Roy Grimsland, a hospitality veteran with prior sales expertise in the cruise industry, has been named corporate director of sales for West Paces Hotel Group, which operates two brands, Capella Hotels and Resorts and Solis Hotels and Resorts. Horst Schulze, former president and COO of Ritz-Carlton, founded West Paces Hotel Group in 2001 and is its current president and CEO.
This is Grimsland's first hotel assignment, having previously worked in the cruise industry, most recently as vice president of sales for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a position he held for more than a decade. He also held positions with Norwegian Cruise Line and the Doral Country Club.
In his new position, Grimsland will be responsible for retail travel efforts within North America. He has always been portrayed as a strong supporter of the travel agent community having introduced a number of agent-related initiatives and programs during his time with Regent.
Kit Pappas, vice president of sales for West Paces Hotel Group, said they pinpointed Grimsland through various discussions with industry folk, saying "he was perfect for the job," especially as the hotel groups sets to expand its two brands both domestically and internationally (three Capella properties will open this year in Mexico). "We are growing," Pappas said, "and Roy is a key component." Pappas also noted how important agents are to the cruise industry from which Grimsland comes, and said he expects that tight relationship to transfer to the hotel group. To that end, Pappas said the group would be bringing on more people by the end of the year to complement Grimsland and build up the group's infrastructure. "This is only the tip of the iceberg," he said. Visit www.westpaceshotels.com. (DE)