Darren Aylward
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Highly driven General Manager with a proven track record of implementing strategic approaches to drive profitability and sales. Recognized for excellence in operations and customer care. Skilled at motivating, training, and developing team members to thrive in highly competitive environments.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
HVMG
Atlanta, GA
06.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and maximize customer satisfaction.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff members to ensure efficient operations.
- Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
- Monitored financial performance and identified areas for improvement in cost savings and revenue generation.
- Analyzed existing processes for effectiveness and developed new systems as needed to enhance overall productivity levels.
Hotel Operations & QA Consultant
DA Management Group
Atlanta, GA
04.2013 - 06.2016
- Provide a market analysis to operators of small and medium-sized hotels.
- Provide a performance audit to help hotel operators capitalize on growth potential and increase market share opportunities.
- Provide a quality assurance assessment to identify and improve on guest satisfaction and retention.
- Provide training to hire smart, develop, and retain the right employees.
- Provide an operational assessment of the hotel to identify and improve performance.
Guest Experience Brand Consistency Consultant
IHG - InterContinental Hotels Group
Atlanta, GA
08.2009 - 03.2013
- Conducted quality evaluations on product, life safety, and brand standards for all properties within the portfolio.
- Scheduled and conducted new hotel opening and procedures, performed quality appraisals on hotels' FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) according to brand guidelines.
- Conducted action plan visits for all hotels performing below the guest satisfaction index and provided training on exceeding guest expectations.
- Plan, prepare, and conduct regional presentations to colleagues and stakeholders, and consult with principal correspondences and General Managers on new brand developments.
- Created comprehensive reports on project progress and results for clients.
- The portfolio consists of 90 properties throughout Western Canada and the Northern Plains, US.
General Manager
Days Hospitality Inc.
West Kelowna, BC
09.2007 - 08.2009
- Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and maximize customer satisfaction.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff members to ensure efficient operations.
- Monitored financial performance and identified areas for improvement in cost savings and revenue generation.
- Resolved customer complaints quickly while maintaining high quality standards of service delivery.
Director of Operations
Coronado Properties Ltd.
Kamloops, BC
11.2003 - 09.2007
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
- Managed day-to-day operations of a medium-sized staff in multiple departments.
- Resolved customer service issues in a timely manner while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Analyzed financial data to make informed decisions on cost savings initiatives.
- Provided leadership and guidance to subordinate managers and supervisors.
Education
Associate of Business Administration -
Thompson Rivers University
Kamloops, BC04-2004
Certificate - Tourism Management
Thompson Rivers University
Kamloops BC12-1994
Skills
- Business Administration
- Expense Control
- Staff Supervision
- Sales
- Quality Management
- Operations Oversight
- Customer Retention
- Budgeting and cost control
- Business Development
- Customer Relationship Management
- Advertising and marketing
- Financial Administration
- Service Quality Improvement
- P&L Management
Affiliations
Circle of Excellence Honor - 2016 & 2017
Highest Flow to LY Award - 2016 & 2017
Highest House Profit Margin Award - 2016
Highest RevPAR Index Award - 2022
Hotel of the Year - Runner Up 2022
Maximizer Award - 2016, 2017 & 2022
Nominated GM of the Year - 2016, 2017 & 2022
Timeline
General Manager
HVMG
06.2024 - Current
Hotel Operations & QA Consultant
DA Management Group
04.2013 - 06.2016
Guest Experience Brand Consistency Consultant
IHG - InterContinental Hotels Group
08.2009 - 03.2013
General Manager
Days Hospitality Inc.
09.2007 - 08.2009
Director of Operations
Coronado Properties Ltd.
11.2003 - 09.2007
Associate of Business Administration -
Thompson Rivers University
Certificate - Tourism Management
Thompson Rivers University
Similar Profiles
Mark A. CoxMark A. Cox
Chief Engineer /Project Manager at HVMGChief Engineer /Project Manager at HVMG
Samuel DavisSamuel Davis
General Manager at Homewood Suites Airport University-Area HVMGGeneral Manager at Homewood Suites Airport University-Area HVMG
Paul ComriePaul Comrie
Stream Manager at Nokia USA IncStream Manager at Nokia USA Inc
Moziah DavisMoziah Davis
Transmission Analyst at Georgia PowerTransmission Analyst at Georgia Power
Matthew RyanMatthew Ryan
Regional Sales Manager- East at Assa Abloy Americas Residential / Spectrum BrandsRegional Sales Manager- East at Assa Abloy Americas Residential / Spectrum Brands