Kendall Viola will become director of sales and marketing at the new hotel

Renowned hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group has announced the appointments of three seasoned hospitality executives to lead its west coast flagship, Dream Hollywood.

Ayo Akinsete will take up the role of general manager at the property, while Kendall Viola will become director of sales and marketing, while Carly Skinner will become hotel manager.

With nearly 30 years of collective experience within the highly competitive hospitality industry, Akinsete and his team will be integral in the launch and success of Dream Hollywood, slated to open in February 2017.

“Los Angeles has long been on our short list of dynamic US cities for growth, and we are thrilled to have such a strong and talented team in place as we introduce our founding brand to the west coast,” said Jay Stein, chief executive, Dream Hotel Group.

“Ayo, Kendall and Carly are exceptional leaders, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise to Dream Hollywood.

“With a shared passion for arts, culture and design, as well as a deep understanding of the LA market, there is no doubt they will prove to be invaluable additions in helping us reach our goals.”

Tapping into nearly a decade of experience earned at hotels in New York, Miami and soon Los Angeles, Akinsete is a proven leader in launching experiential hospitality brands to new markets.

As general manager, Akinsete is responsible for all pre-opening efforts, day-to-day management and operations of the 178-room property, including oversight, recruitment and development of staff; the hotel’s annual budget; and assuring guest satisfaction.

Working closely with TAO Group, he also helps to ensure the success of six food and beverage venues located in and adjacent to the hotel, including an 11,000-square-foot outdoor rooftop lounge and pool deck.

Akinsete arrives at Dream Hollywood from Dream Downtown hotel in New York, where he most recently served as general manager.

Previous roles included hotel manager at SLS South Beach and director of front office at Gansevoort Park Avenue.

“Dream Hollywood sets the standard for experience-driven hospitality in Los Angeles,” added Akinsete.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this innovative team leading the way for Dream Hotels in California.”

With ten years’ hospitality sales experience, Viola is a charismatic, results-oriented executive with vast expertise in leading lifestyle hotels to top notch performance.

As director of sales and marketing, she leads all sales efforts through the development of creative tactics to drive revenue for Dream Hollywood, while also keeping the hotel top of mind for corporate and group clients.

Viola joins Dream Hollywood from Hotel Indigo Lower East Side in New York, where, as director of sales and marketing, the flagship property was awarded the title of World’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel 2016 by the World Travel Awards.

Previous roles included associate director of travel industry at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel; associate director of sales at Gild Hall – A Thompson Hotel; and business travel sales manager for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

As hotel manager, Carly Skinner oversees tasked with overseeing the front office, guest services, housekeeping and engineering departments.

Bringing another ten years of hospitality and food and beverage experience to Dream Hollywood, Skinner rounds out the opening hotel team.

She most recently served as director of rooms at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica.