KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Longwood Gardens has named hospitality executive Nicolo “Nico” Dagnino as its new chief operating officer, entrusting a veteran industry leader with overseeing guest services and operations at one of the region’s most visited cultural destinations.
In the newly created role, Dagnino will be responsible for setting strategy and leading day-to-day guest services and operational functions at Longwood Gardens, while also evaluating and managing hospitality and guest experiences at Longwood at Granogue. He will oversee more than 200 employees within the organization’s Guest Services and Operations team.
Dagnino brings more than 20 years of experience across global hospitality, food and beverage, and operations management. He joins Longwood after serving as vice president of food and beverage at Alterra Mountain Company, where he oversaw dining operations at 19 year-round mountain resorts, including Deer Valley, Mammoth, Palisades Tahoe, Steamboat, and Winter Park.
Before his tenure at Alterra, Dagnino played a key role in Eataly’s North American expansion, leading the brand’s entry into Canada and managing operations across multiple regions and eCommerce platforms. His career also includes senior roles at Avolta, along with consulting work at Deloitte and IBM, where he provided strategic guidance to Fortune 500 companies.
Longwood Gardens President and Chief Executive Officer Paul B. Redman said Dagnino’s leadership background aligns with the organization’s long-term vision. Redman said Dagnino’s experience enhancing guest experiences, integrating technology, and developing talent while delivering revenue and profitability growth will be critical as Longwood continues to expand its mission across multiple properties.
Dagnino said he is eager to take on the new role and build on Longwood’s reputation for excellence. He said he looks forward to working alongside the organization’s staff to further elevate the guest experience that has become synonymous with Longwood Gardens.
The appointment places Dagnino at the center of Longwood’s operational strategy as the gardens continue to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually from across the region and beyond.
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