Peter L. J. Finamore has been appointed regional vice-president, Northwest for Fairmont Hotels and Resorts and general manager of Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, B.C.
Finamore has more than 35 years of experience in the international hospitality industry. He has worked with acclaimed properties in the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and locations across the United States.
Born and raised in Canada, he grew up in the hotel business and has followed in the footsteps of his father, the legendary Louis Finamore, a hotel icon who oversaw operations for Hilton International and Canadian Pacific Hotels.
“I lived in The Empress Hotel in Victoria for five years when I attended high school,” says Peter. “At that time, my father held the same regional position with Canadian Pacific Hotels that I now hold with Fairmont.”
In 1985, he left Canada for international destinations and opportunities. On his way up the hotel ladder, he held progressive roles with Hilton International, The Peninsula Hotel Group, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Regent Hotels & Resorts, and MGM. His most recent position was chief operating officer, Hospitality, for MGM China Holdings Limited, based in Macau.
Finamore specializes in luxury brands and has successfully opened, rebranded and launched a variety of hotels and resorts. “His” properties have received a range of accolades including, the AAA Mobile Five-Star Award at The Peninsula Chicago, Forbes Five-Star at MGM China, and the Saudi Arabia Leading Luxury Hotel award at Rosewood Al Faishalia Hotel and Hotel Al Khozama.
Finamore is known for hands-on management style. His philosophy is to surround himself with others “whose strengths outshine his.” He explains that he takes great pride in attracting, developing and mentoring the best talent in the hotel at every level, and makes a conscious effort to stay connected throughout their careers.
In his new role, he will oversee the six properties in Fairmont Hotels’ Pacific Northwest portfolio and manage the Fairmont Pacific Rim. He is looking forward to the evolution of the Fairmont brand, which is now part of ACCOR Hotels, and specifically the region’s heritage properties. The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle, and Finamore’s former home, the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, are all unveiling major restorations in 2017.
“I get excited about building and renovating hotels so they become the best they can possibly be,” says Finamore. “We must continuously sharpen our service standards to provide guests with an experience that reaches beyond what they anticipate.”
Outside of the hotel, he can be found spending time with his family on long walks around the city and seawall, or catching a good movie. He is looking forward to rediscovering Vancouver and Victoria.
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