Promoting from Within: Axell Kelly

Axell Kelly’s career path at M&R is one more example of the company’s policy of recognizing associates’ hard work and initiative. Axell was part of the pre-opening team at the Fairfield by Marriott New York Manhattan/Central Park in 2016, serving as night auditor before being promoted to guest service agent and then to sales coordinator. 

Given his interests and skill set, Axell says he was best suited to sales. This spring, he was given another opportunity to grow his career at M&R when he was promoted to area director of sales in Long Island City. 

Axell’s focus is selling the new dual-brand Residence Inn New York Queens and SpringHill Suites New York Queens as well as the DoubleTree by Hilton Long Island City, currently under construction.

Long Island City, located in the borough of Queens near Manhattan, has emerged as a thriving residential and commercial neighborhood. “Having so much new product in the market is a tremendous opportunity for M&R to raise its profile as a management company,” he said.

Axell also is well aware of the opportunity he’s being given. Others in his family, including his father, have worked in hospitality. While he already is familiar with how Marriott approaches sales, he will now find out how Hilton handles the function.

“Promoting from within the ranks is a great way to let people know the company values the contribution you are making,” he said. He particularly thanks Yan Chung, Fairfield general manager; Michele Licurse, the hotel’s director of sales; and Janelle Schwartz, M&R’s vice president of sales & marketing, for their support and encouragement. 

“I’ve learned a lot and have a lot more to learn,” he said.