Meet Our Team

Claire Larkin
Executive Recruiter, Gecko Hospitality

Hospitality Division   |   Texas, Illinois, Western PA, & Upstate NY
Phone: 773-923-0805  |  Email: claire.larkin@geckohospitality.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-larkin-sphr-760094a/

About Claire
Claire Larkin is a hospitality recruiter with Gecko Hospitality serving the Texas, Illinois, Western PA, & Upstate NY market. Claire’s focus: Hospitality operations and HR leadership; recruiting (Texas, Illinois, Western PA, & Upstate NY). Over 30 years in hospitality with brands including Hilton.

Background & Experience
Over 30 years in hospitality with brands including Hilton; led operations, finance, risk management, and human resources; Hospitality Leader of the Year from the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association; natural mentor and coach.

Areas of Focus
Positions: General Manager and Assistant General Manager; Kitchen Manager and Executive Chef; Multi-unit, area, and district leaders; Director and senior operations roles

Markets served: Texas, Illinois, Western PA, & Upstate NY.

How Claire Evaluates Talent
It depends on the role, as I focus on the priority areas for the client. In general, I also look at tenure, concept fit, P&L experience, team development experience, and overall leadership experience.

Claire’s Market Perspective
Texas, Illinois, Western PA, & Upstate NY are tough hiring markets with many candidates who have tenure issues, and it is a unique market that ranges from many family-owned operations to large corporate concepts.

Advice
For employers: The more detail the better on your process and what you look for in a candidate.

For candidates: Focus on specific achievements to showcase your skills, for example performance to the P&L, awards, or specific examples of leadership, and avoid general answers.

In Claire’s Words
“Timely communication is the recruiter’s lifeline. It builds trust with the client, confidence with the candidate, and momentum for everyone counting on the process to move forward.”