Friday, August 1, 2025
Chris Sessions has been named Director of Sales, Marketing, and Events at Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms. A Destination by Hyatt property, the resort welcomes his decades of luxury hospitality experience. His leadership arrives as Wild Dunes expands its guest offerings and event experiences.
Wild Dunes Resort, located on the picturesque Isle of Palms near Charleston, South Carolina, has tapped hospitality leader Chris Sessions as its new Director of Sales, Marketing, and Events. With over 20 years of industry experience, Sessions is expected to strengthen the resort’s brand appeal and commercial performance. His role places him on the executive committee, signaling the resort’s focus on long-term, strategic growth. With a mix of seaside relaxation and luxury amenities, Wild Dunes is aiming to compete at the top tier of resort destinations in the Southeastern U.S., and Sessions is now a key part of that vision.
Luxury Resort Experience from Hawaii to the Carolinas
Chris Sessions joins Wild Dunes after a successful stint at the Fairmont Orchid on Hawaii’s Kohala Coast, where he led integrated commercial strategies during a $110 million renovation. There, he oversaw sales, marketing, events, and revenue efforts that elevated both guest satisfaction and top-line financial results. Before Hawaii, he worked within Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in leadership roles at high-profile properties in California, including Hyatt Regency Mission Bay and Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach. In each position, he achieved revenue growth, expanded group bookings, and successfully positioned his properties as preferred luxury destinations.
Homecoming for Sessions, a Carolina Native
For Sessions, the move to Wild Dunes represents more than a new job—it’s a return home. Originally from the Carolinas and a proud graduate of Coastal Carolina University, he’s familiar with the regional culture and the expectations of travelers who frequent South Carolina’s coastal gems. Sessions is relocating to Isle of Palms with his wife Kimberly and their 3-year-old son Aiden. His return aligns personal and professional milestones, reinforcing his commitment to the success of the resort and the region. For Wild Dunes, this personal investment adds an authentic touch to its leadership.
Wild Dunes Ramps Up Guest and Group Experiences
The appointment of Sessions comes at a critical time as Wild Dunes continues to elevate its offerings. The resort features beachfront accommodations, a full-service spa, championship golf, and expansive event venues ideal for corporate retreats and weddings. Sessions is now responsible for leading the marketing of these services to group and leisure segments alike. His proven ability to integrate revenue strategy with guest satisfaction makes him a powerful asset. The resort is banking on his know-how to grow its footprint across the Southeast and appeal to high-spending travelers and event planners.
Strategic Growth with Focus on Events and Leisure Segments
One of Sessions’ strengths lies in blending operational strategy with creative sales and marketing approaches. At previous roles, he increased group average daily rate and executed campaigns that delivered long-term ROI. At Wild Dunes, he will likely adopt a similar strategy—balancing short-term wins with sustainable brand growth. His understanding of the luxury resort market and deep ties to Hyatt’s service culture will benefit Wild Dunes as it targets weddings, corporate events, and extended leisure stays. The resort’s goal is to evolve into a year-round destination, and Sessions is the right fit to lead this transformation.
Conclusion: Wild Dunes Positions Itself as a Coastal Leader
The hiring of Chris Sessions is a forward-thinking move by Wild Dunes Resort and the Hyatt brand. It brings proven luxury hospitality leadership to a fast-growing travel destination in South Carolina. With his track record in sales growth, event innovation, and team development, Sessions is primed to elevate the resort’s performance across all key metrics. As Isle of Palms continues to attract upscale visitors, Wild Dunes now has a seasoned leader at the helm to steer its commercial strategy. This appointment marks a new era—where top-tier talent meets a top-tier coastal experience.
