The Waterstone Team
OWNER & CEO
Kristen Moore
In January of 2023 Kristen acquired Waterstone and assumed the role of CEO in January of 2024. Together with the Waterstone’s founder, Marcelo D. Vazquez, Kristen is executing a progressive strategy that brings increasing value to members of Waterstone.
Kristen was raised in the travel and hospitality industry and became the owner of our sister company, Destinations of Distinction in 2013. She is the recipient of many industry awards, among them Winner of the 2022 Travel & Hospitality Tech Outlook Top 10 Hospitality Marketing Solutions Providers; Winner of the 2016 Travvy Awards Rising Star in Hotels/Resorts and Winner of the 2015 Travel Agent Magazine Top Supplier Sales Reps. Kristen brings an acute business performance focus to the company as well as a human touch to all we do. As Waterstone’s COO Kristen directs day to day operations of the company and works with our CEO on strategy and culture development.
FOUNDER
Marcelo D. Vazquez
Marcelo established Waterstone in January of 2002 with the mission of providing customized and bespoke sales, marketing and communication solutions to a select number of luxury hospitality and travel clients. Twenty years into the history of the business, Waterstone is thriving with a prestigious portfolio of clients worldwide and a solid reputation for delivering results. At Waterstone, Marcelo leads a team of talented professionals each with an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for travel and luxury hospitality.
VICE PRESIDENT
Lynne Partridge
Lynne joined Waterstone in 2015, bringing her 20+ years of travel industry experience to the team. A born globetrotter, Lynne infuses the office with her passion for travel, food and adventure. Her vision, service ethic and good humor has been a very welcomed addition to the Waterstone family. Lynne currently focuses on the leisure travel trade for Waterstone, liaising with key travel agencies, consortia and advisors to spread the word about the incredible members of our collection.
DIRECTOR, UNITED KINGDOM, AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
Mark Anderson
After being a client of Waterstone for 16 years, Mark helped launch our first ever UK office in 2021. He brings with him over 25 years of experience, consistently driving revenue into a variety of luxury 5-star hotels around the world including the Royal Garden Hotel in London. Mark’s main focus is to grow Waterstone’s presence by developing key relationships in the UK and internationally, in addition to assisting with business development and seeking out the very best partners for our collection.
DIRECTOR OF SALES, WESTERN REGION
Katy Tobin Hanagan
Katy is a passionate, curious, world traveler who truly embodies the Waterstone spirit. With experience both as a hotelier (Fairmont Hotels and La Costa Resort) and as a travel advisor (Ciao Bambino), Katy intimately understands the needs of the travel trade. A University of Colorado graduate who spent a year studying European History in Florence, Katy has many passions including traveling the world, wine culture and cuisine. She is also a massive sports fan. Katy lives with her family just north of San Francisco where she is based.
DIRECTOR OF SALES, EASTERN REGION
John Raiche
John Raiche began his travel career in early 2011 with one of the industry’s largest Caribbean hotel chains, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, and grew his presence by quickly expanding his territory after continuously exceeding sales targets. Wanting to see more of the world, Raiche moved to the tour operator side, most recently with Classic Vacations as Business Development Manager.
John's favorite part of the industry is showing Travel Advisors the destinations they sell, but have yet to see. He has conducted over 30 FAM trips all over the world and considers himself an avid passport stamp collector, with his most coveted being from Italy, France, and Greece. Raiche has a bachelor's degree in hospitality management from Johnson and Wales University.
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Grace Partridge
Grace works very diligently at Waterstone, creating, innovating and elevating everything we do. Since joining the team five years ago, Grace has been taking on more responsibility and every step of the way she has proved herself. Her passion for creative design, tendency to think outside of the box and strong work ethic have allowed her to successfully take ownership of all aspects of our marketing efforts, including our branding, communications and social media.
FOUNDER, VIVA LIFESTYLE PR
Alison Sager
VIVA Lifestyle PR is a boutique creative consulting firm specializing in integrated public relations, communications, marketing, and branding services for international clients in the travel, lifestyle and wellness sector. Born out of inspiration to forge meaningful connections, create impactful experiences and to appreciate the beauty of this world, VIVA partners with established dreamers, industry pioneers, passionate start-ups, emerging destinations and sustainable developments, including Waterstone and our members.