LionGrove, a Miami-based investment firm, appoints James Karabelas and Alexandra Valentin as VPs, focusing on marketing and organizational culture to drive growth and innovation.
MIAMI – LionGrove, a leading Miami-based hospitality investment firm, announces the appointments of James Karabelas as Vice President of Marketing and Alexandra Valentin as Vice President of Talent and Culture. In his role, Karabelas will oversee strategic brand marketing, digital initiatives, and communications to enhance demand, brand equity, and drive revenue. As Vice President of Talent and Culture, Valentin will spearhead the continued evolution of the firm’s organizational culture, employee engagement, customer experience and business growth. Both executives will focus their efforts on the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach and Golf Resort, and the Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Boutique Resort in Palmas Del Mar, as well as other properties in the continued expansion of LionGrove and its portfolio.
“We are thrilled to welcome James and Alexandra to the LionGrove team,” said Chris Sariego, Senior Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer of LionGrove. “Their extensive leadership experience and diverse skill sets will undoubtedly enhance our ability to innovate and scale effectively. With their expertise, we are confident in our capacity to sustain and accelerate the momentum we’ve built, further reinforcing our commitment to operational excellence and delivering exceptional value across our expanding portfolio.”
Before joining LionGrove, Karabelas served as the Regional Vice President of Sales & Marketing with Highgate Hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii. While at Highgate, he oversaw sales, brand planning, digital media strategy, and communications for a portfolio encompassing 15 independent and franchise properties. Prior to that, he spent seven years at Aqua-Aston Hospitality, a business division of Marriott Vacations Worldwide, where he initially served as Senior Director of Digital Marketing and was later promoted to Vice President of Marketing & Ecommerce. During his tenure, he oversaw global marketing strategies across 40 hotels, resulting in substantial revenue increases and the successful launch of an enterprise brand website, loyalty program, and opening marketing strategy for ten independent and branded properties.
Karabelas also previously served as Senior Strategist at Saatchi & Saatchi, a global advertising agency based in New York. Karabelas holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Communications from Boston University.
Prior to joining LionGrove, Valentin held several key positions, including Corporate Director of Culture Transformation at The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center. In this role, she spearheaded the integration of a comprehensive leadership development strategy for leaders worldwide, benchmarking best business practices and enhancing the company’s talent management. Previously, as Regional Area Director of Performance Development at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC, Valentin was responsible for implementing critical corporate-wide operational strategies that elevated leadership effectiveness, employee engagement, and talent retention across 13 hotels.
As the Founder and Owner of Awaken Inner Courage Solutions, LLC, Valentin provides her expertise as a leadership coach and mindfulness keynote speaker, empowering individuals and organizations to achieve self-mastery, clarity, and transformative growth. She studied Industrial Psychology at the University of Puerto Rico and holds certifications as a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, Corporate Health & Wellness Specialist, and High-Impact Leadership Certification from FIU.
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.
