Robert Philips

The founder of Paine Lake, Robert Philips brings clients the heart and soul of his experience building successful enterprises. He believes in listening to clients to understand their needs, and provides thoughtful solutions to each business situation.

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Global Hospitality & Fundraising Experience at Oakwood

In ascending roles at serviced apartment leader Oakwood, he helped the group expand and managed more than twenty pre-openings in North America (New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta); Asia (Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Manila, Yangon, Jakarta, Beijing and Guangzhou); and Europe (London).

 

Philips was promoted to the International team, managing marketing and development as the group pursued a regional joint venture investment partner in Asia. Ultimately, the group achieved three bids, from GIC (Singapore Sovereign Wealth), Itochu (Japan) and Lend Lease (Australia). He also was on the team that created the Oakwood Premier luxury brand of serviced apartments.

 

Later, he served as Director of International Communications for Oakwood, guiding the firm’s public relations, online content and crisis communications from company headquarters in Los Angeles.

 

Philips was moved to Singapore to serve as (Regional) Director of Sales & Marketing for Oakwood Asia Pacific. He helped guide his 15-property portfolio to exceed their annual budget; and assisted with the due diligence for several of the properties to be sold, delivering exceptional ROI to the original property developers and owners. He also served on the Board of Directors of Oakwood Japan K.K., a joint venture formed between Mitsui Fudosan and Oakwood.

 

Sales, Marketing & Revenue Leadership at Hilton

As Director of Business Development for Hilton, he supervised the commercial team in sales, marketing, revenue and distribution. His assignment was at the legacy Hilton Guam property, replete with 646 rooms, six restaurants, two wedding chapels and six banquet rooms. Collectively during Philips' tenure, the team grew annual revenue from $29 million to $44 million, and elevated Owner profit 120%. Clients included the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, Expedia, Northrup Grumman, L’Oreal; leisure travel specialists JTB, H.IS. and Hana Tour; and Oscar-winning filmmaker James Cameron.

 

Brand Innovation at Banyan Tree

As Director of Sales & Marketing for Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, he launched the first Cassia hotel-apartment in Phuket, Thailand. The new brand targeted a younger generation was a pivot from Banyan Tree, whose reputation was previously was only elegant, natural luxury resorts. Cassia exceeded its budget and welcomed a new segment of customers who chose to, “Be Cool with Cassia.”

 

World of Client Service

As Vice President for Japan-based Eastedge Partners, Philips helped the firm earn hotel management contracts in the Philippines and supported the development of a new hospitality concept named The Ryokan.

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In a second engagement with Oakwood in Los Angeles, he directed the marketing for the firm’s multifamily portfolio in the U.S., including building new websites and relaunching social media marketing for each property.

 

At consulting firm JP Associates, Philips managed urban development projects for the City of Rochester. Working with a neighborhood committee. he helped create the East End, a collective of restaurants, theatres and residential living surrounding the iconic Eastman Theatre. The group started the East End Nightlife Festival, and began drawing more than 25,000 a night to the district. Over the past 30 years, the East End has become the vibrant hub of downtown for nightlife and living.

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Philips is a graduate of Hobart College with a Bachelors' degree in English.