The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, the area’s premier 5-star resort and luxury landmark located on Florida’s central Gulf coast, announced the appointment of two new hospitality professionals to its executive sales team – Jillian Dampier as Director of Group and Catering Sales, and Peter Francis as Director of Transient Sales.
The new talent brings an experienced background, revitalized energy, and impressive skill set to further enhance the property’s standard of excellence.
An Indiana native, Dampier’s hospitality career began in Indianapolis after graduating from Indiana University with a BA in English. With 20 years of experience, she has held various leadership positions with renowned brands such as Hyatt, Conrad Hotels and Resorts, and other properties under the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. She brings extensive group and catering leadership knowledge and expertise to her new role where she will be spearheading sales for the luxury hotel’s group events. She will also be overseeing weddings, social events, and corporate catering gatherings. Dampier and her family are boating aficionados and are eager to spend weekends sailing the Gulf upon their relocation to Sarasota.
An MBA recipient from The Crummer Graduate School of Business in Winter Park, FL, Francis’ 28-year career in the hospitality industry began at Walt Disney World, followed by an impressive 18-year tenure with various Marriot Bonvoy brands. He started with the group sales team at The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Grand Lakes Orlando and continued working in the group segment for The Ritz-Carlton, Naples and The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles and JW Marriott, Los Angeles at LA LIVE. He launched his leisure sales experience just under a decade ago when he joined the team at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, and has since gained experience at other properties including The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Caribbean and Mexico, and The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. Francis brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and established relationships to his new role in overseeing the property’s transient sales.
“We feel extremely fortunate to have Jillian and Peter joining the Ladies and Gentlemen at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota,” said the property’s General Manager, Rajesh Khubchandani.
“Their combined experience is guaranteed to elevate our hotel’s offerings in virtually every respect.”
