Vera Manoukian Named Sonesta COO

NEWTON, MA—Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has appointed Vera Manoukian as the company’s new COO. 

In her new role, Manoukian will leverage more than three decades of hotel industry knowledge, skills and experience to develop and execute operating strategies for its rapidly growing footprint of branded and managed hotels. Manoukian will work closely with Carlos Flores, Sonesta president/CEO, to expand a culture of best-in-class operational execution while realizing ambitions for exceptional financial results and guest satisfaction during a period of material expansion, according to the company.

Manoukian recently served as the global head of the Hilton brand at Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., where she led the strategic direction, vision, and growth for nearly 600 properties in 95 countries. Previously, she served as SVP of operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., where she was responsible for its largest geographic region, including seven brands, 68 full-service and luxury properties and $3.4 billion in annual revenue.

“In addition to her operations role, she’ll be helping me refine and extend our strategic vision for the company and expand the collective capability and capacity of the overall organization,” said Flores. “She brings deep industry expertise in hospitality brand growth, which will be invaluable as we reposition and optimize the performance of our rapidly growing portfolio of hotels, soon to exceed more than 300 destinations globally.”