Chris Cigna
About Chris Cigna
Chris Cigna serves as the Vice President of Sales at Groups360, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience in the hospitality industry, particularly in group and convention sales. His previous roles include executive positions at notable venues such as The Mirage and Gaylord Opryland Resort.
Current Role at Groups360
Chris Cigna serves as the Vice President of Sales at Groups360, a position he has held since 2020. In this role, he focuses on enhancing sales strategies and driving growth within the organization. His work is centered around the development and promotion of GroupSync, a platform designed to assist meeting planners and hoteliers through proprietary matching algorithms and data-driven insights. Cigna's leadership contributes to the platform's effectiveness in placing events at suitable venues, optimizing the planning process for clients.
Previous Experience in Hospitality Sales
Cigna has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, primarily within the group and convention segment. He has held various leadership positions, including Executive Director of Sales at The Mirage from 2017 to 2020 and at Excalibur Hotel & Casino from 2016 to 2017. His tenure at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center spanned several roles, including Director of Regional Sales and Director of National Accounts, where he developed expertise in sales strategies and client management.
Educational Background
Chris Cigna studied at Penn State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management from 1993 to 1998. Additionally, he attended Inter-American University of Puerto Rico-San Germán Campus, where he studied Spanish Language for 11 months in 1997. His educational background supports his extensive career in the hospitality sector.
Specializations and Skills
Cigna specializes in several key areas within the hospitality industry, including data analytics, channel management, revenue management, catering, convention space management, and property operations. His skills enable him to effectively lead sales initiatives and contribute to the strategic direction of Groups360. His expertise in these areas has been instrumental in optimizing the planning and execution of events.
Leadership and Impact
Throughout his career, Chris Cigna has demonstrated strong leadership capabilities in the hospitality industry. He has been instrumental in helping GroupSync successfully place thousands of events at appropriate venues, which has resulted in significant time and cost savings for planners. His contributions reflect a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and client satisfaction within the sector.