Name: Cory Tarenio
Position: Director of Food & Beverage
Hotel: JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi
Dream destination: Switzerland
Drink or treat of choice: A cup of cappuccino to kickstart the morning.

From the Philippines to Singapore, and now to the cultural heart of Hanoi, Cory’s journey in hospitality is a powerful testament to pursuing dreams, living her passion, and embracing every opportunity with resilience.

After graduating in 2007, she stepped beyond her comfort zone to launch her career as a Management Trainee in Singapore, steadily advancing through the Food & Beverage discipline over the next decade. In late 2024, Cory took a bold leap of faith, relocating to Vietnam to take on the role of Director of Food & Beverage at JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi.

Today, she leads a vibrant team across multiple dining venues and banquet operations, bringing her signature blend of precision, passion, and people-first leadership to every aspect of her work and every facet of the guest experience.

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Tell us about your Marriott career journey.

I began my Marriott journey in 2007 as a Food & Beverage Management Trainee at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore and was soon promoted to Lounge Supervisor. In 2010, I embraced a new opportunity in the all-day dining restaurant, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience and deepened my operational knowledge.

After four years, I progressed to the role of Food & Beverage Operations Manager, allowing me to further strengthen my leadership capabilities and operational oversight. Two years later, I was honored to be appointed Assistant Director of Food & Beverage, where I was able to contribute more strategically to the hotel’s overall vision and guest experience. In 2024, with Marriott’s support, I took a bold step outside my comfort zone and relocated to Hanoi to assume my current role as Director of Food & Beverage. Each transition has presented its own challenges and opportunities, shaping my growth and defining the leader I am today.

What does a typical day of work look like for you?

My workday starts early with a quick review of daily reports, followed by a team briefing to align on priorities and address any immediate challenges. I make it a point to visit each outlet—whether it’s all-day dining, specialty restaurants, room service, or the lobby lounge—to check in with our F&B and service teams and ensure we are consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences.

I also collaborate closely with our Events Management and Banquet teams to make sure that upcoming functions are flawlessly executed. This includes overseeing operations, managing costs, and continuously refining our service standards. Every day is different—there is never a dull or idle moment, and that’s exactly what I love about this role.

What are some challenges you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Breaking through into leadership roles came with its share of challenges. It wasn’t just about stepping into a title—it required ongoing learning, proving my capabilities, earning the trust of others, and building authentic relationships to establish credibility with my team, peers and leaders.

Balancing work and personal life has been a continuous practice in prioritization—setting clear boundaries and leaning on a supportive team has made all the difference. I have also come to understand the power of trust: by empowering my team, I have seen not only stronger performance but also the growth and success of individuals stepping into their own potential.   Staying grounded in my values and committed to continuous development has helped me overcome the challenges, more importantly, has enabled me to create space and inspire other women to grow and lead in the hospitality sector.

How has Marriott and your hotel supported you in your development?

Marriott has given me countless opportunities to learn and grow. With a clear goal of building my leadership capabilities, I have participated in various leadership trainings and conferences that offered both exposure and knowledge exchange. I was also very fortunate to have joined the opening taskforces for Sheraton Manila, Newport World Resorts, and Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo. These experiences broadened my perspective and sharpened my leadership skills. Equally important are the regular engagement sessions I have with my team to review their Key Responsibility Areas. These discussions bring clarity to development priorities and keep me focused on fostering growth for the team. I am truly grateful to be recognized and entrusted with the opportunity to mentor others.

Describe a moment you felt like a part of a community at Marriott.

I recall a significant event at my previous hotel that required close cross-departmental collaboration. It was an exceptionally busy week, with every team member playing a vital role to ensure flawless execution. What stood out most was how the entire team came together afterward to celebrate the success and milestone we had achieved. The camaraderie and unity—seeing everyone’s efforts align so seamlessly—was truly inspiring. Moments like that made me feel deeply connected to Marriott and reminded me of the collective strength and shared purpose we all carry. It was a beautiful affirmation that we are part of something much greater than ourselves.

What keeps you going in your role every day?

What keeps me going every day is the people—both my team and our guests. I find purpose in supporting my team’s development and take pride in watching them grow and succeed, both professionally and personally.

At the same time, I find joy in creating memorable dining experiences that bring delight to our guests. The fast pace and constant challenges energize me, and I truly appreciate the small wins along the way. It’s those everyday moments of teamwork, progress, and shared success that continue to inspire and motivate me.

Proudest moment of your career so far?

One of the proudest moments in my career was being part of the opening taskforce for a property in Indonesia—Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo. It was an incredible experience—and a significant responsibility—not only to contribute my own skills, but also to mentor others throughout the journey. Watching the team come together and seeing the new property come to life was truly rewarding. It reinforced my belief in the power of teamwork and leadership, and it was a defining moment that deepened my passion for the hospitality industry.

Any advice would you offer to women looking to accelerate in their career?

My advice to women looking to accelerate their careers is to trust yourself and embrace every opportunity—especially the ones that feel daunting. Some of my greatest growth has come from taking risks, stepping outside my comfort zone, and welcoming new challenges.
Surround yourself with supportive mentors—they often see your potential before you do. Most importantly, be patient with your journey. Progress takes time, and every step, no matter how small, contributes to your development. And don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way—the path may be long, but when you embrace it fully, it becomes incredibly fulfilling.

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