CHICAGO, IL. (DECEMBER 17, 2025) – Hyatt Regency Chicago, the Windy City’s largest hotel and a premier urban destination, is pleased to announce two strategic appointments to its executive team. Following the retirement of long-standing General Manager Patrick Donelly, who concludes his 39-year tenure with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Mark Wagner has been named General Manager, and Roberto Alicea has been appointed Hotel Manager. The hotel is excited to elevate these two employees to their new roles, as these seasoned leaders bring a wealth of knowledge to the 2,032-room property overlooking the Chicago River and will lead the hotel into a new era of growth, enhancing the guest experience and driving exceptional revenue success for years to come.
“It is my pleasure to share the promotion of Mark Wagner and Roberto Alicea to elevated leadership roles at Hyatt Regency Chicago,” said Mark Purdue, Managing Director, Field Operations for Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Their extensive experience, proven leadership, and genuine passion for hospitality make them exceptional additions to our team as we approach the final stages of our highly anticipated renovation in Q1 2026. We are confident that their combined expertise and forward-thinking vision will elevate the property’s performance to new heights, further strengthening our position as one of the premier destinations in the Windy City.”
PATRICK DONELLY, FORMER HOTEL MANAGER
After nearly 40 years with Hyatt Hotels Corporation and 20 years at Hyatt Regency Chicago, accomplished hospitality leader Patrick Donelly is retiring. Donelly began his career at Hyatt Regency Chicago, serving as Regional Director of Food & Beverage from 1991 to 1995, and has since held prominent roles in Catering, Convention Services, and Food & Beverage across several Hyatt properties nationwide. Donelly excelled in key leadership positions, including General Manager of Hyatt Regency Knoxville, Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, and Hyatt Regency O’Hare. His extensive operational expertise and proven record of successfully guiding large-scale hotel teams uniquely positioned him to lead Hyatt Regency Chicago. Donelly oversaw all operations and management at Hyatt Regency Chicago, while also driving professional development and mentoring initiatives for its employees.
MARK WAGNER, GENERAL MANAGER
Mark Wagner brings a deep and well-rounded understanding of the hospitality industry to his current role as General Manager, continuing a nearly three-decade career with Hyatt. As General Manager, Wagner will oversee the property’s comprehensive day-to-day operations, including staff management, strategic planning, budgeting, and sales and marketing initiatives, with a primary focus on elevating the visitor experience across the property, which is established as a leading hotel in the competitive Chicago market. Outside of work, Mark contributes to the Chicago hospitality and business community through board service with Choose Chicago, the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, and the Chicago Chamber of Commerce.
ROBERTO ALICEA, HOTEL MANAGER
Roberto Alicea embodies the spirit of growth and opportunity within Hyatt, marking a 33-year career that reflects remarkable talent and mentorship. Discovered through Hyatt’s community outreach program, Alicea began as a cook and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Hyatt’s youngest Executive Chef at 22 and later its youngest Corporate Executive Chef at 29. His leadership in food and beverage operations spanned iconic brands including Hyatt Regency, Park Hyatt, Andaz, and Hyatt Resorts across the U.S., Hawaii, Canada, and the Caribbean. As Hotel Manager, Alicea returns to champion his principles of hospitality, mentorship, and people-first leadership—values deeply rooted in his family and the Hyatt culture.
Please find headshots of Mark Wagner and Roberto Alicea here. For more on Hyatt Regency Chicago and resort updates, please visit HyattRegencyChicago.com
About Hyatt Regency
The Hyatt Regency brand is a global collection of hotels and resorts in more than 200 locations across 40 countries. The depth and breadth of this diverse portfolio, from expansive resorts to urban city centers, is a testament to the brand’s evolutionary spirit. For more than 50 years, the Hyatt Regency brand has championed fresh perspectives and enriching experiences, while its forward-thinking philosophy provides guests with inviting spaces that bring people together and foster a spirit of community. As a hospitality original, Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts are founded on openness—our colleagues consistently serve with open minds and open hearts to deliver unforgettable celebrations, effortless relaxation, and notable culinary experiences alongside expert meetings and technology-enabled collaboration. The brand prides itself on an everlasting reputation for insightful care—one that welcomes all people across all countries and cultures, generation after generation. For more information, please visit hyattregency.com. Follow @HyattRegency on Facebook, Twitter, and Insta
About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of March 31, 2024, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,300 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 78 countries across six continents. The Company’s offering includes brands in the Timeless Collection, including Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove; the Boundless Collection, including Miraval®, Alila®, An
