Meet Puerto Rico names hotelier Hopgood to head Board
Peter Hopgood
The Board of Directors of Meet Puerto Rico announced Tuesday the appointment of hotelier Peter Hopgood as chairman. In his new role, Hopgood’s leadership will be fundamental in supporting Meet Puerto Rico’s activities, its functions, and goals, the nonprofit group said.
“Meet Puerto Rico is an award-winning, well-respected organization within the global meetings and conventions arena; over the course of its half-Century in operations this institution has successfully positioned Puerto Rico as a world-class destination for meetings and conventions,” said Hopgood.
“I am honored in having the opportunity to play a significant role in the future of the organization, and to contribute to the continued development and success of this important segment of Puerto Rico’s tourism industry,” he added.
Hopgood has been vice president of sales and marketing for International Hospitality Enterprises since 2003. He started his hospitality career at the Condado Plaza Hotel in 1993 while managed by Williams Hospitality. He was part of the first Wyndham hotel’s opening team in Puerto Rico and soon became their Director of Sales & Marketing.
He joined IHE in 2002 as part of the opening team for the Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort and after two years was promoted to his current role. Hopgood was directly involved in the re-branding process for the Doubletree by Hilton San Juan and has also played active roles in the openings of La Concha Resort, Condado Palm Inn & Suites and the Condado Vanderbilt. He has been part of Meet Puerto Rico’s Board since 2011.
Meanwhile, Omar Contreras — who was appointed by Gov. Alejandro García-Padilla to Meet Puerto Rico’s Board last year — was selected as vice chairman. He is vice president at Oriental Bank.
Also, former Tourism Co. Executive Director Terestella González-Denton was named secretary of Meet Puerto Rico’s Board. She was elected during Meet Puerto Rico’s annual membership meeting in August and is the dean of the José A. (Tony) Santana International School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts (UNE).
