TORONTO, October 25, 2023– The Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) is the largest provincial hospitality association in Canada. The Association held its Annual General Meeting on October 2, 2023 where they officially announced their new Chair of Directors – Jorge Soares.
Jorge Soares is the Vice President, Stakeholder Relations at Woodbine Entertainment where he oversees the company’s strategic relationships and Casino operating areas. Jorge joined the company, then named Ontario Jockey Club, in 1999 as Food and Beverage Supervisor.
Jorge has spent most of his career with Woodbine Entertainment and has held various progressive operating roles through the company. Most recently Jorge was the Vice President of Operations, where he led all operating areas at Woodbine and Mohawk Park. He has remained an integral part of its food and beverage and hospitality operations for nearly 25 years. Woodbine Entertainment is recognized as a leader in horse racing and hospitality among North American racetracks.
With a continued passion for food, Jorge graduated from the Culinary Management Program at Humber College in 1998 and has been closely involved in leading the culinary direction at Woodbine Entertainment. In 2018, he also received his business coaching certification and has been actively involved to support young developing leaders through coaching and mentoring.
His leadership and strong beliefs in enabling a strong workplace culture contributed to Woodbine Entertainment being recognized as a certified Great Place to Work, in 2017 and 2018. In addition, in 2018 Woodbine Entertainment was recognized and included in the Best Retail and Hospitality workplaces list from Great Place to Work.
Jorge joined the Board of Directors at ORHMA in 2017 and has held several executive positions with the association. Jorge succeeds Jesse Hamilton, Vice President Hospitality, Blue Mountain Resort,a dedicated hospitality leader who was an integral part in the association’s progress this past year. They both have worked together to ensure industry success.
“We congratulate Jorge on his new appointment with Woodbine Entertainment and in the role of incoming Chair of the ORHMA Board of Directors. I personally look forward to working with Jorge in servicing our members’ needs, knowing he is committed and very passionate about the hospitality industry. I do know he will add enormous value in strengthening ORHMA’s Voice of Hospitality in Ontario,” said Tony Elenis, President & CEO of ORHMA. Jorge will be working closely with Tony to ensure industry interests and members are well represented.
Edited Press Release from the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association
