#USA #New York #lifestyle brands #Jacque Riley #Convene Hospitality

Convene Hospitality Group Expands with Strategic Hire

In a significant move for the evolution of its lifestyle branding strategy, Convene Hospitality Group (CHG) has appointed veteran brand leader Jacque Riley as the Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing. This appointment comes at a time when CHG aims to enhance its status as a prominent player in the hospitality space, particularly with its diverse range of lifestyle-oriented venues.

CHG is recognized for crafting spaces that not only cater to events but also foster connections among individuals. As the company continues to grow, the need for a strong creative lead became evident, prompting the decision to bring Riley on board. Ryan Simonetti, the president and CEO of CHG, expressed enthusiasm about this addition to the team, stating that Riley’s extensive background in branding will play a vital role in bringing CHG’s vision to fruition. The primary focus of her role will be on refining brand architecture and strategies, while also embarking on the development of new offerings that align with the company’s ambitious goals.

Riley carries with her over 15 years of experience in global lifestyle marketing, contributing to various successful hospitality brands. Her previous role was as Vice President of Brand Marketing at Ennismore, where her leadership drove significant initiatives for prominent properties, including the Mondrian and Hyde brands. Under her direction, the brand experienced rapid expansion across various international hotspots such as Ibiza, Bodrum, and cosmopolitan locales like Miami and Johannesburg. Notably, her tenure also marked the introduction of Ennismore’s footprint in Australia, demonstrating a keen ability to navigate diverse markets effectively.

In terms of creative influence, Riley was instrumental in the repositioning of the Morgans Hotel Group brands, leading to significant growth in the Hyde hotels portfolio and successfully establishing a coherent brand strategy for Morgans Originals. These experiences are expected to be highly beneficial for CHG as it strives to establish emotional connections with its consumer base.

Beyond her recent endeavors, Riley has been a key player in launching Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants as a luxury brand within the European market. Her influence extends across North America, Europe, and Latin America, showcasing her versatile marketing skills, as she has successfully elevated a portfolio of twelve luxury-inclusive brands for Karisma Hotels & Resorts. Furthermore, she is a recognized consultant with a history of assisting ventures in hospitality, private equity, and luxury air travel, which adds another layer of depth to her profile.

Riley’s commitment to the field of hospitality also includes her active role on the board of the Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship at Cornell University, reflecting her dedication to nurturing future talent in the industry.

Convene Hospitality Group is positioning itself as the largest provider of non-hotel meeting and event venues in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Currently, CHG operates a network of 39 locations across nine major cities worldwide. Their brands, including Convene, etc.venues, NeueHouse, and The Mallory, aim to deliver not just spaces, but also a distinctive experience that emphasizes community and hospitality.

As CHG continues to grow, the ongoing development of its lifestyle brands will play a crucial role in maintaining relevance within an increasingly competitive market. With Jacque Riley at the helm of brand marketing, the company is set to unveil innovative concepts that resonate with diverse audiences seeking unique experiences. The blend of Riley's extensive expertise with CHG's vision could potentially redefine the standards for hospitality-driven environments, making it an exciting time for both the company and its consumers.

For more information on the latest developments at Convene Hospitality Group, visit convenehospitality.com.