RAY ALEJANDRO VELASQUEZ

• Managed the integration of new acquisitions, ensuring a smooth transition and alignment with the overall strategic vision.
• Responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the company withing LATAM region 500+ assessments in Latin American region and ensuring that the quality and efficiency standards are met.
• Client Management: Responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with existing and potential clients, understanding their needs and expectations, and providing solutions and support.
• Planning, scheduling and Forecast Management: Responsible for creating and updating the project plans, schedules and forecasts, monitoring the progress and performance, and reporting the status and issues to the corporate office and stakeholders.

As part of LRA by Deloitte core customer experience measurement field team, I oversaw operations in Mexico and South America. In the last 10 years I have worked directly with the QA programs of Marriott Hotels and Starwood Hotels among other major clients, serving the portfolio of Luxury and Lifestyle hotels. My professional vision was to create effective development in my internal customers by enhancing their skills, talents and emotional connections and mentoring them to strive to deliver luxury experiences.

As the Latin American Operations Manager for LRA by DELOITTE, I have been responsible for the
coordination, executions, cost control, performance measurement and mentoring of the “field consultants”
located in different countries of the region as they perform the different QA programs of the CALA portfolio.

Key objectives and and achievements include:

• Improved regional performance by implementing strategic sales initiatives and effective team management.
• Increased revenue by identifying new business opportunities and closing high-value deals.
• Championed diversity and inclusion efforts within the organization, promoting an inclusive workplace culture that valued individual perspectives.
• Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.

Joined LRA with over 15 years of experience in varied Hospitality and Service Industries operating throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. My hospitality background includes corporate positions in Sales and Marketing and executive positions in hotel operations. Worked as a Hotel General Manager, Resident Manager, Operations Manager and an International Sales Manager for both American and European based hospitality chains. My background includes time with Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts (IHG), Sol Meliá Hotels and Resorts, Princess Hotels and LSG Sky Chefs, as well as other boutique private owned companies

With LRA, I manage a number of ongoing Quality Assurance and Consulting projects for LRA clients such as Marriott Hotels, Starwood Hotels, Banyan Tree, Hard Rock Hotels, Wyndham Hotels, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels, and private independent hotels throughout the region

• Played a key role in helping hotels assess and improve their operating and service standards.

Recruited by Hotel Regional Director to lead successful operation of 2 hotels (665 rooms), with two International Clubs El Dorador, and Blu Club Teorema, with 9 restaurants, 8 bars, 1 Spa, 1 disco, 3442.69 square feet of banquet and meeting space. Oversee and lead all resort operations for these exclusive 4 star superior resorts which include long-range strategic planning, global product management, performance management, staff leadership.

• Provide strong consultation, leadership and direction to senior management regarding organizational planning which includes resource allocation strategies, strategic business planning, effective staffing resource
  forecasting, and organizational development strategies.
• Worked collaboratively with senior management to re-engineer organizational hierarchy and structure, to
  streamline processes, increase communications, increase efficiencies and overall effectiveness of individual, group and organizational productivity.
• Hotel Awards received during tenure:
  -Tours Mont Royal Certificate of Excellence for outstanding customer satisfaction, awarded in 2006.
  - CRISTAL HACCP “Certificate of Achievement food safety & management” awarded in Winner 2006.
  - Best GOP and Financial results within American Division Princess Hotels, awarded in 2005.

Responsible for the Central, Caribbean & South American Market, Tour Operation and Groups & Incentives. Held key sales account role responsible for Major Incentives House Accounts. Play an Active role on sales & marketing strategies, analyze and roll advertising campaigns in order to increase market share.

• Increase of 55% of Puerto Rican Groups & Incentive segment market compared to previous years (Incomes + room nights).
• Consolidation of Venezuela, Colombian and Chilean groups & incentives segment for Dominican Republic Hotels.
• Active participation and coordination in process of Mexicana de Aviacion opening and implementing weekly flights to Dominican Republic, effort coordinated with Dominican & Mexican Tourism Board, Tour Operators and Travel Agencies.
• Substantial growth for Mexican Market Groups & Incentives Segment as well T.T.O.O.

Responsible for Service quality, culinary excellence, exceptional attention to superior customers' needs while delivering outstanding levels of efficiency. Held key sales account role responsible for the design, development, promotion, negotiation and coordination of in flight's food & beverage operation, concerning catering service for KLM and Iberia Airline.

• Award Winner Best Quality Kitchen Service, South American Region for Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) 1999.
• Menu Presentation for all airplane class level to Executive KLM & Iberia Staff , food safety & management program, Cost Control, Airline Products Inventory, daily Airport Operation.
• Responsible for all Presidential & Diplomatic catering services.

Responsible for exceeding customer expectations from initial contact through ongoing client needs at front desk operation.

• Participate and Finish Executive Training, Rooms Division Management, Intercontinental Hotels.

1995 – 1996.

• Responsible for the development and implementation of all front desk Fidelio and service training programs
  for front desk staff.
• Participated in the Regional Selection for “Director's Fast Track Program” Intercontinental Hotels, South
  America Region. 1996-1997.