CHICAGO—The Kinzie Hotel has appointed Jill Farley as director of sales and marketing. Farley, a native of the Chicago/Northwest Indiana area, brings more than 10 years of hospitality experience to her new role, many of those with the Four Seasons.
Located a short distance from the Magnificent Mile, the 215-room boutique property named after Chicago’s first citizen, John Kinzie, features an art-forward contemporary design along with a Chicago-centric identity.
“Adding Jill to our team gives us a new competitive advantage,” said Andrew Eck, GM, Kinzie Hotel. “Her diverse background in hospitality and her strong group base will help Kinzie continue its momentum as one of the leading independents in the city.”
Having begun in the hospitality industry as a server, and working her way through catering before sales, Farley is focused on employing her wide-ranging skills into her new position. “I’m not here to wheel and deal,” added Farley in describing her style. “Transparency is my M.O., and I’m only concerned with exceeding guest expectations.”
Farley plans to incorporate best practices learned at bigger brands, now without the same constraints. “Kinzie’s owner, Portfolio Hotels & Resorts, encourages employees to think outside the box,” she said. “I bring fresh ideas with a personal touch.”
Prior to her appointment at Kinzie Hotel, Farley was the director of sales for White Lodging, where she oversaw 10 hotels and nearly 1,500 rooms near Midway airport here, including brands such as Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt.