As the famed resort’s new Director of Food & Beverage, Justin Carson was enthusiastically received. He is local. A ‘rubiano original, an original Aruban, who was recruited to head the Food & Beverage department having distinguished himself as an exceptionally talented leader in the island’s hospitality industry.
He was born in Barbados. His father, a top professional with the Bank of Nova Scotia, a Canadian multinational, enjoyed an international career in the Caribbean and Justin as a young child experienced living in St Martin and Trinidad, but he was mostly raised in Aruba, where he attended and graduated the international school of Aruba.
Upon high-school graduation, Justin left to go to Canada to pursue his higher education, for 10 long cold years, he adds. While in Toronto, he diligently obtained a Bachelor’s of Commerce degree majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a minor in Communication. He also received an Associate’s Degree in Hospitality Management.
After successfully graduating, he quickly came back home to his island, to jump-start his career. Having lived on several different Caribbean islands, he understood beyond a shadow of a doubt, that his heart belongs to Aruba.
Justin professional development took him through several F&B Management and Rooms Division positions where in addition to his profound knowledge of food, his already stellar people skills merged with a total commitment to customer service and excellence.
His last position as Assistant General Manager in charge of Food and Beverage at the RIU Palace Antillas, he reports, deepened his understanding of what it takes to anticipate guests needs and fulfil their expectations, across language barriers, cultures and tastes.
As a father of two beloved boys, Justin shares the joy of parenthood with Sandra, also a hospitality executive. They both live and breathe their home life and their careers.
As Justin begins a new chapter in his life as the Director of Food and Beverage for the prestigious Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, he is determined to nurture this bastion of island hospitality, and to safeguarded its evergreen appeal and popularity as one of Aruba’s most loved vacation places, with some of the best restaurants and watering holes in the Caribbean.
