AHLI adds Rach as head of new consulting unit

Associated Luxury Hotels International, a global sales force connecting hotels and resorts, cruise ships and destination management companies to the meetings, incentives, convention and exhibitions industry, has formed a new business unit called Strategic Consulting Services.

SCS will be led by industry leader Lalia Rach, who will serve as executive managing partner of SCS with the goal of providing strategic and managerial consulting services. Each service will be custom designed to provide the information, guidance and training needed for the client to create greater value.

"Our goal continues to be focused on being a solution provider for ALHI member hotels and ALHI clients,” said Michael Dominguez, president and CEO of ALHI. “The ability to launch a division that will address many of these needs with the experience of Dr. Rach is exciting for the future of ALHI. Dr. Rach brings a unique blend of industry, academic and consultive experience that will make us stronger."

Rach served as the founding dean of the Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management at New York University. She also has managed her own consulting business, Rach Enterprises, for more than a quarter century, advising clients at companies including MGM Resorts International, BWH Hotel Group, Visit Dallas and Red Roof Inn. Her success as a consultant is directly attributed to what she calls an "uncommon sense" approach to deliver genuine ideas that challenge tradition.

Her new role will tap into her ability to think differently about long-term challenges and her innate understanding of the hard and soft skills needed to succeed in business. Strategic Consulting Services will offer services such as:

  • Strategic guidance on risk and crisis management
  • Revenue and profit analysis
  • Business intelligence
  • Creation and installation of performance improvement systems
  • Development and expansion recommendations
  • Leadership coaching and training, including critical thinking and emotional intelligence

"This is a wonderful opportunity to create a new division for ALHI and to work closely with Mike Dominguez and [Chief Sales Officer] Ashly Balding," Rach said. "Our focus will be on delivering customized solutions that add value for members and clients."