Omni San Diego Hotel Chef Concierge Robert Marks elected 2nd Vice President of Les Clefs d'Or UICH Executive Committee

Veteran Hospitality Leader Becomes the Only U.S.-Based Member of Prestigious Global Committee, Advocating for Human-Centered Service in A Tech-Driven Era

San Diego, CA (May 14, 2025) - Omni San Diego Hotel is proud to announce Robert Marks, longtime Chef Concierge and hospitality industry veteran, has been elected 2nd Vice President of the Les Clefs d'Or Union Internationale des Concierges d'Hôtels Executive Committee, a global leadership body representing the highest echelon of hotel concierges worldwide. His election was confirmed during the organization's Annual Congress in Madrid, following a highly competitive process that included candidates from three other nations. A respected voice with more than 38 years of experience, Marks represents a powerful counterpoint in today's evolving travel landscape, affirming the enduring value of personalized, human-to-human guest care in luxury hospitality. With this new appointment, he also becomes the only U.S.-based member currently serving on the Executive Committee. Marks previously served as 3rd Vice President-becoming the first male American to hold the role-and has now been elevated to 2nd Vice President, a testament to his enduring leadership and passion for excellence in the hospitality industry. His election marks a milestone not only for the Omni brand but also for the broader American concierge community, highlighting the global relevance of U.S. hospitality professionals.

"To me, being a concierge is one of the most rewarding forms of public service-built on dedication, knowledge, and a genuine passion for creating meaningful moments for others," said Marks. "In this new role, I look forward to championing the next generation of concierges, while continuing to promote the enduring power of personalized service in a world that increasingly needs genuine human connection."

A dedicated member of Les Clefs d'Or for over 25 years, Marks has also served eight terms on the Board of Directors for Les Clefs d'Or USA, including roles as President and President Emeritus, further cementing his legacy as a national and international leader in hospitality. With a Certified Hotel Concierge designation from the International School of Hospitality and a longstanding membership with Les Clefs d'Or USA, Marks has built his career on the belief that concierge service is one of the most meaningful forms of guest engagement, delivering not only elevated guest satisfaction but also contributing to the overall success of the hotels they serve. As part of his responsibilities, Marks will oversee seven international zones and lead educational programming at future Les Clefs d'Or Congresses, supporting the next generation of concierges and advancing global awareness of the profession's value as a meaningful, long-term career.

An Omni San Diego Hotel charter member since its opening in the city's Gaslamp Quarter in 2004, Marks has spent more than two decades elevating guest experiences and cultivating lifelong relationships with returning visitors. Throughout his tenure, he has remained a passionate advocate for personalized service-an approach consistently championed by Omni Hotels & Resorts, which continues to prioritize personalized human-centered hospitality even as much of the industry shifts toward a technology-driven model. Known for his thoughtful service and authentic connection with guests, Marks has helped establish the hotel as a standout in the luxury hospitality space at a time when many hotels have deprioritized traditional concierge roles. Today, Omni San Diego Hotel, the AAA Four Diamond award-winning property, is celebrated for delivering warm, high-touch service paired with elevated design and thoughtful amenities. Following a comprehensive top-to-bottom renovation which debuted in June 2024, the hotel now features refreshed guest rooms and suites, a reimagined rooftop pool deck, and three new dining concepts, including the rooftop Baja-inspired Tortuga Pool Bar & Terrace and street-level restaurant and bar, Ace Porter, all of which reflect the city's vibrant, coastal-meets-urban spirit. With exclusive skybridge access to Petco Park and panoramic views of San Diego Bay, Omni San Diego Hotel continues to define the modern downtown getaway experience.

To learn more about Omni San Diego Hotel, please visit www.omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego or follow along on Instagram at @omnisandiego. For more information about Les Clefs d'Or, please visit www.lesclefsdor.org.

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About Omni San Diego Hotel
Nestled in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, the Omni San Diego Hotel is a AAA Four Diamond award-winning destination offering an urban retreat within the bustling downtown district. The newly renovated property boasts 511 refreshed and modern guestrooms with stunning views of San Diego Bay and skyline, three innovative dining outlets, a reimagined poolside experience, a Skybridge to Petco Park, and 32,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space. Omni San Diego Hotel uniquely blends upscale amenities with the vibrant local culture to immerse travelers in the spirit of San Diego.

About The Les Clefs d'Or Executive Committee

Les Clefs d'Or is a not-for-profit organization made up of professional hotel Concierges. The Concierge members of this Organization are principally dedicated to the promotion and facilitation of travel and tourism. Les Clefs d'Or members are continuously seeking out innovations and advancements in the travel and tourism industry, focusing particularly on the area of hotel Concierge services, while always respecting the history and traditions of the hotel Concierge profession. Each of the active members of Les Clefs d'Or is currently employed in the lobby of a hotel in good standing. All leaders of the Association are elected from among the general active membership.