Dream Hotel Group appointed Randy Taormina to GM of the Dream Midtown in New York City. Tapping into more than a decade of industry experience earned at hotels across the U.S., Taormina is responsible for all day-to-day management and operations of the recently renovated Midtown Manhattan address, including oversight, recruitment and development of staff; the hotel's annual budget; and assuring guest satisfaction.
"With 15 years in the industry, Randy has his finger on the pulse of the Manhattan hotel scene and, equally important, the U.S. hotel market. Together, he is a great fit to lead and evolve the standout experience guests already enjoy at Dream Midtown," said Jay Stein, CEO, Dream Hotel Group.
"I've admired the vibrancy and innovation of Dream Hotel Group throughout my career, and I am honored to join the group at such an exciting time for the brand," Taormina said.
Taormina arrives at Dream Midtown from Highgate Hotels, where he most recently served as area managing director in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area. In the past six years with Highgate, he also held the role of GM at the Refinery Hotel in Manhattan's Fashion District for more than three years, and GM of Doubletree by Hilton Syracuse for two years. Under his leadership, the Refinery Hotel was named a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice award-winner in its opening year with a 94-percent approval rating - one of only three NYC hotels to make the list.
Previously, Taormina spent eight years with Lodgian, as a GM at properties in Dallas, Phoenix, Denver and Pittsburgh under hotel brands including Marriott, Hilton and IHG. At age 24 Taormina became the youngest GM within Lodgian's 90-hotel portfolio and operated some of the company's highest revenue-generating properties. He also worked as GM of the landmark Silversmith Hotel, part of Crestline Hotels & Resorts, in Chicago.
Taormina launched his career in hospitality as a food & beverage director at a private resort on Hilton Head, S.C., and went on to become assistant GM at resorts across the island.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Taormina studied at California University of Pennsylvania.