Behind The Z

Maria Zec

Regional VP and General Manager

Under Maria Zec’s leadership as Regional Vice President and first-ever female Managing Director of The Peninsula Hotels, The Peninsula Chicago has earned more than 20 years’ worth of Five Star and Five Diamond awards.  The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Ltd Board of Directors has honored select leaders in the company by naming restaurants or bars after them. Zec's passion for creating memorable experiences for hotel guests and patrons earned her the namesake of Z Bar.

Originally from northwest Indiana, Maria considers Chicago her hometown, but she is also a world traveler. Zec’s travel companions are her husband Bob and, on occasion, her beloved pugs, Tulip and Holly.