Nancy Yung
Director, Event Sales & Services
nancy.yung@fairmont.com (604) 691-1813
Nancy Yung leads a dynamic and passionate Event + Event Services team at Fairmont Waterfront. She opened Fairmont Waterfront in 1991 and successfully managed and worked with high profile visits namely the entire White House during APEC, Prince Charles, Prince Edward, Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister(s) of Canada as well as Winter Olympics. Helping clients to create memorable experience is her passion. In her spare time, she enjoys movies, yoga, exercise and experiencing food from around the world.
JEAN-ROGER GIRARD
Director, Event Sales
jean-roger.girard@fairmont.com (604) 691 1871
A native of Paris, France, Jean brings over 25 years of catering and event planning experience, a passion for food and beverage, and a proven track records in sales and networking. Jean has handled many high profile events, world class conventions, and glamourous corporate and social events in his career, and always thrives on constantly adapting to new trends, while provinding his clients with the most personalized and rewarding experience. On his spare time Jean loves to cook, taste wines, and cycling.
NICOLE FOLINO
Wedding & Event Sales Manager
nicole.folino@fairmont.com (604) 691-1910
Nicole began her hospitality career 20 years ago at the Fairmont Waterfront. In her tenure as a wedding and event specialist she has had the opportunity to broaden her horizons and spent time working at other venues before returning home to Fairmont Waterfront. During her career, she has formed strong relationships with some of the city’s premier vendors; from planners to decorators, florists and photographers and now she looks forward to being able to share her experiences and connections.
MARIKA GEREI
Executive Meeting Manager
marika.gerei@fairmont.com (604) 691 1903
With 18 years of experience with Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Marika has the unique role of an Executive Meeting Manager with Fairmont Waterfront. She is a small meetings expert and in her role she is your Sales Manager on one hand and on the other hand she is your Conference Services Manager. She works with you, the guest, from start to finish. This has allowed her to form strong relationships with her clients that is built on trust and teamwork. Marika enjoys walks on the beach, golfing and a great glass of wine.
TOBIAS CLARE
Banquet Director
tobias.clare@fairmont.com (604) 691 1891
Tobias leads a dynamic team of engaged Banquet professionals. He fosters and mentors his accomplished group of Banquet leaders. As The Director of Banquets, Tobias ensures efficiency, well executed luxury service, strategic planning to deliver our guests vision. Tobias has worked Banquet Operations for 29 years, 16 in his current role. He is passionate about the current trends in the event industry, personalizing the experience of his guests and ensuring his team is sustainably responsible. When not working Tobias enjoys spending time with his son and daughter. Additionally, as an avid swimmer and paddle boarder he can often be found in/on the water.
MICHAEL PAGNACCO
Director Culinary & Beverage
mike.pagnacco@fairmont.com (604) 691 1991
Canadian-born and originally hailing from Ontario, Chef Michael Pagnacco was lured into the kitchen at an early age. From the start, his fascination with cooking, travel and with the camaraderie of the restaurant environment drew him towards the culinary world. He began working in private restaurants before deciding to hone his skills in culinary management at Algonquin College in Ottawa, where he graduated with honours. Aside from loving food, Chef Pagnacco loves immersing himself in his team. “Being a great cook is a person who can cook great food. Being a Chef is striving to be a leader who inspires others to create fantastic experiences,” explains Chef. “I am equally as passionate about leadership and development as I am about a great dish.” Chef Pagnacco joined the Fairmont family in 1999 and began an extensive journey that started with the Chateau Laurier and Chateau Whistler before searching for international exposure in 2008 at the Middle Eastern flagship Fairmont Dubai. In 2010 he took on Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi as Restaurant Chef of the internationally award-winning CuiScene Restaurant. In 2012 he returned to Canada at Fairmont Empress on Vancouver Island, where he dedicated five years as the hotel underwent a major renovation and oversaw a complete redevelopment of the Food and Beverage outlets and concepts. In 2017 he joined the team at Fairmont Austin and opened the largest Fairmont Hotel in recent company history. However, it wasn’t long before the West Coast called him back to take on his role as Executive Chef at Fairmont Waterfront. Chef Pagnacco’s food is authentic in origin with international inspiration; he revels in highlighting the seasonal characteristics of local products. “We’re privileged to have four perfect seasons in the Pacific Northwest. Seeing what’s trending globally and applying it locally really brings the out the best of what we have in season.” His food is approachable and timeless with a creative flair – and, he says, always tastes best when shared.