John Munro Hilton Head

With over four decades of experience, John Munro of Hilton Head is a prominent figure in the hospitality and tourism industry, currently the Vice President of Hospitality in Resort Sales and Marketing at Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. This private family-owned property is renowned for its three famous golf courses, including the iconic Harbour Town Golf Links, eight restaurants, a marina, over 15 shops and boat charters, more than 400 vacation rentals, a 60-room Inn & Club Hotel, and extensive meeting and conference facilities.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Purdue University, he dedicated his career to mastering every aspect of resort management, including operations, supervision, and strategic marketing. He began his tenure at Sea Pines Resort in 1998 as Director of Lodging. He ascended to his current role in 2010, where he has been instrumental in overseeing 10+ departments and leading a team of over 100 staff members.

Throughout his career, he has been pivotal in managing operations, from food and beverage to lodging. He supervised the resort's accommodation and 400+ vacation rentals, driving numerous marketing strategies that significantly increased the resort's revenue. His leadership and strategic implementations resulted in over $100 million in resort enhancements.

He also oversaw the Inn & Club at Harbour Town, maintaining a perfect score on TripAdvisor and achieving top ratings on prestigious lists, including Forbes and U.S. News & World Report. His involvement in the vacation home and villa rental business was marked by effective communication and significant business development through property recruitment.

Furthermore, he directed the resort's marketing efforts, utilizing a $2 million annual budget to develop robust marketing campaigns and social media strategies. He also managed the group sales department, handling nearly 100 weddings annually and significantly contributing to the resort's profitability.

Beyond his professional achievements, he is honored as the South Carolina Hotelier of the Year. He actively participates in various hotel associations and committees, including the American Hotel and Lodging Association and the South Carolina Tourism Expenditure Review Committee.