According to Chris Riccardi, KSL Resorts’ senior vice president, global sales strategy, these new hires are seasoned and proven sales strategists, and each will play a vital role in the company’s strategic growth.
IRVINE, CALIF. – Expanding its sales team, KSL Resorts has added three new sales leaders to its growing team of hospitality industry professionals: Bryan Waltz as global sales director, Karen Hudson as global sales director and John Carter as director of sales/central coast properties.
They will report directly to Chris Riccardi, KSL Resorts’ senior vice president, global sales strategy.
“We are thrilled to announce Bryan, Karen and John as the newest additions to our talented team,” Riccardi said. “All have many years of experience in the hospitality industry and will be invaluable to our efforts as we work to grow our company and expand our footprint.”
Waltz’s career tops 25 years in the hospitality throughout the United States, including Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. Most recently he was area director, group sales for Fairmont Hotels, Hawaii, Big Island and Maui. Prior to that he was vice president of global accounts with ConferenceDirect. He earned a bachelor’s degree from UC Los Angeles and is a member of MPI, PCMA, SITE and IRF.
With over 30 years of hospitality sales experience, Hudson was previously an account executive for the Creative Group, one of the nation’s top event and incentive agencies. She has held high-level sales positions at Woodside Hotel Group (a collection of independent hotels in California), Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort in Solvang, Calif., and Mirabel Hotel and Restaurant Group – and served as an independent sales representative for Relais & Chateaux. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and economics from UC Berkeley.
Carter, who takes charge of sales efforts for KSL Resorts’ new California Central Coast properties – Avila Lighthouse Suites in Avila Beach, Pismo Lighthouse Suites and Shore Cliff Hotel in Pismo Beach, Paso Robles Inn and The Piccolo in Paso Robles, as well as Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach – previously worked as a hospitality sales and marketing consultant. He has held sales and marketing positions at Arizona’s CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa, Madeline Hotel and Residences in Telluride, Colo., Northern California’s The Resort at Squaw Creek, Solage Calistoga in the California wine country and Aspen’s The Sky Hotel. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Louisiana State University and earned an advanced certification in hospitality from Cornell University’s prestigious Nolan School of Hotel Administration.
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.
