Our Team

Meet The Dorian’s Cast of Characters

Within our storied walls, our team members are the authors of every unforgettable stay, each playing a crucial role in crafting a narrative of comfort, elegance, and charm. Inspired by the literary genius of Oscar Wilde, our staff ensures that every guest experience is a masterpiece, blending impeccable service with whimsical intrigue. Read on to learn more about the team who’ll make your stay in Calgary a cherished chapter in your travel diary.

Ian Jones

Area General Manager

Hailing from small town Aurora, Ontario, I started my hotel career at the Toronto Sheraton Centre as the last official “Key Filer”. Back in those days hotels used hard keys, and I was the last of a long line of key filers who returned the keys back into their slots … what a legacy.

Over the last 40 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world with my family and have opened five hotels and rebranded three others in 7 different countries, across 4 continents, but Calgary is now home and leading the amazing team at the Dorian Hotel is my passion.

As a board member of the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association, I am proud to lead the hospitality charge across our great province.

Area General Manager

Erin Richter

Area Director of Sales and Marketing

"My passion is entertaining friends and family. I enjoy discovering new places to visit, particularly warm destinations. With the '80s being my favorite decade, you can usually find me on the weekend cooking, listening, and grooving to '80s music."

Area Director of Sales and Marketing

Nasar Waqas

Financial Controller

"I am an avid traveler with a penchant for exploring new cultures and places, and I am passionate about food. When I'm not at my laptop, you can find me listening to random experiences or stories from my daughters while sipping my favorite Americano, trying out new recipes, or planning a trip."

Financial Controller

Danielle Carriere

Director of Operations

Danielle is a seasoned hospitality professional with expertise in hotel management, team leadership, and operations. With experience in both established properties and hotel openings, she excels in delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving business growth. Her dedication to service quality and staff development ensures memorable guest experiences at every stage of the guest journey.
Outside of work, Danielle enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors. Passionate about running, golf, snowboarding, and hiking, she finds balance and inspiration in nature. She also loves spending quality time with her dog, making the most of her free time in the great outdoors.

Director of Operations

Cassandra Billy

Director of Housekeeping

"I would say my passion is all things water and swimming. I tried to qualify for the Olympics when I was 13 years old and missed it by 0.236 seconds."

Director of Housekeeping

Joshua Dyer

Executive Chef

"I enjoy adventures, whether it's shredding some pow (skiing) in the winter or ripping down mountain bike trails in the summer. I am also an avid photographer, enjoy some videography, and most recently, I have picked up playing the guitar in my spare time. Additionally, I teach at SAIT College every Monday."

Executive Chef

Shezad Virji

Front Office Manager

Shezad’s passion for the hospitality industry was sparked by his travels to vibrant destinations like Dubai, Hong Kong, Oman, Tanzania, DR Congo, India, and China, among others. Each place offered a unique experience deeply rooted in its local culture, yet all were united by a common thread: the warmth and excellence of their hospitality.
He has a sophisticated palate and loves exploring diverse cuisines. In his free time, he enjoys gathering with friends and family or immersing himself in nature, where he finds awe-inspiring moments that reflect the wonders of the universe.

Front Office Manager

Paul Cooper

Chief Engineer

"My diverse work history has given me the opportunity to be both 6,000 feet underground in a potash mine in Saskatchewan and on a helicopter, flying over Niagara Falls. I enjoy summer and time at the lake. I sold my sailboat, but another one could reappear at some point."

Chief Engineer

Karim Grilo

Food & Beverage Manager

Karim is a seasoned luxury hospitality expert with a global fine dining background. His career, enriched by working alongside Michelin-starred chefs, has fueled his passion for culinary innovation and operational excellence. With over a decade at the prestigious five-star Hotel Majestic, he played a key role in leading La Brasserie de La Mer to critical acclaim, earning top rankings in Brazil and South America. For Karim, exceptional food and beverage service is more than just a meal—it’s about creating transformative and unforgettable guest experiences.