Wayfinder Newport has appointed Keith Chouinard as Director of Sales and Marketing, marking a significant addition to the property’s leadership team following its complete relaunch. In his new role, Chouinard will oversee all sales and marketing initiatives for the boutique hotel, including strategic partnerships, revenue growth and brand positioning.
Chouinard brings more than 20 years of hospitality leadership experience to Wayfinder Newport. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer for The Newport Experience, where he was responsible for operational and financial excellence across a diverse portfolio including two hotels, a restaurant, a seasonal waterfront event venue, a 175-slip marina and a 101-foot schooner.
Prior to this, Chouinard served as Director of Sales and Marketing at The Chanler at Cliff Walk, where his leadership proved instrumental in positioning the iconic property for its Forbes Five-Star rating whilst leading it to record-breaking performance. His career also includes senior sales and marketing positions with Hotel Viking, Revere Hotel Boston Common and the Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel and Spa, where he achieved top market performance in RevPAR for three consecutive years.
A graduate of the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Chouinard began his hospitality career as a banquet server at Danversport Yacht Club. He has since held leadership positions at renowned resorts across the United States, including Boulders Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Vail Cascade Resort and Spa in Colorado, and Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club in Cape Cod.
Chouinard has been an active figure in Newport’s hospitality community for over a decade, having served as Chairman of the Board of Discover Newport. He is known for his collaborative leadership style, commitment to operational excellence and passion for showcasing Newport as a premier year-round destination.
Located in Newport’s North End, Wayfinder Newport is a design-forward, locally inspired boutique property that celebrates the spirit of coastal Rhode Island. The hotel, developed by Dovetail + Co, features 197 rooms including 30 spacious suites. Following a major fire in May 2022, the property underwent an extensive restoration and comprehensive rebuild before reopening in summer 2024.
The hotel pairs contemporary coastal design with hyper-local partnerships to create an immersive hospitality experience. With over 1,000 works by Rhode Island artists, products from Shore Soap Co and O&G Studio, and a relaxed, offbeat spirit, Wayfinder redefines the Newport getaway. The property includes B-Side lobby coffee bar, The Pool Shack cocktail bar, an outdoor pool with party deck and Nomi Park restaurant.
Dovetail + Co’s portfolio includes properties from Hawaii to the East Coast. The Wayfinder brand is designed to help travellers discover distinct locales through a local lens, with each property offering deeply personal experiences guided by immersive design, community connection and the joy of exploration. The company’s properties have received recognition from Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Architectural Digest and other leading publications.
Chouinard’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as Wayfinder Newport continues its new chapter following the complete relaunch. His extensive experience in luxury hospitality, combined with his strong ties to the Newport community, positions him to strengthen the property’s market presence whilst driving strategic growth initiatives.
