Team San Jose Inc. names chief operating officer

Team San Jose’s Board of Directors announced that an industry veteran will assume the position of chief operating officer. The new team member has 30 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Dave Costain has overseen food and beverage, catering sales, event and facilities services, event set-up, convention services and visitors services for Team San Jose for the last two years. Costain’s promotion to the COO role consolidates two positions, director of client services and director of operations.

“We believe Dave has the right mix of experience, leadership and focus to lead Team San Jose through this transitional period,” said Chuck Toeniskoetter, Team San Jose’s board chairman. “He has proven that he’s an excellent operations executive and we’re delighted that he’s agreed to head up the day-to-day activities of the organization.”

In addition to overseeing Team San Jose’s operations, Costain also will help lead the organization, along with the Board of Directors. Team San Jose chief executive officer Dan Fenton resigned January 31, 2011.

“Dave has proven himself to be an effective leader and is committed to working to maintain Team San Jose’s service ethic, which has 97 percent of planners saying they’d book again,” said Toeniskoetter.

Prior to joining Team San Jose, Costain held a variety of posts within the hospitality industry, including area vice president with Hilton Corporation, where he was responsible for regional hotel operations that accounted for more than $170 million in revenue. Costain’s experience includes over 16 years with Hilton Hotels Corporation and other hotel brands in a variety of positions including vice president, general manager, and food and beverage director.

“I’m excited about this new opportunity,” Costain said. “As we navigate the ongoing difficult economic climate, it will be important for Team San Jose to remain focused specifically on delivering excellent financial, operational and customer service results. We need to be prepared to take full advantage of our resources as the economy strengthens.”

Costain’s involvement in the California State Hotel and Lodging Association, San Jose State University Hospitality Advisory Board and Chamber of Commerce board positions demonstrates his reach in the community and ability to support industry-wide policies.