About me
Thomas McFarland Gregory III, widely known as Mac Gregory, is a distinguished and highly acclaimed executive leader with a robust international hospitality and food & beverage industry background and over three decades of experience. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, and raised on the West Coast, Mac pursued higher education at Arizona State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a minor in Spanish. His certifications also include Master Mixologist, Advanced Sommelier, Certified Cicerone, and Six Sigma Black Belt, among others. In addition to his professional roles, Mac actively contributes to the industry as a member of the VIBE Conference VAC Advisory Council, California Restaurant Association, and the AHLA Food & Beverage Council. His dedication to the industry is further evidenced by his role as a judge in prestigious competitions such as the San Francisco World Spirit Competition, USA Wine & Spirits Ratings, The Proof Awards, the CRA Culinary Cup, and the International Wine & Spirit Competition. Mac's expertise extends across countless facets of the hospitality industry, including luxury, full-service, selectservice, owned, managed, franchised, and independent operations. Significant tenures with industry giants such as Club Med International, Hyatt Regency Hotels & Resorts, Phoenician Resort, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Saint Marc Holdings highlight his career trajectory. Mac is renowned for his innovative contributions and has demonstrated exceptional financial acumen, focusing on EBITDA, revenue generation, procurement, and cost controls. He has been instrumental in portfolio development and spearheading new builds and transitions, showcasing his ability to lead complex projects across multiple locations contributing to the successful opening of many high-profile projects. Throughout his career, Mac has demonstrated a strong ability to foster relationships, lead cross-functional teams, manage multi-property operations, and he has been pivotal in deploying groundbreaking strategies that enhance guest experiences, drive optimal performance, and align with corporate objectives. Mac has held extensive leadership roles, including General Manager, Vice President, and Chief Executive Officer, and his early interest in hospitality set the stage for a career that began at Club Med Resorts, starting as a mixologist and quickly rising to Beverage Director and Corporate Paymaster. Mac then transitioned to Hyatt Regency Hotels & Resorts, where he was essential in opening and establishing multiple properties. Over his 14-year term, he rose through various ranks, including Director of Food and Beverage and Hotel General Manager. Following his tenure with Hyatt, Mac was selected as the Executive Director of Food & Beverage for the legendary Phoenician Resort where he generated $70m annual revenue and introduced several awardwinning dining venues that earned him the Cheers Innovator of the Year Award and recognition as one of the World’s Top 25 Mixologists by Bacardi International. Garnering much success with Starwood’s #1 asset, Mac was promoted to multiple Corporate F&B executive roles for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, supporting a portfolio of 1,200 bars and restaurants across 489 properties. Mac's leadership at Starwood Corporate offices was highlighted by acquiring and implementing Jean-Georges Restaurant group for Starwood Capital, VP Franchise F&B, and overseeing multi-million-dollar operations while implementing cost-control measures that led to significant revenue and portfolio growth. Transitioning overseas to Asia, Mac took on the role of CEO at Saint Marc Holdings, managing 2,700 international venues and leading the company’s successful entry into the North American market with flagship independent free-standing restaurants in the United States. His adept management of a $700 million budget facilitated the continuous improvement and growth of the company's global food and beverage offerings. Mac currently serves as the Corporate Vice President of Food and Beverage at Pacifica Hotel Company where he oversees the development and operational direction of the company’s food and beverage portfolio, which includes globally recognized lifestyle brands such as Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, IHG Kimpton, and others. Mac Gregory's professional journey reflects his commitment to excellence in the hospitality sector. Mac’s career is a testament to his dedication and strategic insight, and his work continues to inspire professionals across the industry, ensuring its evolution through creative solutions. He continues to be a transformative figure in the hospitality industry, driving innovation and excellence in food and beverage operations. Mac has had a profound impact on the hospitality industry, and he is recognized as an asset now and in the future.
