Rena McDonald, Vice President of Finance and Administration, Managing Director, Vintage Hotels
Rena McDonald joined Vintage Hotels in March 1998 as Corporate Controller, a position she held until 2004 when she was appointed Vice President of Finance and Administration. Rena assumed additional duties as Managing Director of Vintage Hotels in late 2007, a position in which she oversees the Finance and Administration and Human Resources divisions. In this capacity Rena is responsible for the strategic direction of the company.
Prior to joining Vintage Hotels, Ms. McDonald served as Management Accountant (1988-1989) then Controller (1989-1998) of Canadian Niagara Hotels Inc. Before joining the hospitality industry, she held Corporate Accountant positions at Gulf Canada Corporation (Hiram Walker Resources Limited) and A.E. Lepage Real Estate Limited. She is a member of the Society of Management Accountants of Ontario and a past member of the Ministry of Tourism - Policy Advisory Council. Rena is currently a member of the Hotel Financial and Technology Professionals of North America, for which she served on the Board of Directors in 2004 through to 2007.
Bob Jackson, Vice President of Operations and Managing Director, Vintage Hotels
Bob Jackson has over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having served in a variety of roles with the majority in a senior management capacity. Mr. Jackson began his career in Toronto, where he grew through the hotels ranks in progressively senior positions before transferring to Niagara Falls. He then spent 7 years as General Manager with several Canadian Niagara Hotel Inc. properties, including the Brock Plaza Hotel; where he also assumed responsibility for various central corporate departments.
Mr. Jackson's first position with Vintage Hotels was as General Manager of Prince of Wales, where he concurrently managed Sales and Marketing for the hotel group. Bob assumed responsibility as General Manager of Queen's Landing in 2005. In late 2007 Bob was appointed to Vice President of Operations and Managing Director for the Vintage Hotel Group. In this role he is responsible for the strategic direction of Vintage Hotels with a focus on Hotel Operations and Sales and Marketing.
Anita Caslin, Director Human Resources, Vintage Hotels
A recognized Human Resources spokesperson, particularly for Niagara Region's hospitality businesses, Anita Caslin has over 20 years+ experience as a Professional Human Resources Practitioner. Nine of those years have been in the Niagara Region. She joined Vintage Hotels in 2003 after serving as Human Resources Manager of Canadian Niagara Hotels Inc. for six years.
Since 2004, she has been Chair of the Niagara Hospitality Human Resources Professionals Association. She is a member of the Hospitality and Tourism Program Advisory Committee, Niagara College, and a Steering Committee Member of Niagara College's Tourism Industry Development Centre. Ms. Caslin sits on the Board of Directors for the Business Education Council of Niagara and is a member of the Human Resources Professionals of Ontario.
Michelle Miller, General Manager, Prince of Wales
Michelle Miller grew up at Vintage Hotels, beginning her career in 1990 as a Guest Service Agent. After 16 years with the company, she has worked in many management capacities including various corporate, food and beverage, front office and training roles. Prior to her role as General Manager since March 2006, Ms. Miller has previously been a Resident Manager and Assistant General Manager with Vintage Hotels.
Paul MacIntyre, General Manager, Pillar and Post
Paul MacIntyre has been with Vintage Hotels for over 7 years. He has been in his current role as General Manager for the Pillar and Post since July 2004. Mr. MacIntyre has held many positions under the previous Vintage Inns umbrella, including General Manager and Food & Beverage Manager of the Prince of Wales. Paul also served as the General Manager of the Oban Inn for five years.
A native of the Niagara Region, Mr. MacIntyre has worked in the Niagara-on-the-Lake hospitality industry since 1988, beginning at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club where he rose to the ranks of Club House Manager in 1994.
Colin Sines, Director of Marketing, Vintage Hotels
In 2004 Colin Sines joined Vintage Hotels as the Director of Marketing. However, he is no stranger to Niagara-on-the-Lake or the properties, having previously held the position of Director of Sales and Marketing at the former Queen's Landing Inn & Conference Centre (prior to Vintage Hotels' acquisition of the property).
With more than 35 years of experience Colin has a long history in the hospitality industry. Before joining Vintage Hotels, Colin has held the position of Director of Sales and Marketing at numerous properties from Toronto to Vancouver.
Colin is an active board member of the Niagara Culinary Trail and Travel Gay Canada. In addition, he is on the organizing committee for the Niagara Icewine Festival as well as the media relations committee of the IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association). Colin also sits on marketing committees for Tourism Niagara Regional, Niagara International Chamber Music Festival and Destination Niagara.
Daphne Swenerton, Director, Spa Operations
Ms. Swenerton is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of 100 Fountain Spa and Secret Garden Spa. In this capacity, she oversees all spa personnel and develops treatment program design including the creation of an all-natural organic product line.
Previously. Ms Swenerton was instrumental in the development of the Sacha Spa at the Delta Whistler Village Suites, B.C. and prior to that, fulfilled a similar role at Madrona del Mar Spa and Wellness Retreat at the Galiano Inn, B.C. In 1994, Ms. Swenerton combined her lifelong love of spas with her entrepreneurial spirit to create the Versailles Spa, in Vancouver, B.C.
Andrew Dymond, Chef, Prince of Wales
Chef Andrew Dymond was born in Wales and raised in Niagara, he later headed back across the Atlantic to train with some of the top chefs in Europe. In England, he worked in the kitchens of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux hotels before returning to Canada in 1998 to work as Sous Chef at Queen's Landing. Three years later, Chef Dymond was promoted to Executive Chef of The Oban Inn. Chef Dymond's philosophy: "Don't overdo food. Treat it with the utmost respect in the natural form, and you'll get the best presentation and product".
Randy Dupuis, Chef, Pillar and Post
Chef Randy Dupuis has led the culinary team at Pillar and Post since 2004. Having been born and raised in Niagara, Chef Dupuis graduated from the Niagara Culinary Institute in 1984 and went on to hone his skills in both Toronto and Niagara restaurants. In 1995, he joined the culinary team at Queen's Landing where he worked directly with Executive Chef Stephen Treadwell. Five years later he was appointed to run the kitchen at the Shaw Café & Wine Bar. Chef Dupuis's goal remains to create food that is appealing but not intimidating. His "food without attitude" approach is what makes guests flock to his dining rooms.
James Olberg, Chef, Queen's Landing
Chef James Olberg has wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and cook professionally since childhood. Before joining Vintage Hotels, he was executive chef at Vancouver's Glowball Grill & Satay Bar from 2003-2007, where he created a Chef's Gallery where diners could eat close to the action. Chef Olberg's creativity and skill have earned him multiple awards at culinary competitions. As a member of Culinary Team Canada, he has earned four Silver Medals. At Queen's Landing, guests savour Chef Olberg's French traditional cuisine with a modern West Coast edge.