CEO and Principal
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Bachelor of General Management & International Business
St. Mary’s University
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International MBA in Marketing
University of Memphis
Jesús Parrilla boasts a rich multidisciplinary background, accumulating 25 years of expertise in management, operations, restructuring, sales, marketing, and communications. Over the last two decades, Jesús has been instrumental in the operational and developmental aspects of upscale lodges within the luxury hospitality and travel sector. His notable roles include serving as the CEO and Commercial VP at Explora for over 7 years, where his leadership led to numerous accolades and awards, solidifying Explora's position as a leading outdoor hospitality company in the World.
Furthermore, Jesús has held significant Board of Directors positions at Metropolitan Touring across multiple South American countries and served as the Executive Director of Smartrip Chile. Since 2014, Jesús has been a principal at Luxury Frontiers, while concurrently spearheading the strategic advisory practice, assisting clients in restructuring, repositioning, and entering the experiential hospitality domain.
In his most recent endeavors, Jesús established Paradero Hotels in Mexico and served as the CEO of INTO Hospitality in Costa Rica, pioneering a business model that bridges the funding gap for conservation projects through hospitality and ecotourism.
During his tenure at Explora, the company received numerous prestigious awards, including being named South America's Leading Expedition Company at the World Travel Awards in both 2012 and 2013. Additionally, Explora's properties received recognition from top publications such as Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, with Explora Atacama being hailed as Chile's Best Boutique Hotel in 2013 and Explora Patagonia consistently ranking among the world's top adventure lodges. Notably, explora Rapa Nui achieved a perfect score in World's Best Service in 2012, showcasing Jesús' commitment to excellence in traveler experience across diverse locales.