Cristiano Cabutti, formerly director of sales and marketing at JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, has been announced as the new area director of sales and distribution southern Europe at Marriott International.

In his new role, Cabutti will oversee managed core brand hotels and all luxury brand hotels (managed and franchised) in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus and Malta.

He started his career with Marriott in 2013 at the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa as part of the opening team, responsible for successfully positioning this award winning, one-of-a-kind, luxury resort in the market.

Prior to joining Marriott, Cabutti was the group director of sales and marketing for San Domenico Hotels and golf resorts in Italy and England and also held the position of director of sales and marketing at the Forte Village Resort in Sardinia.

Cabutti commented: “I am delighted to accept this new role at Marriott, and cannot wait to rise to the challenges this exciting new role will present in the months ahead.”