HRI Leadership Team
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Gary Gutierrez, President
ggutierrez@hriproperties.com
A twenty-eight-year lodging industry veteran, Mr Gutierrez joined HRI Lodging from Highgate Hotels, a leading independent hospitality management firm based in Dallas, TX that serves some of the country's largest and most sophisticated institutional owners. As VP of Operations, Gary oversaw operations of hotels such as the AAA 4-Diamond 676-room Westin Hotel and 1010-room Parc55 Hotel in San Francisco, CA. In addition, he has managed boutique and lifestyle hotels such as the AAA 5-Diamond Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa in Carefree, AZ, the iconic Paramount Hotel and On The Avenue Hotel in NYC. Prior to working for Highgate Hotels, he served as Divisional Vice President for Remington Hotels and Area Director of Operations with Wyndham International, both of which were also based in Dallas, TX.
Joined HRI in April 2008 after fifteen years with JP Morgan Chase and Hibernia where he focused on hospitality and energy banking, completing financing transactions totaling over $750 million. This included syndicated bank loans, institutional term loans, senior unsecured notes and convertible debt offerings. Steve's primary area of responsibility is hotel acquisition, disposition and joint venture partner relationships.
Brett Forshag , Vice President, Sales
bforshag@hriproperties.com
Brett has 24 years of combined hotel sales experience with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, ITT Sheraton and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. He most recently served as Director of Sales for the 1,110 room Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. Brett is the brand support for Hyatt, Hyatt Place, Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn hotels based on his vast industry knowledge and experience in creating award-winning sales cultures.
Alan has over 26 years of experience within the hospitality industry. Prior to joining HRI Lodging, Alan was responsible for overseeing the accounting and technology functions, as Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller, for Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants. Additionally he served as Chief Financial Officer for the Waterford Hotel Group, and Vice President of Finance and Administration for Outrigger Lodging Services. Alan was most recently Chief Financial Officer for Eden Housing, a developer and operator of affordable housing in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Darlene Marcello, Vice President, Food & Beverage and Procurement
dmarcello@hriproperties.com
A twenty-two-year Food & Beverage veteran with experience in owning and/or operating fine dining restaurants located in New Orleans, LA. Prior to joining HRI Lodging Inc. Darlene was Vice President of Operations for Semolina Corporation, a company responsible for the successful operation of over 35 restaurants.
Eleven years of hotel and corporate revenue management experience. Prior to joining HRI Lodging, Lior was the Regional Director of Revenue Management for Sofitel Luxury Hotels where Lior focused on supporting the North American region. Prior to Sofitel, Lior spent several years with Hilton guiding properties located in various business markets.
lbenge@hriproperties.Lee Ann has over twenty-five years of senior level Human Resources experience in hospitality, real estate and luxury retail sectors. Most recently she served as Vice President of Human Resources for Noble Investment Group responsible for the direction and oversight of all human resources initiatives supporting a portfolio of 50+ hotels and 5,000 employees. She has significant experience in all markets having worked with both major brands and independent hotels.
HRI Lodging Corporate.
Expanded the corporate leadership team to build upon a "Best of Class" organization through the addition of a corporate trainer, controller and food & beverage manager. In addition, the development team was realigned to support future growth of the lodging division.
