Karen Englund, a 25-year veteran of the hospitality industry has been appointed Director of Sales & Marketing, Grande Lakes Orlando. In this position, she will lead the sales, marketing and communications initiatives for this 500-acre luxury estate that includes a 582-room Ritz-Carlton, 1,000-room JW Marriott, 40,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa, and an 18-hole championship golf course designed by two-time British Open winner and PGA Tour icon Greg Norman.

Ms. Englund has been with Marriott International for 25 years. Prior to joining Grande Lakes Orlando, she was Director of Sales & Marketing at L.A. LIVE: The Ritz-Carlton & JW Marriott hotels in Los Angeles, where she oversaw the sales and marketing efforts pre- and post-opening for the two luxury brands. Ms. Englund also served as Area Director of Sales & Marketing at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott and Market Director of Sales at the brand’s Los Angeles Market Sales Team and Regional Sales Office. In previous years, she held sales positions in Houston, Washington DC, Dallas, Denver and Chicago. Additionally, she has received numerous accolades and achievements for her outstanding service and contributions to the brand.

“We are pleased to welcome Karen to the Grande Lakes Orlando team,” said Jim Burns, vice president and managing director of Grande Lakes. “Her sales, marketing and leadership experience will be instrumental in the continued success of our resort.”

Ms. Englund is a graduate of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles with a Masters Degree in Business Administration. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel/Restaurant Administration from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. She is also a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP).

Grande Lakes Orlando, www.grandelakes.com