SOLAGE - Key Persons
Amy is directly responsible for all financial activities, including financial reporting and management, treasury and balance sheet financing, insurance and risk management, tax planning, as well as information systems and technology. Amy was previously at Belmond, where she was Vice President, Corporate Finance & Investor Relations based out of the London and New York offices. Prior to Belmond, Amy worked for Kerzner International in a number of financial capacities, most recently serving as Kerzner's Vice President, Treasury. Amy holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Accounting degrees from Wake Forest University.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Development & Residential
Chelsea leads our residential strategy and execution, providing direction and oversight of development, governance, sales and marketing, residential finance and operations from pre-development through operations. Prior to joining Auberge Resorts, Chelsea held roles at various real estate firms including Pacifica Hotels/Invest West, Dallimore & Co. and The Kor Group, working in acquisitions across product types from lifestyle hotels to luxury retail. She holds a Bachelor's Degree and Masters in Real Estate Development Degree from University of Southern California.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Board
- President
A dynamic hospitality industry leader respected for his expertise in hotel development, management and service excellence, Craig joined Auberge in January 2014, following a noteworthy career with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts that spanned more than three decades. As President of Hotel Operations, Americas, his position since 2011, Craig was responsible for setting the strategic direction for Four Seasons hotels in Canada, the U.S. and Latin America, a region that spanned seven time zones. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President Operations for the Americas and in a variety of management roles at Four Seasons properties in Chicago, Boston, Austin, Dallas and Washington, D.C. He began his career with The Savoy Group, London, as a management trainee. Craig is a graduate of Westminster College, London, with a diploma in Hotel Administration. He completed the Summer Management Program at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Chairman and CEO of the Friedkin Group
Dan Friedkin is Chairman and CEO of The Friedkin Group, a privately held and diverse consortium of businesses and investments in the automotive, entertainment, hospitality, golf and adventure industries. Among its businesses, Dan is Principal and Co-Founder of Imperative Entertainment, a multi-media production company in the entertainment industry. In 2017 Friedkin formed 30WEST, which provides capital and strategic guidance to high caliber creative projects and forward-thinking companies across popular culture. Friedkin and 30WEST have majority ownership in NEON, one of the most coveted theatrical marketing and distribution companies in the independent film space. He is Chairman and CEO of Gulf States Toyota, one of the world's largest independent distributors of Toyota vehicles and parts, serving more than 150 dealers. He is Chairman of Auberge Resorts Collection, a portfolio of luxury hotels, resorts and residences. Dan is also the owner of Diamond Creek Golf Club in North Carolina, and co-owner of Congaree in South Carolina.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Evan has over 20 years of experience working for some of the most notable boutique hotel brands in the industry. He has a diverse background in sales and marketing, operations and brand development. Most recently Evan oversaw the growth strategy for Highgate Hotel's newly created Luxury and Lifestyle division. Prior to that, Evan was the Managing Director for NoMad Hotels and ran operations for Freehand Hotels at the Sydell Group. Evan also worked for Andre Balazs as General Manager for the iconic Standard Hotel, New York. Other experience includes time with Ian Schrager opening Gramercy Park Hotel. Evan holds a Bachelor Degree in Business from The University of Arizona.
Job Titles:
- Executive Advisor, Design and Construction
John provides advice and direction to the Senior Management Team in all matters related to the innovative and efficient design of new hotel, resort and residential developments. John graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1987 with a degree in Engineering and Management Science. Upon graduation, he was hired by Cineplex Odeon to design and construct movie theatres throughout Canada and the U.S. In 1991, John joined the City of Toronto as Director of Facility Planning, Design and Construction where he led teams of in-house architects, engineers, telecom and project managers who were responsible for all of the City's capital construction projects and the maintenance of 600 city owned buildings. John began his career with Four Seasons in June 1997, as a Manager in the Design and Construction Department and was promoted to Director in 2001. He was then promoted to Vice President in 2003, and in 2006, he was asked to lead the department as Senior Vice President. Under John's leadership, the department grew from a staff of 12 in 2006 to its current complement of 37 team members. As a member of the senior management team at Four Seasons, John was instrumental in helping the company grow from 35 to 95 hotels.
Kemper oversees creative direction for the brand and all aspects of design with a goal to further strengthen Auberge Resorts Collection's position as the leading portfolio of boutique luxury hotels in the world. Previously, Kemper was Head of Design at Starwood Capital Group, a global private equity firm, where he was a leader in all aspects of design with a focus on the creation of new hotel brands including the recently launched 1 Hotels and Baccarat Hotels. Prior experience includes Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Martha Stewart Omnimedia.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Finance, Operations
Kevin leads our operational accounting and finance discipline, providing strategic direction and oversight of financial reporting and analysis, budgeting, operational performance management and controls across our global portfolio. He brings a wealth of experience, having worked for Marriott International for 25 years in operations, property-based finance and regional leadership roles, most recently serving as the Area Director of Finance for Southern California. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Business Marketing from Ferris State University and a Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
- President of the Friedkin Group
Marc Watts is President of The Friedkin Group, a privately held and diverse consortium of businesses and investments in the automotive, hospitality, entertainment, golf and adventure industries, including Gulf States Toyota, one of the world's largest independent distributors of Toyota vehicles and parts. Prior to joining The Friedkin Group, Mr. Watts was Vice Chairman and Managing Partner-Houston of the 700-attorney law firm of Locke Lord LLP, with over 26 years of experience in corporate and securities law, governance and related matters. Mr. Watts is the Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Houston Branch Board of Directors as well as the 2018 Board Chair of the Greater Houston Partnership. He serves on the Board of Service Corporation International and Highland Resources, Inc. In addition, Mr. Watts is a member of various civic and community boards including The Salvation Army of Greater Houston, United Way of Greater Houston and Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation. Mr. Watts earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University and a law degree from Harvard University.
With more than 30 years of experience leading global teams for major brands in the hotel, residential, restaurant, spirits and automotive industries, Mike brings extensive marketing, brand management and sales expertise to Auberge. Before joining Auberge, he spent 11 years at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, most recently as Senior Vice President of Marketing. There, he was responsible for the global marketing, distribution and revenue management efforts that contributed to the company's sales growth across a portfolio of almost 100 hotels in over 40 countries. Prior to joining Auberge Resorts Collection, Mike was Director of Marketing at CARA Operations Ltd., Toronto, the number-one casual dining restaurant company in Canada. As Vice President of Marketing for Corby Distilleries Ltd., he helped to grow market share and create some of the fastest- growing spirits brands in Canada. At Allied Domecq Spirits & Wines in the U.K.,Mike developed the global brand strategies that grew premium brands, including Maker's Mark Bourbon and Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch. Earlier in his career, Mike led the U.S. automotive advertising accounts for Acura as Vice President, Management Supervisor at Ketchum, Los Angeles. Mike has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University.
Randy joined Auberge in early 2014 as our Executive Advisor. He provides advice and direction to the Senior Management Team to help them develop and execute a strategic plan for the global expansion of Auberge. Randy previously held the position of Executive Vice President Business Administration and General Counsel at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, where he was responsible for managing the worldwide business and legal affairs of the company relating to property investments and other corporate initiatives. His expertise in negotiating business and financial terms for properties and corporate investments, together with his ability to work with hotel developers and owners to achieve their financial objectives, are some of his key roles at Auberge. Randy was a member of the Management Committee of Four Seasons, responsible for running their business affairs worldwide, and was involved in all of the corporate transactions critical to the emergence of Four Seasons as a globally recognized hospitality brand. He is a graduate of the Law School of the University of Western Ontario and previously practiced corporate and commercial law as a Partner of Goodmans LLP in Toronto, Canada.
Job Titles:
- Chief Development Officer
Richard brings extensive acquisition and development experience as he leads the Auberge Resorts Collection overall growth strategy. Richard oversees a team that identifies, negotiates, and secures all growth opportunities including new development, acquisitions, and corporate transactions. Prior to joining Auberge, Richard was a Partner and Managing Director at Kadenwood Partners, a London based real-estate investment, capital advisory, and asset management firm focused on the luxury hotel, residential, and mixed-use property sectors. Prior to Kadenwood, Richard served as Vice President, Worldwide Development at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts where he was responsible for sourcing and securing new growth opportunities on a global basis. In addition, he focused on strategic transactions, special situations, and identifying development capital. Richard has previously held roles with PKF Consulting and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. Richard holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Hotel and Food Administration with a focus on Real Estate Finance from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. He currently serves on the Hospitality Investment Roundtable of the American Hotel and Lodging Association and has previously served on the Hotel Development Counsel at the Urban Land Institute.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
Ron co-founded The Catalyst Group, Inc. in 1990 to provide expansion capital to companies in a variety of mid-market industries. In the last 25 years, Catalyst has managed nine separate investment funds with over 100 investments in 70+ industries. Ron graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and is a Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Texas.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Operations
Scott oversees the operation and performance of the Auberge Resorts portfolio of prosperities. Scott is an industry veteran with more than 35 years' experience with some of the highest regarded luxury brands and operators and has a broad international background opening more than 40 hotels for Ritz-Carlton and Capella Hotels in fifteen countries around the world. Scott's previous experience includes being President of SH Groups where he oversaw the development and launch of both the 1 Hotel and Baccarat brands for the Starwood Capital Group. He is recognized for his expertise in brand development, marketing, operations, profit delivery, and CAPEX investments. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science degree from James Madison University in Hotel Management and extended his education with an Executive Course in Strategy and Organization from Stanford University Graduate School.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Operations
Shan Kanagasingham brings over 20 years of global luxury hospitality experience to Auberge Resorts Collection. Her vast knowledge of the hospitality industry, motivational leadership, passion for excellence has led to her latest role as Senior Vice President, Operations. Prior to joining Auberge Resorts, Shan oversaw operations across 1 Hotels and Baccarat Hotels & Resorts, where she played an integral role launching both brands in 2015. Shan also served as the General Manager of The Surrey Hotel, a Relais & Chateaux in New York City in 2011 and was instrumental in positioning this asset as "Best Hotel In New York City" by Travel & Leisure and Conde Nast. Before moving to New York, Shan was the Area General Manager for Viceroy Hotel Group in Miami, which included Viceroy Miami and The Tides South Beach. Shan's experience in the luxury sphere also includes being the Director of Rooms at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong; Director of Rooms at Raffles L'Ermitage in Beverly Hills, California, and various senior management positions in Sales & Marketing and Conference Services with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC. After attending the prestigious Ecole Le Roches, part of the Swiss Hotel Association, Shan received a bachelor's degree in Hotel Management. Shan lives in New York City and is a native of Malaysia.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Performance Marketing
With over 20 years of leading global revenue teams, Tyler brings extensive experience leading the day to day revenue strategy, distribution and reservation efforts for Auberge. In this role, Williams leads a team that leverages the use of advanced analytics for price positioning, predictive modeling, and channel distribution, in an effort to optimize top-line revenue, drive owner profits, and steal market share. Prior to Auberge, Williams held executive roles with Destination Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, and Hyatt hotel companies. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in tourism, coupled with a minor in finance and marketing from Indiana University.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Talent & Culture
- VP, Talent
Yvonne Jung is the VP, Talent & Culture, responsible for the talent and culture strategy of the Collection, focused on creating ENRICHing experiences for team members globally. Yvonne will tell you she has had three careers, including her 25 years' experience in Human Resources. She grew up in hospitality, performed for Walt Disney World and in the role of Prairie Dawn on Sesame Street Live, has held various hotel and corporate operations and HR roles, and spent six years in HR consulting with Accenture. Her hotel experience includes Mandarin Oriental, Hilton Worldwide and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Yvonne has a M.A. in Human Resource Development from George Washington University and a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Maryland. She maintains her Senior Professional in HR certification (SPHR) from the Society for HR Management, and her Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation from World at Work.