Gabriel Castrillon

Gabriel Castrillon, general manager of Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, has been named “2011 General Manager of the Year” in Hyatt North America’s small hotel category.

Recognized for his significant contributions to the industry, exceptional leadership and modeling Hyatt’s core values, Castrillon has led the hotel and its employees to exemplify the company’s mission by providing authentic hospitality and guiding the property to many financial achievements, the company said in a release.

After starting his Hyatt career in 1984 as an income auditor at Hyatt Regency Miami, Castrillon quickly worked his way up at Hyatt properties in Sarasota, Fla., Columbus, Ohio, and Chicago. In 2004, he was promoted to Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, 50 Alhambra Plaza, as general manager.

A Davie resident, Castrillon is a member of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, the Colombian American Chamber of Commerce and the FIU Foreign Language Department Advisory Board. In his free time he enjoys riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, the outdoors and cycling.