Lyn Aoki

Experience

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  Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

  May 1991 - Apr 2010

  Re-opening Iconic Luxury Properties and Driving Operational Excellence.Led the re-opening of The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, following a $100 million renovation, and oversaw its closure for additional renovations in the absence of the GM for four months. As a key driver of the Operations Division Leadership team, I managed eight departments and spearheaded the resort's re-launch from Sheraton to a Luxury Collection Brand. My expertise in luxury brand standards, crisis management, capital projects, and operational strategy was pivotal to the success of this transformation.Collaborated with Department Heads and Human Resources on strike contingency labor plans, talent development, training assessments, and performance evaluations. Implemented Six Sigma, process engineering, and green initiatives, driving innovation and operational efficiency throughout the resort. Additionally, I led special events, including the 2009 VIP Re-opening Gala in partnership with Louis Vuitton, marking a highlight in the resort’s history. Show less Overseeing Major Renovations and Hotel Operations Leadership.Appointed as Acting Hotel Manager to oversee all hotel operations and lead the $100 million renovation of The Royal Hawaiian from May to August 2008, following the departure of the General Manager. Led the pre-closure phase and executed the comprehensive "Exit" plan for the full closure of the hotel on June 1st, 2008, while also developing and implementing the Re-Opening Critical Plan for all departments.As the primary liaison to contractors, designers, the Luxury Collection Brand team, union and labor relations, and Starwood Hawaii, I managed key aspects of the renovation from closure to re-opening. Oversaw six departments within the Rooms Division, including Housekeeping, Front Office, Concierge, Pools, Guest Services, and Bells, while managing human resources functions, training assessments, budget completion, capital projects, and renovation-related releases. My leadership ensured smooth coordination across teams and stakeholders during this critical transition. Show less Leading Housekeeping Strategy and Operations Across Multiple Luxury Brands.Led the restructuring of the Housekeeping organization to align with the new Biplex development for the Sheraton Waikiki and The Royal Hawaiian Hotels. Served on the Housekeeping Advisory Board for Starwood Hotels in Hawaii and French Polynesia, representing key brands including Sheraton, Westin, Luxury Collection, Four Points, Le Méridien, and W Hotels. Acted as a consultant and primary liaison for housekeeping policies, procedures, and best practices, ensuring operational consistency and excellence across the region. Show less

  • Director of Operations

    Oct 2008 - Apr 2010

  • Director of Rooms

    Feb 2007 - Oct 2008

  • Biplex Director of Housekeeping, R.E.H.

    Jun 2001 - Jan 2007

  • Director of Housekeeping

    May 1995 - Jun 2001

  • Director of Housekeeping

    May 1991 - May 1995
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  Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

  May 2010 - Jun 2011

  General Manager

  Oversight and Management of Hotel Operations & Wyndham Vacation Resorts Conversion.Led the comprehensive management of hotel operations and a multi-million-dollar renovation, including the brand conversion from non-branded to Wyndham Vacation Resorts. Developed the Critical Path Toolkit and Workbook, establishing a national best practice for Wyndham. Directed the Critical Path and re-launch of the resort, overseeing every facet from renovation to Wyndham brand operations, including standards, services, budgeting, and the transition from hotel to timeshare operations.Served as the primary on-site Wyndham partner, collaborating with Development, Procurement, Architects, Contractors, Legal teams, and the Board of Governance. Ensured seamless implementation, adherence to brand standards, and project turnover. As a key stakeholder in the hotel leadership team for the Royal Garden at Waikiki, I worked closely with the Association of Apartment Owners (AOAO) to align on directives and drive the successful completion of the project. Show less

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  Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

  Jun 2011 - Jan 2012

  Special Projects

  Delivering World-Class International Events with Strategic Leadership.Served as Director of Special Events and Logistics for the prestigious APEC Forum (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), overseeing high-level international events and complex logistical operations. Orchestrated large-scale initiatives with seamless coordination and execution, collaborating closely with global leaders and key stakeholders. Focused on delivering impactful, world-class experiences that highlighted the significance of the APEC Forum on the global stage. Show less

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  Aqua-Aston Hospitality

  Jan 2012 - Jun 2024

  Driving Strategic Growth and Operational Excellence Across Multi-Brand Portfolios.Led the growth and development of Aqua-Aston Hospitality's Brand Operations, overseeing procurement (B2B2C, C-Suite, GPO, National Suppliers), new builds project management, guest services, quality assurance, reputation management, and support services. Spearheaded the execution of brand and project requirements, while effectively managing stakeholder expectations to align with corporate business objectives. Provided strategic guidance to hotel operations under various brand flags, including Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Hilton Garden Inn, DoubleTree, Hampton Inn and Suites, and Holiday Inn Express, ensuring a seamless approach to training, core service standards, and consistent achievement of results.Career history: 17+ New-Builds, Rebranding and Renovations, $836M, and $10M OS&E. Show less Orchestrating Seamless Transitions and Driving Cross-Organizational Growth.Transitioned from Corporate Senior Director, Brand Operations, Projects & Support (ILG) to Assistant Vice President, Brand Operations, Projects and Support Services (MVW) as part of harmonization and talent mobility efforts. This progression reflects my continued leadership in driving brand operations, project management, and support services at the highest levels, ensuring alignment with corporate strategies and business growth across both organizations. Show less Innovating Brand Standards and Driving Guest Service Excellence.Provided multi-faceted leadership and oversight in the conception, development, and execution of core assets for Brand Standards, Operating Supplies & Equipment (OS&E), Procurement, and Guest Services. Leveraging Aqua-Aston’s entrepreneurial spirit, I spearheaded growth and development by implementing long-term strategies for guest services and cost management. Established program controls to ensure consistency across the enterprise, utilizing advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, external consultants, and reputation management strategies. Strong communication and strategic vision were fundamental to the success of these initiatives. Show less

  • Assistant Vice President, Brand Operations, Projects and Support Services (MVW)

    Jan 2020 - Jun 2024

  • Corporate Senior Director, Brand Operations, Projects & Support (ILG)

    Aug 2018 - Dec 2020

  • Corporate Director of Guest Services and Brand Standards (Aqua Hospitality / Aqua-Aston Hospitality)

    Jan 2012 - Jul 2018
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  Canoe Hospitality

  Oct 2024 - now

  Senior Project Manager