Ana Yuristy

Chief People + Brand Officer

Ana Yuristy is the Chief People + Brand Officer at Drake, where she leads the Human Resources, Marketing + Communications, and Information Technology teams in support of the company’s operations. With over 25 years of experience in hospitality, Ana began her career with Carnival Cruise Lines, igniting a passion for travel and guest service that has defined her professional journey.

Ana has held key roles at resorts and hotels across Canada and internationally. She holds an MBA in Hospitality and Tourism from the University of Guelph and has also worked in hospitality software consulting, supporting hotel and resort clients throughout the U.S.

Drawn to the dynamic and entrepreneurial spirit of independent boutique hotels, Ana brings a transformational leadership style grounded in diplomacy, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of hotel operations. Her extensive experience spans annual budgeting, brand development, marketing, programming, and cultivating relationships with staff, partners, and communities.

A resourceful problem-solver and analytical systems thinker, Ana is known for her ability to optimize complex processes and inspire teams. As a people-first leader, she actively seeks out emerging talent who are curious, emotionally intelligent, and demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset.