(ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO; February 20, 2019)—Thompson Zihuatanejo—the third property in Mexico from luxury lifestyle brand Thompson Hotels—announces its executive team: General Manager Carlos Carreon, Director of Sales and Marketing Jerri Lyn Walker, and Executive Chef Miguel Baltazar. The 56-room boutique resort debuted this month, following a major redesign of all guestrooms, public spaces, and grounds, bringing with it the modern, locally inspired design; sophisticated lifestyle programming; and chef-driven culinary program synonymous with the brand. With more than four decades of combined experience at award-winning properties around the globe, Carreon, Walker, and Baltazar bring both luxury resort expertise and an intimate understanding of Mexico’s hospitality landscape to Thompson Zihuatanejo.
Born and raised in the celebrated vacation destination, Riviera Maya, General Manager Carlos Carreon has always felt a deep-rooted connection to the hospitality industry. Dedicating almost 15 years of his life to managing luxury hotel properties across Mexico, Carreon comes to Thompson Zihuatanejo after three years as Hotel Manager of sister property Thompson Playa del Carmen. Upon completing his formal education at Colegio Maslow in Playa del Carmen, Carreon began his career as a Front Office Manager with Mosquito Hotels. After five years as Operations Manager for Mosquito Blue & Mosquito Beach Hotels, Carreon joined the Thompson Hotels family as Director of Rooms at their Playa del Carmen property in 2015. With his industry knowledge and management skills, Carreon quickly rose to Hotel Manager in 2016. Under his leadership the resort was named one of the “Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen” in 2018 by U.S. News and World Report and one of the “Best Resorts in Eastern Mexico” in 2017 by Condé Nast Traveler.
“Thompson Hotels has brought its signature approach to luxury and its commitment to fresh, sophisticated lifestyle programming to Zihuatanejo, and I am proud to continue to be a part of growing the brand’s legacy,” says Carreon. “Zihua is such a special place, distinctive from other Mexican destinations, and I look forward to welcoming guests and sharing all that the destination and our resort have to offer.”
Director of Sales and Marketing Jerri Lyn Walker brings more than 25 years of experience in the luxury hotel industry to Thompson Zihuatanejo, as well as a keen understanding of the broader destination and Mexican tourism market. Walker’s passion for Mexico began with her career as the Reservation and Sales Manager for Hotel Palmilla (currently the One&Only Palmilla) in Los Cabos in 1991. Walker was then recruited to join the award-winning Esperanza, An Auberge Resort as their Director of Sales and Marketing, where she managed the hotel’s opening and oversaw the U.S. office. In 2017, Walker brought her expertise to Villa del Sol Resort Zihuatanejo, where she further honed her keen understanding of the destination and tourism market. Walker was invited to continue her leadership at the property as it transitioned into a Thompson hotel. Today, she oversees sales, marketing, advertising, and reservations for leisure and group travelers at the newly debuted Thompson Zihuatanejo.
“I had the opportunity to be a part of the evolution of Los Cabos’ tourism market and am excited to see Thompson Zihuatanejo bring its unique approach to luxury hospitality to this amazing destination, really shining a light on Zihuatanejo. As part of the resort’s leadership team, I am dedicated to supporting our staff so that we can deliver the high-level service and bespoke experiences our discerning clients seek,” says Walker.
A national finalist in Mexico’s “Chef of the Year” competition, Executive Chef Miguel Baltazar received his Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts/Gastronomy at the Instituto Culinario de Mexico in 2008, after a year abroad in 2007 at the École Hôtelière et de Tourisme Paul Augier in Nice, France. Following the completion of his formal culinary training, Baltazar staged at Le Chantecler and La Rotonde Brasserie under the helm of two-star Michelin Chef Jean-Denis Rieubland, before returning to Mexico to further hone his craft and showcase his culinary talent at Mestizo in Puerto Vallarta; Grupo Altozano (in his hometown); Quipan Cocina Mexicana Contemporánea; and Hotel Virrey de Mendoza. Throughout his career, Baltazar has graced the kitchens of many award-winning luxury resorts, including Capella Hotel Group’s Ixtapa Resort, Amanyara Resort in Turks & Caicos, Esperanza Resort in Los Cabos, and beyond. Leading multicultural culinary teams, he has contributed to earning prestigious honor such as AAA Five Diamonds, Forbes Five Stars, and the Relais & Châteaux standards. Bringing over a decade of culinary experience to Thompson Zihuatanejo, Baltazar guides the culinary operations of CENIZA and HAO—the resort’s two beachside restaurants that feature Mexican-Pacific Coast fare inspired by the seasons.
“From Zihua’s vibrant regional culture to its long history as a fishing village, I strongly believe that the town’s character should be seamlessly translated into our dining offerings,” says Baltazar. “As a seasoned cook and creative artisan, it’s my responsibility to put my heart and soul into every dish.”
