Speakers

Niki joined Commune in 2012 to lead the aggressive global expansion for the Commune brands. Previous to Commune, Niki led Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants as their president and chief operating officer, starting with Kimpton in 1993. Under her leadership, Kimpton was named one of Fortune Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2009, 2011 and 2012. Prior to joining Kimpton, Leondakis worked as a food and beverage director for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in Marina Del Rey, Calif., Atlanta, and San Francisco, from 1985 to 1993. She began her hospitality career as a food and beverage manager for Marriott Hotels in 1982 in Nashville, Tennessee. Tempering business with community stewardship, Leondakis served as chair of the Dress for Success Worldwide Board of Directors from 2009 - 2011 and continues to be a board member for Dress for Success, an international nonprofit providing job interview suits and career development assistance to low-income women.