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Kristy Howgate
Head of Membership Services at Global Hotel Alliance
Professional Background
Kristy Howgate has built an impressive career in the hospitality and hotel industry, showcasing exceptional skills in membership services, marketing, and customer loyalty. With a wealth of experience spanning over two decades, Kristy's journey has been marked by her commitment to enhancing customer experiences and fostering strong relationships between hospitality brands and their clientele.
Currently, Kristy serves as the Head of Membership Services at Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), a renowned organization that connects a collection of independent hotel brands. In this pivotal role, she leads initiatives that focus on boosting membership benefits and ensuring that GHA's members receive outstanding service and value. Her leadership in membership services is a testament to her ability to understand and meet the diverse needs of global travelers and hotel partners.
Before ascending to her current position, Kristy held various roles at GHA, including Senior Membership Services Director, Membership Services Director, and Membership Services Manager. Each progressive role allowed her to develop a deep understanding of member satisfaction and to implement innovative strategies that enhance service quality. Her contributions have significantly impacted the organization's reputation and success in the competitive hospitality landscape.
Education and Achievements
Kristy's foundational knowledge of marketing and customer engagement was cultivated earlier in her career, serving in key positions at industry-leading brands. Before her tenure at Global Hotel Alliance, Kristy worked with Accor, a global hospitality leader, where she excelled as a Brand Manager for Accor Plus, and an Assistant Marketing Manager. Her experience at Accor provided her with invaluable insights into brand management and customer loyalty strategies.
In addition to her roles at Accor, Kristy also worked at Mirvac Hotels & Resorts. Here, she honed her marketing skills while serving as the Marketing Programs and Customer Loyalty Manager, and as the Executive Assistant to the CEO and Director of Operations, solidifying her understanding of the operational aspects of hospitality that intertwine with effective marketing strategies.
Additional Roles and Industry Impact
Beyond her extensive experience with GHA and Accor, Kristy’s career includes various positions that have allowed her to touch multiple aspects of the hospitality sector. At Mirvac, she began as a Sales & Marketing Assistant, later taking on more responsibilities, refining her expertise in marketing communications and operational support. She has also gained substantial hands-on experience as a Leisure Travel Consultant and as an Online Operations Coordinator within Pro Dive, where her efforts significantly contributed to improving customer interactions and online presence.
Kristy’s diverse background across different facets of hospitality has equipped her with a holistic view of the industry, enabling her to identify essential trends and emerging opportunities effectively. Over the years, she has developed a robust professional network, cultivating relationships that foster collaboration and business opportunities across various sectors.
Notable Skills and Contributions
Kristy Howgate is known for her exceptional ability to bridge the gap between operational strategies and customer-facing initiatives. She excels in developing loyalty programs that resonate with customers and align with brand values. Her holistic approach to membership services emphasizes the importance of member satisfaction and retention in driving business success.
Kristy’s dedication to professional growth and continuous learning reflects her strong work ethic and passion for the hospitality industry. Her commitment extends beyond individual achievements; she actively seeks opportunities to mentor and guide aspiring professionals within the sector, a testament to her desire to uplift the industry as a whole.
In summary, Kristy Howgate embodies the essence of a hospitality leader—passionate, dedicated, and innovative. Her extensive background in membership services, marketing, and customer loyalty within esteemed organizations continues to shape her approach to leadership in the industry. As she continues to drive initiatives at Global Hotel Alliance, Kristy's influence will undoubtedly resonate, bringing enhanced value to members and partners alike.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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