Lark Hotels Expands Executive Team

By: Tyler Peterson Feb. 05, 2015

Lark Hotels, a collection of distinctive properties in iconic destinations, announced today the addition of a new partner and two new executive hires to support the company's continued expansion.

Founding partners Rob Blood, Chief Executive Officer, and Dawn Hagin, Chief Inspiration Officer, officially welcomed Rachel Reider of Boston-based design firm Rachel Reider Interiors as a partner in January. Reider has been an integral part of bringing the Lark brand vision to life through bold and adventurous interior design from the beginning and will continue to do so as the collection grows.

"One of the things our guests most frequently comment on is the fresh and uniquely brand-driven design of our properties. Rachel's keen eye and strategic design expertise have played a large role in defining many of our hotels, and Dawn and I are thrilled to have her join us as a partner," said Blood.

Joining the leadership team are John Cowden and Catie Mangels, two exceptional talents who will play a large role in Lark's expansion and in refining Lark operations and brand integration, respectively.

John Cowden, Director of Operations, is a true "hospitality whisperer" with over 25 years in the trenches with some of New England's most recognized inns, boutique hotels, and restaurants. Cowden has negotiated food and beverage contracts, streamlined operations to reduce hotel and food & beverage overhead, developed aggressive yield management programs, and trained and coached employees at all levels. With a calm eye and steady hand, Cowden will oversee all Lark hotel and restaurant operations, ensuring smooth sailing and high performance.

Catie Mangels, Director of Brand Integration and Growth, came to Lark from the Trump Hotel Collection in New York City, where she served as Director of Hotel Development & Planning. Her role at Lark is to help the company grow into new markets, do things better and more efficiently while also remaining customer-centric and ever-focused on the company's unique brand values. Her past experience working on behalf of hotel owners, brand and management companies, and with consulting firms makes her uniquely qualified to help us achieve Lark's ambitious expansion goals.

"We looked for innovators who will go above and beyond in crafting unpretentious, design-focused, fun experiences at our hotels, and we've found just that in John and Catie and in the other new hires to our management team," noted Blood. "We want guests to develop a personal connection to their stay that leaves them looking forward to their next great vacation - hopefully with us."

This year, Lark Hotels is excited to open several new properties, including:

Whitehall, which will open its doors in May 2015 in Camden, Maine. The hotel will house Lark's first signature restaurant, Pig + Poet,helmed by celebrity chef Sam Talbot.
Gilded, where 1890s opulence meets modern amenities, will open in Newport, Rhode Island in May 2015.
The Break, opening in New England's long board surf capital of Narragansett, RI in June, will be the area's first designer hotel, complete with casual beach-style bistro.
As-of-yet unnamed properties in Mendocino, CA; Napa, CA; and Stowe, VT