Meet the Changemakers
Team Spirit
With years of experience honing their craft at premier properties around the world and an irrepressible passion for crafting unforgettable experiences, our team of talented professionals is dedicated to ensuring every aspect of Club Ninety Six is unmatched.
David Lecona
El Chef
David steps into a pivotal role, steering our culinary division and crafting the ultimate gastronomic experiences across all our outlets through menu design, quality assurance, and compliance with health safety certifications.
With a professional journey that has navigated through esteemed organizations like One&Only Palmilla Cabos & Maldives and Auberge Hotels & Resorts in Los Cabos Esperanza & Calistoga Ranch U.S.A., David has risen from the roots of a line cook to become a chef, remarkably motivating and innovating teams with his potent blend of teamwork, consistency, and swift, action-oriented approach. An invaluable contributor to our success, David, affectionately known as “El Chef,” is not only admired for his culinary accomplishments but is also a devoted husband to Ana Isabel and a doting father to their three-year-old princess, Zuly; off the clock, you'll find him admiring big muscle trucks, especially those with tires so massive they require a ladder to board.
Irving
Salas
F&B Director
Irving, with an unyielding commitment to excellence and a fervent passion for team development, has been a cornerstone in our culinary journey since day one.
His robust expertise in the culinary realm, complimented by a Sommelier certification, strategically positions him as the ideal leader to guide our team toward unparalleled heights. Prior to embracing the Club Ninety Six family, Irving honed his skills at esteemed establishments such as Viceroy Los Cabos, Hyatt Corporation, and the globally recognized Las Brisas in Acapulco, enhancing his professional portfolio in both the U.S. and Mexico. Off the culinary stage, Irving is not just a professional but a devoted husband to Yasbek, often referred to as “his better half,” and a proud father to the spirited Ayden & Eleana, with his eyes lighting up whenever he shares tales of their lively antics.
Fabian Ayon
F&B Manager
Meet Fabian Ayon, a dynamic professional whose culinary journey began in 2012 at Puerto Vallarta, where he thrived as a Restaurant Supervisor, cultivating a philosophy of teamwork and a deep love for service.
In 2014, Fabian joined the inaugural team of Hotel MOUSAI, standing out among 3000 applicants, and played a pivotal role in HIROSHI, an authentic Japanese culinary experience. His commitment to service excellence led him to Hotel Viceroy in 2018, starting as a Lead Server and progressing to Restaurant Manager, where he reinforced a culture of teamwork and authenticity. Fabian's versatility extends across diverse cuisines, including Asian, Mediterranean, and French, reflecting his aspiration for managerial leadership and a commitment to creating extraordinary dining experiences with genuine human connections.
Ariana Pacheco
Operations Manager
Ariana, affectionately known to our team as “Ari,” guides our stellar cleaning team toward our mission of absolute “CRISPNESS” across all facets of our operations.
She has a rich background in hospitality room division management, having worked with notable hotels and resorts including the historic Sheraton Maria Isabel in Mexico City, Sheraton Grand Los Cabos, and Dream Resort Los Cabos. Ari brings a wealth of expertise to her current set of varied responsibilities, which span Member Services, Valet Services, Kids Escape, Pools, and Activities Catamaran management, along with mentoring our Club Espíritu supervisor. Recognized as an all-around “Rock Star” within our community, Ari has been a cherished part of our family for two years and continues to embody dedication and excellence in every task she undertakes.
Raúl Delgado
Human Resources Director
Meet Raúl Delgado, our Director of Human Resources, a visionary leader committed to aligning strong HR strategies with our global business development culture. With a focus on creating passionate and committed teams, Raúl excels in finding and developing the right talent while fostering career growth paths and challenges that keep the team focused, productive, and positive.
Serving as the Director of Human Resources at our Club since 2015, Raúl has successfully implemented a restructuring program, led the transition to an independent HR operation, and managed various projects, including bringing payroll processing in-house and updating union contracts. His expertise extends to Maravilla Los Cabos, where he played a pivotal role in creating services companies, structuring benefits, and hiring key positions. Raúl's educational background includes ongoing studies in Organizational Psychology at TecMilenio, certification in strategic organizational management from ITESO, and a certification in Human Resources Management from the Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. With a solid knowledge of Mexican Labor Law, multicultural organizational experience, and a range of managerial skills, Raúl Delgado is a strategic partner driving positive change within our organization.
Jorge Navarro
Finances Director
Jorge brings a wealth of experience in hotel accounting and finance, with a relentless focus on developing and maintaining successful internal controls and efficient procedures. Holding a Master's in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance from Universidad Tec Milenio, Jorge's dedication to operational efficiency and return on investment is evident in his extensive career.
Currently serving as the Senior Director of Finance at our Club, he oversees finance, accounting, purchasing, and IT areas. His strategic leadership includes leading a reengineering process, administration of property management, and corporate reporting consolidation for the group. With a significant tenure at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, his expertise spans various properties and brands. His roles included overseeing finance at St. Regis Punta Mita, The Haciendas by Luxury Collection, and The Westin Resort & Spa Cancun, showcasing his ability to drive financial success and operational excellence. Jorge is a key asset to our management team, combining a strong financial acumen with a proven track record in leading high-performance teams.
Ricardo Laverde
Director of Maintenance
A seasoned professional with a clear mission: to lead a robust and structured team dedicated to achieving operational excellence in any facility.
Holding a degree in Architecture from the University of Valle in Cali, Colombia, Ricardo's expertise has been honed through a distinguished career. With a tenure spanning from 2001 to 2015 at Esperanza an Auberge Resort, where he served as the Maintenance Manager, Ricardo ensured seamless operations through his strategic leadership. Currently holding the position of our Club’s Director of Maintenance since 2015, Ricardo brings a wealth of experience in handling diverse projects simultaneously. Before his role in Mexico, he contributed his skills to various construction companies in Cali, Colombia. Ricardo is known for his unwavering focus on delivering results, and goal achievement, and adeptly managing teams with excellent interpersonal communication. His commitment to operational excellence makes him an invaluable asset to our management team.
Cynthia Fernandez
Marketing Manager
Cynthia, a vibrant addition to our team, brings her expertise in public relations, design, media, and content creation to the forefront of our community's visual and social identity.
With a background enriched by her time at ultra-luxury resorts like Four Seasons Punta Mita and Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, she expertly intertwines her passion for wellness—as a seasoned yoga and meditation instructor—with her prowess in writing, even contributing to Mexico's top luxury magazine, GLISE. Currently steering our social media strategy, especially our Instagram, Cynthia not only showcases the team and breathtaking vistas of Club Ninety Six but also intricately weaves in the myriad of experiences we offer, all while embarking on continuous new adventures with her dog and sharing their escapades via social media.
If you have any ideas for our social media channels or want to suggest something for Club Ninety Six to profile, you can contact her anytime at cynthiaf@clubninetysix.com.
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Selene Martinez
Executive Assistant to General Manager
Selene, a vital member of our team for over five years, has cultivated her career from the grassroots of F&B operations to become the integral backbone of the department.
Most recently navigating the role of administrator with finesse, she has steadfastly supported F&B, and will now strategically spearhead both internal and external event operations, collaborating closely with management. Before embarking on her journey with Club Ninety Six, Selene laid the foundation of her hospitality career at Esperanza by Auberge Hotels & Resorts, amassing a treasure trove of luxury service experience. Outside the professional realm, she cherishes her role as a wife to Sergio and mother to their two radiant teenage daughters, Mafer and Zury.
Carlos Abaunza
General Manager
Carlos enriches our team with more than two decades of impressive experience in the hospitality sphere.
Merging his deep understanding of the industry from his time leading some of the world’s premier luxury brands with adept leadership, his prestigious journey has seen him in pivotal roles, including Area Managing Director of Trump International Tower in Central & South America, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton in Cancún, and Area General Manager of Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts in Mexico, rounding off with a partnership and General Manager position at Sandy Point Resort & Marina, Turks & Caicos. Balancing his notable journey, Carlos holds an Associate Degree in Hospitality Management from Bergen County Community College and has completed well-regarded General Manager programs at both Cornell University and the Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland.
Best in Class
At the heart of our club are the people who make everything run so efficiently. We are deeply committed to their professional growth and value the process of developing our engaged and dedicated team through ongoing professional training and development.
Recognition & Motivation
Club Ninety Six’s Estrellas Del Mar program is an innovative staff recognition and development initiative, designed to celebrate outstanding performance and encourage continuous improvement among team members. By fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork, the program enhances internal team dynamics and significantly elevates the club member experience.
Current Winners
Club Ninety Six is proud to announce the latest recipients of the prestigious Estrellas Del Mar award: David Osorio, excelling in the front of the house, and Guillermo Duran, leading the way in the back of the house. Their exceptional contributions embody the spirit of excellence and teamwork that the program celebrates. Congratulations to David and Guillermo for setting a remarkable standard of service and commitment!