From the bustling streets of South Korea to the vibrant cityscapes of Dubai, Deniz has lived and worked across the world. But it wasn’t until he returned to Vancouver that he truly felt his dreams had come full circle.

Deniz’s journey in Vancouver began when he moved here to be a student at Simon Fraser University. He recalls how the city’s energy captivated him, particularly in the downtown area. As a student, he would often attend classes at Harbour Centre, gazing out at the professionals walking through the streets. Their confident stride and polished appearances left an indelible mark on him. He remembers thinking that he wanted to be one of them, working as a professional in the vibrant downtown core.

Before he landed his current role at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver, Deniz’s journey took him through many different roles and locations. After completing his studies, he served in the Korean Air Force, worked as a National Corporate Journalist for Samsung, and later found himself working as a cabin crew member for Emirates Airline. His diverse career path also included founding a marketing consulting firm and opening a wine & cafe business in South Korea, all while cultivating a passion for brand storytelling.

And now, as the Marketing Manager at Hyatt Regency Vancouver, Deniz is living the dream he once only imagined. He works in the very heart of downtown, in a role that blends his passion for marketing with his desire to contribute to the city’s vibrant energy. “Being located downtown is fantastic for so many reasons,” he shares. “It’s incredibly convenient, with everything you need within walking or biking distance. The diversity here is inspiring. I’ve had countless opportunities to connect with people from various industries and backgrounds through events and partnerships.” Downtown Vancouver is a hub of creativity and inspiration to Deniz. “The cultural scene is especially active—I love visiting the Vancouver Art Gallery and attending performances at the Orpheum Theatre and Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The energy here makes it a great place to live and work.”

At Hyatt Regency Vancouver, their goal is much more than selling hotel rooms. “We aim to create memorable experiences for our guests,” Deniz explains. “We want to contribute to the city’s vibrant energy by engaging with events, conventions, and initiatives that bring people together.” One of the ways they do this is through their annual Gingerbread Lane event. This event, which raises funds for Make-A-Wish Canada, has become a powerful tradition. Last winter, the event raised nearly $25,000 for children with critical illnesses, nearly doubling the funds raised the previous year. Check out our video on Gingerbread Lane here.

The Hyatt Regency Vancouver is also celebrating the Lunar New Year with festive decorations in their lobby, further highlighting the hotel’s commitment to embracing diverse cultural celebrations.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Hyatt Regency Vancouver offers something special. You can even recharge with a day stay, enjoying access to the hotel’s outdoor pool, oversized hot tub, barrel sauna, and fitness facilities. For a culinary experience, the hotel features the Grain Tasting Bar and Mosaic Grille—two incredible dining options right on site. Find out more about Hyatt Regency Vancouver and experience it for yourself here.