OUR TEAM
Jiri Rumlena
President
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Jeff Li
Chief Operating Officer, Ownership Representative
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Giri Rajamahendran
Senior Vice President – Human Capital
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Sophia Sun
Vice President – Chinese Investor Relations
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Anita Wong
Vice President – Finance
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Michael O’Young
Vice President – Real
Estate and Investment
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Hippo Wu
Vice President – Administration and Assistant to Board
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Lin Zou
Vice President – Asset Management
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Sean Doucet
Senior Director – Operations
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Jennifer Chu
Director – Finance
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Rob Fontaine
Director – Financial
Systems and Data
Analytics
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Rahul Guglani
Director – Revenue Management
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Karan Khanna
Director – Revenue Management
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Andrew Nasedkin
Director – Project Management
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Raffy Pampolina
Director – Operations Finance
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Ian Russell
Director – Information Technology
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Gary Sidhu
Director – Capital Planning & Engineering
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Melissa Sydor
Director – Talent Management
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![JIRI RUMLENA](http://stage.silverbirchhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SB-JIRI-RUMLENA.jpg)
JIRI RUMLENA
PRESIDENT
Mr. Rumlena was named President of SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts in 2021. He previously held the role of Chief Financial Officer from February 2017 and prior to that served in senior finance roles with SilverBirch and bcIMC Hospitality Group since January 2009. Mr. Rumlena has substantial real estate and hospitality experience having worked in the industry for over 20 years. Mr. Rumlena started his career with KPMG LLP where he provided audit, tax and corporate finance services to clients operating in real estate, hospitality, private equity and financial services industries. Mr. Rumlena is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University.
![JEFF LI](http://stage.silverbirchhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Jeff.jpg)
JEFF LI
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, OWNERSHIP REPRESENTATIVE
Mr. Li was appointed as Chief Operating Officer, Ownership Representative in 2019 Mr. Li has over 30 years of experience in financial services and has held various senior and executive positions at China Construction Bank and Sinatay Life Insurance where he focused on developing operational strategies and led the company in introducing multiple innovative products and services. Mr. Li holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the Jilin University of Finance and Economics and a Master’s degree in International Economics from Jilin University. He also holds an eMBA in Finance and Economics from the University of Illinois in Chicago.
![GIRI RAJAMAHENDRAN](http://stage.silverbirchhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/sb-giri.jpg)
GIRI RAJAMAHENDRAN
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT – HUMAN CAPITAL
Mr. Rajamahendran is a strategic human capital leader with over 20 years of experience driving key business results through collaborative development and management of the human capital function. Giri is adept at leading the full human capital function, including strategy development, organizational governance, talent management, total rewards, organizational design, change management and payroll. He has consulted in a variety of small and medium sized organizations within the hospitality, gaming, banking, real estate and life sciences industries and he began his career with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia.
![SOPHIA SUN](http://stage.silverbirchhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Sophia.jpg)
SOPHIA SUN
VICE PRESIDENT – CHINESE INVESTOR RELATIONS
Ms. Sun was appointed as Vice President of Chinese Investor Relations in November 2019. In her role she is instrumental in developing and maintaining investor relations and in financial governance. Prior to joining SilverBirch, Ms. Sun has worked in the area of finance and accounting for ten years, including being a Vice President at Beijing Huarongxinda Investment Management Co. where she developed sustainable investor relationships.
![ANITA WONG](http://stage.silverbirchhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/anita-wong.jpg)
ANITA WONG
VICE PRESIDENT – FINANCE
Ms. Wong was appointed to the position of Vice President of Finance in June 2021. In her role she is responsible for the organization’s finance function including financial reporting, taxation, treasury & financing, risk management and accounting. Anita is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over ten years of finance, tax and accounting experience and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia. Before joining SilverBirch in 2015, Anita worked as a senior manager at Smythe LLP, a Vancouver based mid-sized accounting firm, where she provided audit, tax and business advisory services to a variety of public and private companies.
![MICHAEL O’YOUNG](http://stage.silverbirchhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Michael-OYoung-Edited.jpg)
MICHAEL O’YOUNG
VICE PRESIDENT – REAL ESTATE AND INVESTMENT
Mr. O’Young was appointed as Vice President of Real Estate and Investment in 2021. With over 20 years of global experience in multiple asset classes, Mr. O’Young spent over a decade with Marriott leading teams in corporate finance, real estate finance, integration, data science, brand, IT and operations. Mr. O’Young is a Registered Architect in Massachusetts, LEED AP and PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP). He holds a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a MBA from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Fine Arts, with a concentration in Art History from the Rhode Island School of Design.
![HIPPO WU](http://stage.silverbirchhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Hippo-Wu-1.jpg)
HIPPO WU
VICE PRESIDENT – ADMINISTRATION AND ASSISTANT TO BOARD
Mr. Wu was named Vice President of Administration and Assistant to Board in 2021. He previously held the role of Director of Administration and Assistant to Board from 2018 and prior to that served in Executive roles with Everland Group and Leadon International Investments since 2012. Mr. Wu started his career with ProMOS Technologies where the very first 12” semiconductor (DRAM) production line in Taiwan was developed and successfully secured five world-class patents within the high-tech field. Mr. Wu has over 20 years of experience in various industries focused on substantial engineering, resources integration solutions to clients in investments, semiconductor, solar cell, TFT LCD and LED related field, as well as project and administration management. Mr. Wu holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Kaohsiung Polytechnic Institute (I-Shou University).
![LIN ZOU](http://stage.silverbirchhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Pinglin-Edited.jpg)
LIN ZOU
VICE PRESIDENT – ASSET MANAGEMENT
Mr. Zou was appointed as Vice President of Asset Management in 2018. Mr. Zou has over 10 years of experience in various General Manager positions in Asia, North America, and Europe where he led private equity firms with investments, supervised on-site project managements, and performed financial and due diligence reports for investors and shareholders. Mr. Zou is also recognized for his ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate challenging projects to shareholders.
![SEAN DOUCET](http://stage.silverbirchhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Sean-Doucet-Edited.jpg)
SEAN DOUCET
SENIOR DIRECTOR – OPERATIONS
Mr. Doucet was appointed as Senior Director of Operations in 2021. Mr. Doucet is a passionate hospitality professional with over 30 years of experience. He started his career as a Certified Executive Chef, and he is also a Certified Sommelier and a Certified Hotel General Manager. He spent his early years in Boston, Massachusetts in the position of Certified Executive Chef for the World Trade Center Boston and Seaport Hotel with Fidelity Investments. Mr. Doucet’s return to Canada had him focus on an Executive Chef role for two Delta hotels, progressing into Director of Operations to Hotel General Manager and to the position he holds today.
![JENNIFER CHU](http://stage.silverbirchhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Jennifer-Chu_0.jpg)
JENNIFER CHU
DIRECTOR – FINANCE
Jennifer is a Chartered Professional Accountant with almost ten years of accounting experience and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia. Jennifer started her career with Smythe LLP where she provided audit and tax services to clients operating in the private and non-profit sector. She then transitioned over to KPMG LLP where she provided auditing services to clients in the Technology, Media and Telecom industry. In her role, her main focus is the organization’s corporate finance function including financial reporting, taxation, treasury & financing, and accounting.
![ROB FONTAINE](http://stage.silverbirchhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/rob-fontaine.jpg)
ROB FONTAINE
DIRECTOR – FINANCIAL SYSTEMS AND DATA ANALYTICS
For the past two decades Rob has worked with various ERP systems and business applications in roles that span across accounting, financial analysis, business analysis, and consulting. Rob joined SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts in 2014 and is responsible for ERP system administration, application development, user support, data management, and internal reporting. He is focused on leveraging data and technology to support the organization’s objective to be one of Canada’s leading hotel owners and managers. Prior to joining SilverBirch, Rob worked at several Vancouver-based companies including QLT Inc. and Sierra Wireless, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of British Columbia.
![RAHUL GUGLANI](http://stage.silverbirchhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/rahul-guglani-silverbirch.jpg)
RAHUL GUGLANI
DIRECTOR – REVENUE MANAGEMENT
A progressive revenue manager with more than a decade of experience in hotel management and the travel industry, Rahul specializes in revenue management, financial reporting, forecasting and trend analysis for hotels operating under major franchise brands including; Marriott, Radisson and Delta.
![KARAN KHANNA](http://stage.silverbirchhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SB-Karan-Khanna-Edited.jpg)
KARAN KHANNA
DIRECTOR – REVENUE MANAGEMENT
Starting his career more than 10 years ago, in London, England, Karan has worked with multiple hotel brands including Delta and Radisson in operations and revenue management roles. As Director, Revenue Management, he is responsible for developing and implementing revenue management strategies for SilverBirch’s hotel portfolio.
![ANDREW NASEDKIN](http://stage.silverbirchhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/image001-1.jpg)
ANDREW NASEDKIN
DIRECTOR – PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Andrew has over 25 years of commercial construction experience across North America in a variety of industries. As the Director, Project Management, Andrew leads major hotel renovations from inception to completion. He has managed large scale projects for companies such as Ledcor and has worked in several hospitality Project Management and Operations roles. Prior to joining SilverBirch, Andrew was responsible for the management of all North American construction at Lululemon.
![RAFFY PAMPOLINA](http://stage.silverbirchhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/image001-1.png)
RAFFY PAMPOLINA
DIRECTOR – OPERATIONS FINANCE
Raffy has over 25 years of experience in the service and hospitality industry holding leadership positions at a number of hotel and service groups such as the Hilton, HMSHost, Shangri-La and Marriott and this has taken him to Hong Kong, Jakarta, Manila and the Caribbean. As the Director, Operations Finance, Raffy is responsible for monitoring and tracking the operational/financial performance of SilverBirch’s hotel portfolio.
![IAN RUSSELL](http://stage.silverbirchhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ian-russell.jpg)
IAN RUSSELL
DIRECTOR – INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
As an IT leader with over 30 years of industry experience, Ian possesses strong technical, leadership and project management skills. Ian is responsible for implementing secure and highly available technologies; manages IT risk and governance; and leads a team of highly skilled IT professionals.
![GARY SIDHU](http://stage.silverbirchhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Gary-Sidhu-Edited-1.jpg)
GARY SIDHU
DIRECTOR – CAPITAL PLANNING & ENGINEERING
Gary has accumulated experience, knowledge and skills from a wide variety of disciplines including self employed homebuilder, food service owner and various hotel management roles with Fairmont Waterfront. Gary has studied within the sciences and real estate fields of education. For over the last decade with SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts, Gary has been developing and executing CapEx projects, managing the capital planning process and providing support and resources to hotel maintenance managers.
![MELISSA SYDOR](http://stage.silverbirchhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Melissa-Sydor-Edited.jpg)
MELISSA SYDOR
DIRECTOR – TALENT MANAGEMENT
Offering over 10 years of Human Capital experience, Melissa holds a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation and she has held various roles within the SilverBirch Human Capital team. She has experience working both at the hotel and corporate level and she was a part of the team that implemented a new payroll system (Avanti) as part of Project Fusion.