Wild Dunes Resort expands leadership team with new Directors of Marketing and Operations – Food & Beverage

Nestled on the northern tip of Island of Palms, Wild Dunes Resort has announced the appointment of Jennifer El Khessassi as Director of Marketing and Jonathan Rosenthal as Director of Operations – Food & Beverage.

In their respective roles, Jennifer will drive dynamic marketing and communication initiatives across the sprawling 1,600-acre oceanfront resort, overseeing the three hospitality establishments, including the Sweetgrass Inn, Boardwalk Inn, and Residences at Sweetgrass. Meanwhile, Jonathan will oversee food and beverage operations across 14 distinctive dining venues at the property, focusing on innovation, elevating guest experiences, and ensuring exceptional operational standards.

“Jennifer and Jonathan bring proven track records in hospitality, strong leadership, and a clear vision for enhancing guest experiences,” said Terri A. Haack, managing director of Wild Dunes Resort. “Their expertise will be a valuable asset as we focus on elevating service and driving continued growth. We’re excited to have them on board.”

Jennifer El Khessassi, Director of Marketing

Jennifer brings more than a decade of luxury hospitality marketing experience, with a strong record of driving brand growth, revenue, and guest engagement. Most recently as Director of Marketing at Nemacolin, she was part of a dynamic team of leaders that drove 22 consecutive months of record-breaking revenue. Her marketing strategies led to a 25% increase in revenue and a 43% growth in social media presence. Prior to that, she spent nearly nine years with Barceló Hotel Group, where she oversaw marketing for 42 hotels across 10 countries in the U.S. market, successfully executing multi-million-dollar campaigns and brand launches. Jennifer holds a master’s degree in international hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Tennessee Technological University. Outside of work, she’s a dog enthusiast who loves traveling with her husband, Badr, in search of great food and new culinary experiences.

Jonathan Rosenthal, Director of Operations – Food & Beverage

Jonathan brings over 20 years of leadership experience in luxury hotels, resorts, and upscale restaurants, with deep expertise in food and beverage management, guest experience, and financial performance. Before joining Wild Dunes, he held a dual role with Miraval Resorts (Hyatt Corporate), serving as the Regional Culinary and Beverage Experience Architect for 3 Miraval properties, while simultaneously acting as the Director of Food & Beverage for Miraval Arizona. In these roles, he successfully enhanced operations, elevated guest satisfaction, and drove revenue growth. His background includes leadership roles at several Hyatt properties and high-profile restaurants, including Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. Originally from Massachusetts, he’s a devoted family man, passionate Red Sox fan, movie buff, and occasional backyard pizza stand entrepreneur.

About Wild Dunes Resort

Located just 30 minutes from the historic charm of downtown Charleston, Wild Dunes Resort spans 1,600 acres of oceanfront paradise along the Atlantic coast. The resort offers a range of accommodations, including the coastal-modern Sweetgrass Inn, the timeless Boardwalk Inn, and spacious guestrooms, suites, and penthouses at the Residences at Sweetgrass. Guests can enjoy 36 holes of Tom Fazio-designed championship golf year-round, internationally ranked tennis courts, bike rentals, a world-class spa, an on-site art gallery, multiple pools, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Wild Dunes Resort provides an ideal getaway for families, couples, and groups, with something to delight every guest.

For more information, visit www.wilddunesresort.com or visit Wild Dunes Resort online on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.