Faces of Hospitality: July Spotlight
We are pleased to introduce our Faces of Hospitality spotlights for July— we continue to celebrate the dedicated individuals who bring Toronto’s hotel industry to life. From inspiring career journeys to everyday moments of connection, each story reminds us why hospitality is such a powerful and meaningful industry.
Here’s a look at the incredible people we are pleased to feature this month:
Meet Kayode George — Shangri-La Toronto
For Kayode George, hospitality is all about people. Since joining Shangri-La Toronto, he’s found purpose not only in serving guests but also in strengthening the connection between the hotel and the broader community.
“What I love most about working in hospitality is the opportunity to serve people,” Kayode shares. “The skills I’ve gained in understanding and supporting others have helped me not just at work, but in all areas of my life.”
One of his proudest accomplishments came in 2018, when he initiated a toy drive for the Parkdale Community Centre’s Annual Christmas Party — a now-beloved tradition at the hotel. “We donated over 250 toys that year,” he says. “The enthusiastic support from leadership and staff showed me how much of an impact we could have beyond our walls.”
That same drive to give back has led to other initiatives, like collecting hygiene products and room blankets for donations. Through every effort, Kayode exemplifies the Shangri-La value of heartfelt hospitality — extended to the entire city.
Meet Selina Leon – Ace Hotel Toronto
Selina Leon is the Front Office Manager at Ace Hotel Toronto — and someone whose passion and leadership helped shape the guest experience from day one.
She’s been with the hotel since its opening and has played a major role in developing the vibrant, creative, and welcoming environment that defines the property today. “What I love about hospitality, especially here at Ace, is the energy, the creativity, and the people,” she says. “Every day, I get to connect with guests from all walks of life. I love the challenge of anticipating what someone needs before they even ask.”
For Selina, hospitality is deeply personal. “There’s something incredibly fulfilling about watching a guest leave with a smile, knowing we played a part in that. It’s about authentic connection and creating a space that reflects the sol of the city — welcoming, warm, and full of character.”
One of the most rewarding milestones in her career? Helping build the front office from the ground up and seeing it flourish. “Being part of the opening team — shaping the culture and watching our team grow into a tight-knit, high-performing unit — has been incredibly fulfilling.”
Meet Rose Laylor-Brown – One King West Hotel & Residence
With a career spanning decades and cities, Rose Laylor-Brown brings a wealth of experience — and unforgettable stories — to her role at One King West.
“What I love most about hospitality is the opportunity to create memorable experiences,” she says, pointing to her time during the Toronto International Film Festival in the 1990s as a career highlight. “I had the privilege of welcoming actors and actresses, ensuring a seamless arrival for VIP guests, and collecting unforgettable memories each year.”
At One King West, Rose finds her greatest reward in the team she works with. “It’s a privilege to work alongside colleagues who collaborate so seamlessly. Compared to my earlier supervisory roles at Sutton Place in Toronto, Vancouver, and Chicago, the supportive environment here has made for a more fulfilling and less stressful experience.”
These stories reflect just a small sample of the passion, dedication, and heart that define hospitality across the GTHA. Stay tuned for more Faces of Hospitality next month — and thank you to Kayode, Selina, and Rose for sharing your journeys with us.
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