Steve Giblin - President & Chief Executive Officer
Over 30 years in the hotel and hospitality industry. Steve possesses an extensive background in hotel operations, development and management. Before joining SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts in September 2009, he was President and COO of Dolce International. Prior to joining Dolce International, Steve served five years as President and Chief Executive Officer of Newmarket International, the developers of the hospitality industry’s first Windows-based sales automation system.
Over 30 years in the hotel and hospitality industry. Steve possesses an extensive background in hotel operations, development and management. Before joining SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts in September 2009, he was President and COO of Dolce International. Prior to joining Dolce International, Steve served five years as President and Chief Executive Officer of Newmarket International, the developers of the hospitality industry’s first Windows-based sales automation system.
Robb Walker - Senior Vice President – Operations
With nearly three decades working in the hospitality industry, Robb has enjoyed what many would consider a classic hotel career. After migrating through most of the operational disciplines, Robb rounded out his skills with several General Manager assignments in upscale hotels and resorts across the continent. Prior to joining SilverBirch, Robb held the position of Regional Vice President for Dolce Hotels and Resorts based out of Aspen, Colorado and previously, executive-level assignments with Benchmark Hospitality in California and Hawaii and with Delta Hotels and Resorts throughout Canada.
With nearly three decades working in the hospitality industry, Robb has enjoyed what many would consider a classic hotel career. After migrating through most of the operational disciplines, Robb rounded out his skills with several General Manager assignments in upscale hotels and resorts across the continent. Prior to joining SilverBirch, Robb held the position of Regional Vice President for Dolce Hotels and Resorts based out of Aspen, Colorado and previously, executive-level assignments with Benchmark Hospitality in California and Hawaii and with Delta Hotels and Resorts throughout Canada.
David Philp - Senior Vice President – Investment and Portfolio Management
David started his career in various operational roles with Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Since then, he has worked for numerous hotel and resort development & consulting companies throughout the United States. Prior to joining SilverBirch, David served as Executive Vice President for a private investment firm where he provided oversight for the company’s acquisition and development functions for a collection of boutique hotel properties.
David started his career in various operational roles with Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Since then, he has worked for numerous hotel and resort development & consulting companies throughout the United States. Prior to joining SilverBirch, David served as Executive Vice President for a private investment firm where he provided oversight for the company’s acquisition and development functions for a collection of boutique hotel properties.
Christine Maassen - Senior Vice President – Human Resources
Christine brings a wealth of hospitality and human resources experience to the Silver Birch team. Most recently she served as Vice President of Human Resources for Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, a major gaming and casino operator in Western Canada. Formerly she was Executive Director of Human Resources for the Canadian Tourism Commission. Christine is passionately committed to creating healthy workplaces and to the development of sound organizational leadership and management capacity.
Christine brings a wealth of hospitality and human resources experience to the Silver Birch team. Most recently she served as Vice President of Human Resources for Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, a major gaming and casino operator in Western Canada. Formerly she was Executive Director of Human Resources for the Canadian Tourism Commission. Christine is passionately committed to creating healthy workplaces and to the development of sound organizational leadership and management capacity.
Michael Kreuger - Senior Vice President – Finance and Accounting
A Chartered Accountant (CA) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Michael began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP overseeing major projects across Canada and around the world. Michael joined SilverBirch after serving as the Vice President and Controller of The Forzani Group Ltd.,and was previously the Corporate Controller at Nike Canada Ltd.
A Chartered Accountant (CA) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Michael began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP overseeing major projects across Canada and around the world. Michael joined SilverBirch after serving as the Vice President and Controller of The Forzani Group Ltd.,and was previously the Corporate Controller at Nike Canada Ltd.
Steve Vallevand - Vice President Operations – Eastern Canada
Steve has over 27 years of experience working in premium hotels throughout Canada, as well as overseeing several hotel renovation and repositioning projects. Steve has held management positions with Holiday Inn, Radisson, Crowne Plaza and Ramada brands as well as independent hotels including Banff’s 4 star Rimrock Resort Hotel.
Steve has over 27 years of experience working in premium hotels throughout Canada, as well as overseeing several hotel renovation and repositioning projects. Steve has held management positions with Holiday Inn, Radisson, Crowne Plaza and Ramada brands as well as independent hotels including Banff’s 4 star Rimrock Resort Hotel.
Mark Medland - Vice President Operations – Western Canada
A hospitality veteran, Mark has over 26 years of management experience with various hotel companies in Canada and Europe, including major international brands such as Westin, Radisson and Holiday Inn.
A hospitality veteran, Mark has over 26 years of management experience with various hotel companies in Canada and Europe, including major international brands such as Westin, Radisson and Holiday Inn.
David McQuinn - Vice President – Food & Beverage
25 years in Food & Beverage services with Hilton, Coast Hotels and Sheraton. Certified chef (CCC), former executive chef, corporate chef and Food & Beverage director.
25 years in Food & Beverage services with Hilton, Coast Hotels and Sheraton. Certified chef (CCC), former executive chef, corporate chef and Food & Beverage director.
Walid Salem - Vice President – Information Technology
Walid brings over 17 years of successful design and implementation of web and information technology solutions for numerous national and global organizations including Statistics Canada and most recently the Canadian Tourism Commission.
Walid brings over 17 years of successful design and implementation of web and information technology solutions for numerous national and global organizations including Statistics Canada and most recently the Canadian Tourism Commission.
Brigitte Diem-Guy - Vice President – Sales & Marketing
Brigitte brings over 22 years of broad-based hospitality experience to the SilverBirch Sales & Marketing team. Her strategic approach and dynamic leadership has proven effective in driving results in sales, marketing, product development, operations and the successful re-positioning of hospitality corporations in the global market place.
Brigitte brings over 22 years of broad-based hospitality experience to the SilverBirch Sales & Marketing team. Her strategic approach and dynamic leadership has proven effective in driving results in sales, marketing, product development, operations and the successful re-positioning of hospitality corporations in the global market place.
Jiri Rumlena - Vice President & Corporate Controller
A Chartered Accountant with over 10 years experience. Prior to joining SilverBirch, Jiri spent 8 years with KPMG LLP in Vancouver and Europe providing audit, tax and corporate finance services to clients operating in real estate, hospitality, private equity and financial services industries. Jiri is responsible for financial management and reporting, tax compliance and treasury.
A Chartered Accountant with over 10 years experience. Prior to joining SilverBirch, Jiri spent 8 years with KPMG LLP in Vancouver and Europe providing audit, tax and corporate finance services to clients operating in real estate, hospitality, private equity and financial services industries. Jiri is responsible for financial management and reporting, tax compliance and treasury.
Ryan McRae - Vice President – Real Estate Acquisitions & Development
With 15 years of experience in real estate development and acquisitions, Ryan is a great addition to the SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts team. Ryan joined SilverBirch from Hilton Worldwide. As Development Director with Hilton Worldwide since 2006, Ryan’s real estate development experience included Europe, Africa, US, and Canada.
With 15 years of experience in real estate development and acquisitions, Ryan is a great addition to the SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts team. Ryan joined SilverBirch from Hilton Worldwide. As Development Director with Hilton Worldwide since 2006, Ryan’s real estate development experience included Europe, Africa, US, and Canada.
Scott Calvert - Vice President – Design & Construction
Over the past 30 years, Scott has served in numerous executive and management roles with construction companies and engineering firms based in BC, developing various commercial buildings including hotels, high-rise residential towers, office buildings, warehouse facilities and other commercial real estate. Previously with Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Inc., he was responsible for executing over $400 Million in capital while overseeing all aspects of the planning, development, construction and commissioning of these projects. Scott is also a Professional Engineer.
Over the past 30 years, Scott has served in numerous executive and management roles with construction companies and engineering firms based in BC, developing various commercial buildings including hotels, high-rise residential towers, office buildings, warehouse facilities and other commercial real estate. Previously with Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Inc., he was responsible for executing over $400 Million in capital while overseeing all aspects of the planning, development, construction and commissioning of these projects. Scott is also a Professional Engineer.