Featured Story

In the workplace, women excel at inspiring and empowering those around them, often serving as catalysts for growth and change. This ability to uplift others is one reason why many women leaders are exceptional long-term strategic thinkers. They tend to prioritize sustainable approaches over short-term gains, ensuring lasting success. Leading by example, women often rise through the ranks by gaining hands-on experience in various roles, which serves as a strong foundation for their leadership.

Esther Marijuan, the Regional Director of Sales at United Hospitality Management, is a shining example of such a visionary leader. Her commitment to driving meaningful change and fostering innovation has earned her the prestigious title of Most Influential Women Leaders of the Year 2024—a truly well-deserved recognition of her remarkable contributions.

From the Scratch

Esther Marijuan’s journey into leadership began with her pursuit of a degree in Hotel Management—a decision she initially questioned but quickly realized was the perfect fit. She developed a deep passion for the field and set her sights on becoming a General Manager. Fully aware that this goal would require deliberate and strategic steps, she chose to build her foundation in the Sales domain, laying the groundwork for her ascent in the hospitality industry.

A pivotal moment in her career was her selection for Starwood’s fast-track career program, Vita Futura. This prestigious program accelerated her professional growth and provided her with the unique opportunity to move to the Middle East. Embracing an entirely new culture and working in a highly competitive market, she overcame significant challenges that honed her skills, adaptability, and resilience.

Throughout her journey, Esther credits her remarkable mentors, particularly one who encouraged her from the very beginning to strive for excellence and to keep pushing forward. This mentorship not only fueled her personal drive for success but also inspired her to lead her own team and help others achieve their goals. Her natural affinity for leadership, combined with her determination and hard work, enabled her to earn the privilege of guiding teams and fostering growth.

Journey towards UHM

Esther Marijuan’s role as the Regional Director of Sales at United Hospitality Management (UHM) marks a natural progression in her career, especially since she played a key role in building the company from its inception just a few years ago. Her journey into this position began when she moved to the Algarve as the Director of Sales for Pine Cliffs. At that time, she embraced the vision of the owning company, which sought to expand not only in Europe but also in the Middle East.

During her tenure, she was responsible for the sales of four remarkable properties in Portugal: Pine Cliffs Resort, Sheraton Cascais, the soon-to-be-opened Hyatt Regency Lisbon, and Yotel Porto. Managing properties in diverse locations, with both cluster and on-property teams, allowed her to broaden her expertise and deliver exceptional results.

As the Regional Director of Sales

Since UHM’s establishment, Esther has been instrumental in driving its growth and positioning it as a leader in the market. Initially, her focus was on optimizing the sales performance of individual hotels. Over time, her role evolved into creating cohesive strategies that maximize revenues, achieve financial targets, and establish synergies across all properties.

As the Regional Director of Sales at United Hospitality Management (UHM), Esther Marijuan’s day-to-day responsibilities focus on empowering property-level teams to achieve their targets and deliver exceptional customer service. She ensures that these teams are equipped with the tools, resources, and support they need to excel, fostering an environment where they can perform at their best. 

In addition to overseeing the property teams, Esther leads a dynamic Regional Sales team that represents UHM’s portfolio on a global scale. This team actively participates in trade shows, conducts sales calls, and drives proactive sales efforts to expand the company’s reach and impact. Balancing strategic oversight with hands-on involvement, Esther ensures that both her teams and UHM continue to thrive in an ever-evolving and competitive market.

In the Days to Come

Esther Marijuan envisions United Hospitality Management (UHM) as a trailblazer in the hospitality industry, with limitless potential for growth. Esther’s vision for UHM’s future builds on its current momentum by fostering teams driven by curiosity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to business excellence. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining the human element, where strong relationships between teams and guests create unparalleled value. For Esther, this people-first approach is the cornerstone of UHM’s success, ensuring its long-term impact and prosperity in the global hospitality landscape.

On a Personal Note

Esther Marijuan believes in striking a balance between her professional commitments and personal passions. She finds joy in baking, which she offsets with an active lifestyle, including outdoor activities and time spent with friends and family. In the past, she was deeply involved in running races and participating in triathlons, particularly during her years in the UK and the Middle East.

However, her focus has since shifted toward cultivating meaningful connections and enjoying the outdoors. Esther acknowledges that achieving a balance between work and personal life wasn’t always easy, but over time, she has learned the importance of prioritizing what truly matters. By valuing time and maintaining this balance, she ensures her mental health and well-being remain intact, enabling her to excel in all aspects of her life.