Kristin Hynes

Kristin Hynes is a hospitality professional with nearly 28 years at Marriott and nearly 40 years in the industry overall. Growing up in Michigan, she began her career at resorts there before relocating to Southern California, where she now works in the Los Angeles area handling corporate and business travel. Her background spans front desk and food and beverage roles across multiple Marriott properties, which she layers together in her current position to mentor up-and-coming staff and solve guest challenges ranging from room upgrades to local recommendations. Hynes serves on the board of the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce for three years after serving as ambassador for eight years and honorary mayor, participates in the Global Business Travel Association Los Angeles chapter, and previously volunteered with AYSO for 15 years. She donated a kidney after adopting a whole food plant-based diet and credits her success to a high level of confidence, willingness to speak with people, operational flexibility, and the trust placed in her by leaders and her general manager, results that appear in guest satisfaction scores and personal connections that make guests feel like royalty even in a large hotel. Hynes advises young women entering hospitality to build a strong operations foundation so they understand every role they oversee, noting that she began by washing dishes and has performed every task she now delegates.