Seminar Series of the Faculty of Applied Sciences – Spring 2025 – 3. Seminar

Dear Students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences,

You are kindly informed to welcome the Hotel Manager of The Peninsula Chicago, Mr. Vince Reyes and the Regional Director of People and Culture of The Peninsula Chicago, Mr. Larry Riordan as the guest speakers of the seminar series.

Date      : Thursday, 13 March 2025

Time      : 14:40-15:30

Place     : AB3 #150 / Zeynep Alp Köseoğlu Auditorium

Mr. Vince Reyes began his journey as a Front Office Agent at The Peninsula Manila. His natural inclination for providing exceptional customer service quickly earned him a promotion to Front Office Supervisor, earning a further promotion to become Assistant Front Office Manager. Relishing the opportunity, Mr. Vince Reyes relocated to Bangkok to take up the Front Office Manager role and warm the hearts of his Thai colleagues. Learning how to build trust and engage international colleagues, Mr. Vince Reyes was then transferred as Director of Rooms at The Peninsula Beijing, marking a turning point in his career.

Playing a supporting role as a pre-opening team member for The Peninsula Paris, Mr. Vince Reyes was transferred to his fourth country, becoming Executive Assistant Manager, Rooms at The Peninsula Chicago, and currently holding the position of Hotel Manager for the past few years. Another notable chapter in Mr. Vince Reyes’s journey was his recent task force assignment in London, where he supported the team in opening the hotel in 2023. Mr. Vince Reyes is a wonderful leader and a dear colleague within Peninsula, having mentored and worked with many colleagues across the Company.

Mr. Larry Riordan is the Regional Director of People and Culture, U.S. for The Peninsula Hotels, overseeing The Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula New York, and Quail Lodge and Golf Club. With nearly 25 years at The Peninsula Chicago, Mr. Larry Riordan first joined as Director of Human Resources during the hotel’s pre-opening and has since played a key role in shaping the company’s people and culture strategies.

With an extensive background in hospitality, Mr. Larry Riordan has experience in both human resources and operations, having worked with renowned brands such as Four Seasons, Westin, and Accor Hotels. Before transitioning into HR, he held key positions in Food and Beverage and Rooms Operations, giving him a well-rounded perspective on hotel management

Mr. Larry Riordan has also contributed to international pre-openings for The Peninsula Hotels in Paris and Shanghai, bringing his expertise in hiring and selection, benefits, labor relations, and training and development. His leadership continues to shape the employee experience and workplace culture across The Peninsula’s U.S. properties.

In the seminar class, Mr. Vince Reyes and Mr. Larry Riordan will present on “Midwest Hospitality”.