Maya Jareou and Cathy Gilbert join the 291-key, high-rise Crowne Plaza hotel in downtown Dallas as senior director of sales and associate director of sales, respectively.
DALLAS & SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#CrownePlaza–Universal Hospitality Solutions (UHS) today announced two local leadership hires at Crowne Plaza® Dallas Downtown by IHG, which features 30,000 square feet of event space. Effective October 1, 2025, at the UHS-managed, 291-key, high-rise Crowne Plaza hotel in downtown Dallas, Maya Jareou will lead the hotel’s sales team as senior director of sales, and Cathy Gilbert will serve as associate director of sales. UHS is a hotel development and management company that operates several hotels, representing well-known hotel brands in the United States and international locations. The Scottsdale, Arizona-based company provides complete lifecycle services for hotel owners and investors to maximize their hospitality industry-related returns.
“Maya and Cathy are innovative sales leaders and team builders with significant experience in hospitality, including in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. At Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown, they will work closely with Joe Jennings, who recently joined the hotel as general manager. They represent an impressive leadership team that will strategically collaborate internally and externally to drive revenue through room and event sales and to exceed customer expectations,” said Scott Nadel, CEO of Universal Hospitality Solutions.
Maya Jareou, Senior Director of Sales
Maya Jareou brings 20 years of experience in corporate business development, group sales, global conferences event management, and luxury hospitality to her role as senior director of sales at Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown. Most recently, Jareou served as director of global conferences and client experience at Aspire, a global health and wellness company, where she led multimillion-dollar revenue initiatives and guided globally distributed teams to deliver immersive, brand-aligned experiences. Her DFW market experience also includes serving as senior event and sales manager at The Joule, among other hospitality-related management opportunities. Jareou is an active participant in the DFW chapter of WIPA (Wedding Industry Professionals Association); Southlake Chamber of Commerce; and North Texas CVBs in Dallas, Irving, and Grapevine. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from Örebro University in Sweden and has received professional training and certifications in contract negotiations, executive leadership, advanced sales, and hospitality management.
Cathy Gilbert, Associate Director of Sales
With 24 years of hospitality experience, including 12 years in the DFW market, Cathy Gilbert joins Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown as associate director of sales with a focus on group business, including the SMERF segment (Social, Military, Educational, Religious, and Fraternal groups). Over more than two decades, she has held senior sales roles for leading hotel operators and successfully led multiproperty assignments with extensive meeting space and 199 to 704 guest rooms. Gilbert studied business management at The University of Texas at Arlington, has been recognized as Director of Sales of the Year by one of the largest hotel operators, and received certifications in revenue management and sales.
About Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown
Located at 1015 Elm Street, Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown is a short walk to Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas and over 50 restaurants. The property is near several major employers, local attractions, West End district, American Airlines Center, and Uptown. The hotel is convenient to downtown Dallas public transportation and is approximately seven miles from Dallas Love Field (DAL) and 19 miles from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
Business and leisure guests of Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown will enjoy an inviting environment of beauty in balance that inspires connection and collaboration. A sampling of hotel amenities includes:
- Well-appointed guest rooms/suites with amazing views of downtown Dallas, new luxury bedding, contemporary décor, 55” television, mini refrigerator, desk and ergonomic chair, eco-friendly Apotheke toiletries, and free Wi-Fi access.
- Onsite dining options including Thrive Restaurant for breakfast and dinner featuring a refreshed menu with a global twist, including vegetarian options and kids’ menu; Thrive Round Bar; room service; and The MarketPlace, a convenient, 24/7 spot for purchasing snacks and sundries.
- Fully equipped fitness center, open 24/7.
- Conference center with 30,000 square feet of flexible event space; dedicated Crowne Meetings Director; versatile spaces, including combined 11,273 square feet to accommodate a reception of 1,677 guests; onsite catering; and comprehensive multimedia and audio-visual support.
- Business center, open 24/7.
- Ninth-floor rooftop pool with panoramic views of downtown Dallas skyline.
- Onsite self-service laundry.
- Onsite parking garage and valet service.
Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown participates in IHG One Rewards loyalty program, providing hotel rewards and exclusive member offers. For more information about Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown or to make a reservation, visit the hotel’s website or call (214) 742-5678. For sales and events, please email Maya Jareou or Cathy Gilbert.
About Universal Hospitality Solutions
Scottsdale, Arizona-based Universal Hospitality Solutions provides complete lifecycle services for hotel owners and investors to maximize their hospitality industry-related returns. With over 40 years combined experience developing and managing hotels, UHS’ partners have the deep insight into market conditions, construction, forecasting, sales and marketing, operations, staffing, management, hotel brands, and other areas necessary to maximize the revenue and profitability for any hotel project at any phase in its lifecycle. For hotel owners or operators looking to take their business to the next level through strategic partnerships, please contact UHS.
About Crowne Plaza
As one of the world’s largest premium hotel brands with locations in city, airport, resort and suburban destinations, Crowne Plaza is perfectly placed to meet the needs of today’s guest, whether they are traveling for business, leisure, or a blend of both. For more information, visit www.crowneplaza.com, and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
Contacts
Sheri D. Smith
WiseHive Public Relations LLC for Universal Hospitality Solutions
(214) 454-3969; [email protected]
