News Releases

CHICAGO (January 28, 2011) – LATINA Style Magazine today announced that Susan Santiago, vice president of food and beverage for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, has been named one of the top five 2010 LATINA Executives of the Year by LATINA Style Magazine.

In its second year, the LATINA Executive of the Year Award is designed to highlight the achievements of individual Latinas who have achieved success across dozens of industries and have demonstrated great involvement in the community. Among more than 315 nominations, Santiago was selected as one of the five award recipients for her excellence in corporate leadership, her commitment to community involvement, and her significant business contribution to Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.

“We are thrilled to name Santiago as one of the top LATINA Executives of the Year as her passion, leadership and commitment to her company, her employees and the community are evident through her many accomplishments,” said Robert Bard, President and CEO, LATINA Style, Inc. “Santiago serves as an inspiring example, showing that success is about bettering those around her and creating opportunities for future professionals.”

“I am extremely honored to be receiving this award, and I commend my fellow nominees for their outstanding leadership and countless contributions, which have undoubtedly helped to highlight the important work of women in the Latina community,” said Susan Santiago, vice president of food and beverage, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.

Santiago, who was recently appointed as the first female vice president of food and beverage for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, is a seasoned veteran of the hospitality industry and has been a member of the Hyatt family for nearly 20 years. Beginning her career as a restaurant server in Oystercatchers at Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, Santiago worked her way through an ascending series of food and beverage positions. Santiago also served as general manager of Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa and most recently served as general manager of Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino, where she was recognized by the company as “General Manager of the Year” in the Large Hotel Category for Hyatt.

Santiago has consistently made a significant impact on Hyatt, recognized with the many awards and accolades that different properties have received under her leadership. While she served as general manager at Hyatt Regency Key West Resort and Spa, the hotel received green certification from the state, making it the first property in the area to be given this distinction. The hotel was also recognized as a “Virtuoso Hotel,” a prestigious honor in the hospitality industry, and was named Hyatt’s “Hotel of Year.” During Santiago’s tenure at Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino, the hotel become the first high-rise hotel in Aruba to be Green Globe certified, and she helped promote Hyatt’s Family of Responsible and Caring Employees (F.O.R.C.E) by spearheading the founding of the EMBRACE (Employees Maintaining, Beautifying, Revitalizing, Authentic Cultural Elements) program where hotel guests and associates adopt, clean and preserve local landmarks within the island.

For more information on the top LATINA Executives of the Year, visit http://www.latinastyle.com/executive-of-the-year.html.