Katya Starovoit
Commercial & Business Development Director
Geneva
Summary
Experienced professional with 15+ years of corporate success in hospitality and luxury sectors. Skilled in driving innovation, leadership, and personal growth. Currently excelling as a Commercial and Business Development Director, with expertise in high-end sales and marketing across multiple countries. Specializing in hotel management, wellbeing, wine sectors, and Swiss gemstone manufacturing. Based in Switzerland with global reach, frequently traveling to key markets. Strong interest in luxury sales, people, and digital marketing. Dedicated to excellence, achieving ambitious budgets and targets. Proactive leader with a passion for service and making a meaningful impact in the industry and beyond.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
2001
2001
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages
Work History
Commercial Director: Sales, Communication & Digital Marketing, Revenue management & Reservations
BEAU-RIVAGE GENEVA HOTEL, 5
01.2021 - 11.2024
- Spearheaded hotel's strategic positioning, brand messaging, and customer development for various segments including Accommodations, Dining, and Events.
- Managed Room Reservations department, optimizing yield strategies, market performance, and achieving budget, forecast, and business mix goals.
- Led sales teams with daily oversight, driving the attainment of sales targets and financial objectives.
- Forged strategic alliances and partnerships to bolster sales and marketing efforts.
- Crafted and executed annual business plan strategies and tactics for designated markets.
- Directed innovative marketing initiatives, leveraging Social Media, Editorial Content, Public Relations, cultural collaborations, and special events.
Commercial Director/ Acting Director
DJEVA PRODUCTION
11.2020 - 09.2021
- Spearheaded B2B sales of lab-created gems, including white sapphire and colored Corundum & Spinel, targeting watch and jewelry wholesalers and online platforms in Switzerland and international markets.
- Drove business development by integrating vertical operations from sourcing rough stones to launching Djeva's gem cutting division.
- Innovated and launched an ethical jewelry brand featuring two distinct collections of rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets aimed at women under 45 for daily wear and evening occasions.
- Executed a strategic marketing overhaul with the launch of a new website and a targeted social media campaign to enhance brand presence.
- Stepped in as Acting Director during a financial crisis, managing HR complexities including collective redundancies and union negotiations, overseeing inventory audits, and ensuring the safe disposal of hazardous materials.
- Negotiated the termination of existing supplier contracts and collaborated with local authorities and debt collection agencies to liquidate remaining gem stock and equipment.
Director of Sales and Marketing
LA RESERVE HOTELS, SPA & VILLAS
07.2018 - 11.2020
- Spearheaded dynamic teams across Sales & Marketing, Reservations, Revenue, Banqueting, and Communications, managing a diverse staff of 15 for a luxury property featuring 102 rooms & suites, villas, 5 dining venues, and 4 meeting spaces.
- Directed global PR and Sales Representatives in key markets including the USA, UK, Russia, China, Brazil, Australia, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Benelux, achieving a business mix of 70% Leisure and 30% Corporate clients.
- Developed and executed a comprehensive luxury resort sales and marketing strategy, enhancing the visibility and profitability of Rooms, Villas, SPA with NESCENS anti-aging programs, F&B outlets, and Conference facilities.
- Led digital marketing initiatives, including the launch of a new website, Food & Wine e-commerce platforms, and the transition of PMS and CRS systems from Opera to Protel, while leveraging Sales Force for CRM.
- Collaborated closely with The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) regional teams and other affiliation programs such as Travel Leaders, GLH, and FH&R to maximize market reach and brand alignment.
- Influential member of the Executive Committee, providing strategic insights and inspiring the team to achieve collective goals.
- Initiated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to expedite revenue growth and optimize hotel performance.
- Managed a comprehensive Media plan encompassing direct response media, brand advertising, and social media promotions to drive revenue.
- Undertook a Regional Sales/Business Development role at Michel Reybier Hospitality, establishing the brand as a market leader in Asian and Russia/CIS markets.
- Contributed to the successful launch of new group hotels in Zermatt, Zurich, and Bordeaux, enhancing the group's market presence.
- Crafted and implemented cross-promotional strategies to foster synergies between Michel Reybier's various businesses, including Swiss Medical Network clinics, Nescens anti-aging cosmetics, and Nescens SPAs.
Senior Director of Sales & Business Development
RED CARNATION HOTEL COLLECTION
01.2015 - 07.2018
Education
BS - International Management
Master of Science - undefined
Skills
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
CROSSFUNCTIONAL TEAM MANAGEMENT
CLIENT ORIENTATION
LUXURY EXPERIENCE MANAGEMENT
INTERNATIONAL SALES
PARTICIPATION AT NEW HOTEL OPENINGS
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
ROI OPTIMIZATION
REVENUE MANAGEMENT
PRICING STRATEGY
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
NEGOTIATION
INNOVATION
DIGITAL MARKETING
TRANSFORMATION
CRISIS MANAGEMENT
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
RESERVATIONS MANAGEMENT
IMPLEMENTING A NEW PMS PROTEL
EXCEPTIONAL FUNDRAISING LEADER
Personal Information
- Number of Children: 3
- Date of Birth: 02/21/78
- Nationality: French Belarusian
- Marital Status: Married
Additional Activities And Interests
In my spare time, I engage in consultancy within the hospitality and luxury segments-ranging from launching an art gallery, opening a luxury SPA/Wellness center, optimizing sales and marketing for a hotel group, to facilitating a new restaurant opening. Additionally, I help organize private and corporate events, including the EANS Foundation Gala Dinner with fundraising, concerts, and exclusive private functions. I never allow myself to remain idle, as I am an active member of several clubs and proudly serve on the organizational committee of the Lady Drivers Club.
Timeline
Commercial Director: Sales, Communication & Digital Marketing, Revenue management & Reservations - BEAU-RIVAGE GENEVA HOTEL, 5
01.2021 - 11.2024
Commercial Director/ Acting Director - DJEVA PRODUCTION
11.2020 - 09.2021
Director of Sales and Marketing - LA RESERVE HOTELS, SPA & VILLAS
07.2018 - 11.2020
Senior Director of Sales & Business Development - RED CARNATION HOTEL COLLECTION
01.2015 - 07.2018
UNIVERSITY OF REIMS - Master of Science,
NATIONAL COLLEGE OF IRELAND - BS, International Management