorable events, from the planning to the menus to the vendors. She quickly distinguished the 30-year-old Oak Brook Hills as the place to be for the holidays with unique events that sold out annually like Easter Brunch, Mother's Day Brunch, Father's Day "Bentleys, Bourbon & Bowties" and New Year's Eve "Timeless." The scope of Kenmotsu's expertise goes far and above her primary job functions.
"When a new client walks through my door, I focus on making their dream vision into a reality," asserted Kenmotsu. Likewise, the new GM has her sights set extremely high Kenmotsu for the contemporary Embassy Suites Naperville. Since opening, the hotel has been lauded not only for its upscale accommodations and magnificent ballroom, but also for its signature restaurant, Brickstones Grill, free made-to-order breakfast, the heated indoor pool, and the 24-hour fitness and business centers.
"Mary Ann brings an incredible amount of talent to Embassy Suites," said President & CEO of Superhost Enterprise Ash Lakhany. "Her creativity and leadership skills are emphasized by constantly exceeding guest expectations. We look forward to a new era of gracious hospitality in the western suburbs!"
Kenmotsu's experience in hospitality began early in her teenage years in restaurants, where the native Hawaiian was introduced to dining room service and restaurant operations. The University of Illinois grad started her hotel career as the Food & Beverage Director at the Queen Kapiolani in Honolulu. There she was the youngest department head and received numerous awards for her leadership and management skills. Upon moving to Chicago, Kenmotsu accepted the position of Executive Vice President for Premium Food Products before taking a role with Mitchell Hospitality Group where she was the Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
While working as Director of Catering & Convention Services for the Omni Ambassador East Hotel and the Pump Room, Kenmotsu earned national brand recognition as a top performer. Her career has also led her to positions as Food & Beverage Director and Director of Catering and Conference Services at the DoubleTree Hotel & Conference Center Chicago North Shore, the Sofitel Chicago O'Hare, the InterContinental O'Hare and most recently, the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center. Kenmotsu holds the prestigious designations of CMP (Certified Meeting Planner) and CPCE (Certified Professional in Catering and Events), and is an active NACE member, CMP Conclave attendee and former IACC committee member.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
