Enlightened Hospitality Group 

My Experience at EHGRP (Enlightened Hospitality Group)

During my tenure at EHGRP (Enlightened Hospitality Group), I had the opportunity to play a significant role in transforming the company’s marketing efforts, just before it was acquired by Hakkasan Group in early 2014. EHGRP was renowned for its high-end dining experiences, celebrity-driven nightlife, and innovative events, and my role as Marketing Director allowed me to drive both digital and experiential marketing strategies that positioned the brand as a leader in the hospitality industry.

Building a Digital-First Marketing Strategy

One of my primary focuses at EHGRP was expanding the company’s digital presence to attract a broader audience. I was responsible for managing a six figure monthly marketing, entertainment, and media budget, overseeing all advertising efforts, both traditional and digital. Under my leadership, we completely revamped the company’s website, optimizing it for user experience and significantly increasing online engagement. This resulted in a substantial boost in online ticket sales, guest list sign-ups, and VIP bottle service inquiries.

With a clear understanding of the shift towards digital marketing, I led social media expansion efforts, increasing the company’s social network footprint by 40,000 followers across key platforms. This growth was fueled by targeted content strategies, influencer partnerships, and integrated marketing campaigns that connected the luxury dining and nightlife experience to our online audience.

Celebrity Events and Talent Management

A large part of EHGRP’s success was its ability to host high-profile, celebrity-driven events. I was responsible for booking and advancing all entertainment and talent for these events, working closely with agents, managers, and media to ensure seamless execution. From celebrity chef dinners to high-energy nightlife events featuring renowned DJs, I led the promotional efforts that solidified EHGRP’s reputation as a top-tier destination for celebrities and high-profile guests.

Event Marketing & Strategic Planning

At EHGRP, I took pride in creating a long-term event marketing strategy that could be replicated across all venues. I introduced a rolling 60-day content calendar, which allowed us to plan and execute promotional efforts well in advance, ensuring strategic alignment across all departments. This planning enabled more effective communication between operations, marketing, and event teams, allowing us to consistently deliver exceptional events.

My marketing approach focused on experiential marketing, creating immersive experiences that extended beyond the venue. By integrating both dining and nightlife offerings, we provided a holistic lifestyle experience for guests, elevating EHGRP’s brand in the competitive hospitality landscape.

Driving Brand Recognition and Revenue Growth

The marketing initiatives I led resulted in significant growth in brand recognition, customer loyalty, and revenue. I worked closely with PR agencies and oversaw web advertising campaigns, which increased EHGRP’s visibility in San Diego’s hospitality scene. Through our efforts, foot traffic grew, social media engagement soared, and customer satisfaction hit new highs.

Collaborating for Success

Collaboration was critical at EHGRP. I worked alongside chefs, restaurant managers, and digital marketing agencies to execute cohesive marketing strategies. This teamwork enabled us to create integrated campaigns that amplified the brand’s message, whether promoting an exclusive dining experience or a large-scale nightlife event.

A New Chapter with Hakkasan Group

In early 2014, EHGRP was acquired by Hakkasan Group, marking a new chapter for the brand. During the acquisition, I continued to manage EHGRP’s marketing initiatives while ensuring a smooth transition into the Hakkasan family. This acquisition only further solidified the brand’s global reputation, and I am proud to have played a key role in its growth leading up to and during this period.