Edward Di Luca
Miramar
Summary
Dynamic and goal-oriented professional with 25-years of experience in International Hospitality Business, Customer Service, Communicative Skills, and Leadership seeking a position of General Manager to utilize my strong management and strategic thinking skills and make a positive contribution to the further success of the employer
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Director of Operations
MELIA HOTELS INTERNATIONAL
San Jose Del Cabo
07.2021 - 09.2025
- Guided Managers on hotel operations, reservations delivery, feedback and quality assurance scores, sales and marketing techniques, and revenue management, implementing Action Plans to enhance return on investment.
- Hired, developed, and managed a team of regional managers serving as the primary contacts to the hotels.
- Built a cohesive regional team through effective recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and ongoing staff development efforts.
- Facilitated communication between hotels and Ascent ownership, improving collaboration and operational alignment.
- Liaised with hotels, resorts, and third-party managed properties.
- Subject matter expert on all brand standards from Marketing Dept, corporate programs, and technology platforms utilized
- Conducted development and acquisitions for properties in the Mexican Pacific region.
- Collaborated with functional leaders to implement new procedures and corrective actions, enhancing service quality across properties.
- Reduced expenditures for the region through cost analysis and effective budget management.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates with proactive problem resolution and timely follow-up.
Managing Director ME Miami & ME CABO
MELIA HOTELS INTERNATIONAL
Miami
07.2018 - 01.2021
- Provided effective leadership on the property by setting direction and strategic oversight of the operations of other properties in the region, ensuring alignment of standards and culture of ME Brand
- Maximized return on investment for owner by achieving annual budget, business plan, marketing plan, and strategic initiatives in guest service, employee engagement, and profitability.
- Developed team capabilities and enhanced performance to meet short and long-term business objectives.
- Delivered high-quality guest service and products, fostered positive work environment for team members, and created soulful journey experiences and programs essential to company culture.
- Acted as an Ambassador and key spokesperson for the hotels, nurturing key relationships with the community
- ME by Meliá first luxury lifestyle hotel in the United States in vibrant Downtown Miami
General Manager, ME Cabo
MELIA HOTELS INTERNATIONAL
Los Cabos
10.2016 - 07.2018
- Implemented strategic plans that increased website bookings, establishing ME Cabo as the number 1 hotel in the company with a production rate of 57%
- Managed to increase ADR from $293 to $376 in current year
- Developed sales programs that boosted revenues in the local Mexico market
- Hands on operations strategy to ensure service standards and quality
- Grand Opening after major renovation; 182 rooms, two restaurants and the most exclusive Beach Club in Mexico achieving revenues of 19mil USD a year
- Established a database analyst position to align social media strategy with company objectives
- Supported ME Miami in sales and implemented ideas to enhance hotel positioning.
General Manager, Mudo Imperial Resort
MUNDO IMPERIAL
Acapulco
03.2014 - 03.2016
- Coordinated grand opening activities for 5-star, 815-room resort, overseeing setup of 5 restaurants and 6 bars
- Directed operations teams to optimize profits while enhancing guest services
- Created operating environment ensuring consistent guest satisfaction across all service areas
- Oversaw all local and regional sales programs to ensure increased revenues
- Guided preparation of strategic and marketing plans to align with organizational goals
- Established and maintained a pro-active human resource function to ensure employee motivation, training and development, wage and benefits administration, and compliance with established labor regulations
- Ensured good safety practices of employees and guests, assisting in the maintenance of proper emergency and security procedures
Corporate Food & Beverage Director
KARISMA GROUP
Cancun
03.2013 - 03.2014
- Oversaw local and regional sales programs, driving revenue growth through targeted initiatives
- Directed and coordinated the operations teams to ensure optimum operating profits and highest level of guest services
- Guided preparation of strategic and marketing plans, aligning goals with operational objectives
- Analysed operational performance of each providing guidance to Directors to ensure forecasts are achieved
- Inspects operations to resolve problems and to ensure standards are maintained
- Recommended improvements and upgrades for individual outlets, proposing actionable implementation methods
- Motivated Directors to optimize the use of inter-hotel sales programs.
- Kept informed on market trends, economic conditions, and advised on possible courses of action
- Prepared the annual budgets of the department
Hotel Manager, Banyan Tree Angsana Laguna
BANYAN TREE GROUP
Phuket
04.2011 - 03.2013
- Managed multimillion project, achieving recognition as flagship property by brand and standardizing service culture through new SOPs.
- Contributed to grand opening of exclusive 5 Star hotel & Beach Club in Bang Tao Bay, Phuket, ensuring successful launch and guest satisfaction.
- Oversaw and coordinated 5 new Outlet concepts and the Grand Opening procedures
- Executed sales and marketing strategies, enhancing guest engagement and brand visibility.
- Fully involved in Pre-Opening for. Banyan Tree Shanghai
- Supervised line staff during daily operations.
EAM F&B, Banyan Tree Mayakoba
BANYAN TREE GROUP
Rivera Maya
08.2008 - 12.2010
- Provided coordination of 264 cross-functional employees and area managers
- Managed operations for banquet sales, marketing, front desk, concierge, and reservations to enhance guest experience
- Implemented Banyan Tree standards to achieve compliance with service levels and exceed the benchmark.
- Conducted audits for brand's property in Acapulco to ensure compliance with service standards
- Supervised functions for Grand Opening of Banyan Tree Hotel, contributing to recognition as Top 11 Hotels in the World by TripAdvisor
Director of Food & Beverage, Westin Los Cabos Resort & Spa
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS
Los Cabos
04.2006 - 11.2007
Director of Food & Beverage, W Hotels
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS
New Orleans
01.2004 - 01.2006
Assistant Director of Food & Beverage
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS
Iselin
01.2004 - 01.2006
Education
Marketing Analysis -
Cornell University
Marketing Planning -
Cornell University
Data Gathering and Analysis -
Cornell University
Up-Selling Banquets and Special Events -
Las Vegas University
Managing the Bottom Line -
University of Delaware
Selling the Meeting Planner -
University of Massachusetts
Skills
- Global hospitality management
- Strategic planning and marketing
- Team leadership
- Communication skills
- Service excellence
- Revenue management
- Strategic planning
- Quality assurance
Certification
- Making Memories, W Hotels, New Orleans, 2006
- Behavioral Interviewing, W Hotels, New Orleans, 2006
- Conflict in Work Place, 2006
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Derra Lee Edwards, 2003
- Coaching and Counseling, Derra Lee Edwards, 2003
- Listening and Language, Derra Lee Edwards, 2003
- Wine and Spirits Education, Robert Mondavi Winery and Deborah Hutton
- Sterling School of Service and Hospitality, Disneyland resort, 2003
- Interviewing Skills, Derra Lee Edwards, 2002
- ServSafe Certification, National restaurant Association, 2002
- Creating Innovative and Eye-Catching Buffets and Breaks Design, Paul Gurgol
Professional Recognition
- Service Excellence for Lifetime Loyalty, HotFab Las Vegas, 2003
- Service Promise Champion, Sheraton, NJ, 2005
- Leading Starwood, Executives Club
Timeline
Regional Director of Operations
MELIA HOTELS INTERNATIONAL
07.2021 - 09.2025
Managing Director ME Miami & ME CABO
MELIA HOTELS INTERNATIONAL
07.2018 - 01.2021
General Manager, ME Cabo
MELIA HOTELS INTERNATIONAL
10.2016 - 07.2018
General Manager, Mudo Imperial Resort
MUNDO IMPERIAL
03.2014 - 03.2016
Corporate Food & Beverage Director
KARISMA GROUP
03.2013 - 03.2014
Hotel Manager, Banyan Tree Angsana Laguna
BANYAN TREE GROUP
04.2011 - 03.2013
EAM F&B, Banyan Tree Mayakoba
BANYAN TREE GROUP
08.2008 - 12.2010
Director of Food & Beverage, Westin Los Cabos Resort & Spa
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS
04.2006 - 11.2007
Director of Food & Beverage, W Hotels
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS
01.2004 - 01.2006
Assistant Director of Food & Beverage
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS
01.2004 - 01.2006
Marketing Analysis -
Cornell University
Marketing Planning -
Cornell University
Data Gathering and Analysis -
Cornell University
Up-Selling Banquets and Special Events -
Las Vegas University
Managing the Bottom Line -
University of Delaware
Selling the Meeting Planner -
University of Massachusetts