Linda Whittington
Omaha,NE
Summary
Dynamic Leader of Sales and Revenue Management with a proven track record in leading sales and revenue strategies in the hotel industry. Expert in utilizing data-driven insights to forecast trends, optimize pricing, and maximize revenue. Skilled in guiding teams to exceed targets through innovative marketing and effective channel management. Demonstrated success in forming strategic partnerships and leveraging technology to enhance decision-making and financial performance. Committed to driving growth and operational excellence, consistently achieving and surpassing organizational goals.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Corporate Director of Sales and Revenue
Anant Operations
04.2022 - Current
- Spearheaded sales and revenue strategy for $35 million portfolio of 10 hotels, driving significant market share growth and profitability through strategic pricing, distribution optimization, and targeted marketing initiatives.
- Developed and executed innovative revenue management strategies, resulting in15% increase in RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) and 10% growth in ADR (Average Daily Rate) year-over-year.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor pricing strategies using advanced analytics, leading to informed and dynamic pricing decisions that maximized revenue across all distribution channels.
- Managed inventory distribution across various online travel agents (OTAs), direct booking platforms, and GDS (Global Distribution Systems), optimizing channel mix and reducing distribution costs by 25%.
- Implemented comprehensive forecasting model that improved accuracy by 30%, enabling more effective staffing, budgeting, and operational planning.
- Conducted weekly revenue strategy meetings to align pricing and distribution tactics with ongoing market conditions, ensuring agility and responsiveness to market dynamics.
- Optimized group booking strategies, achieving15% increase in group sales revenue by implementing dynamic pricing models tailored to demand forecasts.
- Led cross-training initiatives between revenue management and front desk teams, enhancing understanding of revenue optimization principles and improving upsell rates at check-in.
- Monitored guest satisfaction scores and online reviews, adjusting pricing and value-added offerings to improve ratings and drive repeat business.
- Negotiated and secured lucrative corporate accounts and partnership agreements, expanding portfolio's corporate client base by 40%.
Regional Director of Sales
PM Hotel Group
08.2019 - 04.2022
- Developed and executed innovative sales strategies across multiple properties, leading to 20% increase in annual revenue by identifying and capitalizing on emerging market opportunities and optimizing rate strategies.
- Initiated and cultivated strategic partnerships with key corporate clients and industry partners, resulting in 30% uplift in long-term business contracts and 25% increase in overall client retention rates.
- Launched targeted sales campaigns that leveraged in-depth market analysis and consumer insights, achieving 15% rise in direct bookings and enhancing profitability by optimizing promotional efforts.
- Fostered cross-functional collaboration between sales, marketing, and operations teams to align sales strategies with company-wide goals, driving consistent 10% year-over-year increase in occupancy rates and 5% increase in RevPAR.
- Mentored and developed sales team of 4 professionals, instilling culture of strategic thinking and excellence in customer service, which directly contributed to exceeding sales targets by average of 25% across all managed properties.
- Oversaw revenue management processes for all properties, leveraging market insights and demand forecasting to adjust inventory allocation and pricing, which led to 8% improvement in RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) across portfolio.
Director of Sales
Country Inn & Suites
09.2017 - 08.2019
- Elevated property sales to record levels by crafting and implementing strategic sales plan that targeted key market segments, resulting in15% increase in annual revenue.
- Forged strategic partnerships with local businesses and organizations, boosting group sales by 20% and significantly increasing weekend occupancy rates.
- Led targeted direct sales initiative that captured a 30% increase in corporate accounts, directly impacting property's revenue by enhancing mid-week occupancy.
- Revitalized property's approach to event sales, introducing innovative package deals that drove 25% growth in event hosting revenue within the first year.
Community Education and Outreach
Dupaco Credit Union
12.2016 - 09.2017
- Recognize Member and Potential Member needs and educate or refer to appropriate credit union products and services
- Proactively establish connections with businesses and community organizations to explain Dupaco's Community Outreach Program
- Provide financial education and resources to employees at businesses
- Responsible for growing customer base, develop and grow business and consumer relationships to grow Credit Union Membership.
Regional Director of Sales and Operations
Parkview Plaza LLC
05.2010 - 12.2016
- Directed operations across diverse portfolio, including hotels, commercial buildings, and residential properties, achieving 95% occupancy rate and surpassing revenue targets by 20% through strategic leadership and operational excellence.
- Implemented standardized operational procedures across all properties, resulting in 30% improvement in operational efficiency and 25% reduction in operating costs within first year.
- Enhanced tenant and guest satisfaction scores by 15% through development of comprehensive service excellence program, focusing on personalized experiences and rapid resolution of service issues.
- Negotiated and managed key vendor contracts, achieving 10% reduction in annual maintenance and supply costs through strategic sourcing and bulk purchasing agreements
- Led team in digital transformation of property management processes, introducing cloud-based property management system that improved data accuracy, reporting capabilities, and tenant communication.
- Implemented dynamic pricing model for hotel and residential spaces, enhancing revenue management capabilities and achieving 12% increase in average rental and room rates.
- Cultivated strong relationships with major corporate clients, leading to 25% increase in long-term leases for commercial spaces and steady 15% rise in corporate bookings for hotel accommodations.
General Manager
Hotel Ottumwa
11.2007 - 05.2010
- Oversaw day-to-day operations of boutique hotel featuring 10,000 ft.² of meeting space, high-end bar, and restaurant, driving 25% increase in overall guest satisfaction scores through exceptional service standards and operational excellence.
- Successfully increased revenue by 20% year-over-year through strategic marketing of property's meeting space, attracting corporate events, weddings, and large-scale social gatherings, while maintaining 85% occupancy rate.
- Implemented innovative revenue management strategies, optimizing room rates and meeting space bookings, which contributed to 15% improvement in RevPAR and 20% growth in event space utilization.
- Developed and coached high-performing team of 50+ staff across all departments, fostering culture of excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement that was reflected in 40% reduction in staff turnover.
Education
Business Administration
AIB College of Business
Des Moines, IASkills
- Team Leadership & Development
- Multi-property Revenue Management
- Strategic Sales Planning
- Market Trend Analysis & Forecasting
- Rate Optimization & Yield Management
- OTA & Distribution Channel Strategy
- Client Relationship Management
- Competitive Analysis
- Budget Management & P&L Responsibility
- Contract Negotiation
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Revenue Growth
- Organizational Leadership
- Decision-Making
Timeline
Corporate Director of Sales and Revenue
Anant Operations
04.2022 - Current
Regional Director of Sales
PM Hotel Group
08.2019 - 04.2022
Director of Sales
Country Inn & Suites
09.2017 - 08.2019
Community Education and Outreach
Dupaco Credit Union
12.2016 - 09.2017
Regional Director of Sales and Operations
Parkview Plaza LLC
05.2010 - 12.2016
General Manager
Hotel Ottumwa
11.2007 - 05.2010
Business Administration
AIB College of Business
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