Top Marriott execs, Deloitte; Oriental CEO named to FHLBNY – News is My Business

Appointments were made to management positions in the hotel, tax services and banking sectors.

This edition of Climbing the Corporate Ladder highlights two senior executive appointments in the hotel and tax services industries, as well as the nomination of the CEO of Oriental Bank to the board of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York.

Marriott Names General Manager for Puerto Rico, Ritz-Carlton San Juan
Marriott International announced appointment Sam Basu has been named the new general manager of the Puerto Rico region and general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan, which is set to reopen next year after being closed following Hurricane Maria in September 2017.

With more than two decades of experience in luxury hospitality across the United States, Central America and Puerto Rico, Basu will oversee Marriott’s portfolio on the island, liaise with franchise partners, foster relationships with local officials and spearhead the highly anticipated reopening of The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan in 2025.

“Sam has a proven track record of leadership, driving revenue and profit growth, achieving industry-leading customer satisfaction, building relationships with owners and driving the highest levels of employee engagement,” said Hugo Desenzani, Managing Director, Luxury Hotels, Marriott International, Caribbean and Latin America.

“We are confident that his leadership in these areas will be a tremendous asset to this important market and hotel, and will help us continue to succeed and grow in the competitive luxury market,” Desenzani said.

No stranger to Puerto Rico, Basu previously held management positions at The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan for 10 years, including assistant manager of rooms and F&B. He also held management positions at Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino and The St. Regis Bahía Beach Resort.

Most recently, he served as opening general manager for the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa in Florida, where he led his team to the property’s 2022 Eastern Region Luxury Hotel of the Year honor.

“I am pleased to return to The Ritz-Carlton brand and the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, where I have fond memories,” said Basu. “The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan is a long-awaited addition to the market, and my commitment is to deliver the brand’s exceptional service in a destination that truly stands out.”

Deloitte names San Juan managing partner
Harry Márquez has been appointed managing partner of Deloitte & Touche LLP in San Juan, replacing Marc Bjorkman, who has held the position for the past seven years and who will join Deloitte Chile.

The San Juan firm employs over 130 professionals providing audit, quality assurance, consulting, tax, risk management and financial services.

Márquez will lead market strategy for growth, business development, social impact and other strategic initiatives. He will also continue to serve as tax leader for Puerto Rico and serve a select number of clients.

“It is an honor to be named partner in charge of Deloitte’s San Juan practice,” said Márquez. “I recognize the tremendous responsibility and opportunity this represents, and I am committed to taking our San Juan practice to new heights and continuing Deloitte’s outstanding work.”

Currently a partner at Deloitte Tax LLP, Márquez has over 23 years of experience in public accounting. He specializes in providing tax and advisory services to clients in areas such as corporate structure and reorganizations, tax incentives, intercompany allocations, indirect taxes and expatriate taxation.

He also served for two years as Deputy Secretary of the Internal Revenue Service and Chief Technical Advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury of Puerto Rico.

“Harry’s visionary leadership and extensive professional experience position him well to lead our San Juan practice,” said Roger G. Arrieux Jr., Eastern Market Leader and New York Managing Partner of Deloitte LLP. “His proven track record and strategic approach are expected to be instrumental in our continued growth and success in Puerto Rico.”

Márquez’s leadership extends beyond his professional commitments. He is known for his active involvement in the community, including participating in the Puerto Rico CPA State Society as a board member, chairing tax committees, and sponsoring annual charitable events.

Márquez earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. He is a CPA and a member of the American Institute of CPAs.

Oriental CEO Appointed to FHLBNY Board
José Rafael Fernández, CEO of Oriental, has been named a new member of the board of directors of Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY). Fernández will fill one of three available directorships, representing Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“It is an honor to represent Puerto Rico and the USVI as a member of the FHLBNY Board of Directors. This appointment is a recognition of my trajectory and leadership as a Puerto Rican banker,” said Fernández. “I am excited and committed to continuing our work to advance the progress and prosperity of all Puerto Ricans and USVI residents, bringing a perspective on the needs of our communities. I appreciate this opportunity.”

Fernández’s term will last until December 31, 2025.