Hospitality
10 hotel development experts
These ten hotel executives have led hotel development as development vice presidents and other development leaders at hotel and resort companies. A reader can learn how hotel companies approach new hotel development.
Professionals to explore
01—10Alex Moeckel
LinkedInExperience: Vice President of Luxury & Lifestyle Development - Eastern U.S. & Canada · IHG Hotels & Resorts
Vice President of Luxury & Lifestyle Development - Eastern U.S. & Canada at IHG Hotels & Resorts since 2026. Former Regional Vice President - Luxury & Lifestyle Development (2022–2026), Director of Lifestyle Development - Midwest, Mid-Atlantic & Northeast Regions (2020–2022) and Director of Development (2016–2020) at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Alif Nurani
LinkedInExperience: Exec VP Development & Finance · 360° Hotel Group
Exec VP Development & Finance at 360° Hotel Group since 2005. The profile says Nurani oversees and manages land acquisition and all aspects of new development, as well as renovation, expansion and construction of existing hotels within the 360 portfolio, with a commitment to high quality in construction and innovation in design.
Brian Liu
LinkedInExperience: Director of Development, China · Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
Vice President, Development, China, at Wyndham Hotel Group since 2012, where the profile describes leading hotel development of WHG brands in China and rolling out new brands such as TRYP by Wyndham, Hawthorn Suites and Ramada Encore under management and franchise models. Former Director of Development, China at Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group (2009–2012) and Director of Hotel Property Development (Leasing and Acquisition) at Super 8 China Hotel Management Co., Ltd. (2006–2008).
D. Shawn Hill
LinkedInExperience: Senior Vice President - Hotel Development, Asia Pacific · Marriott International
Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Marriott International since 2026, leading the company's global lodging growth strategy according to the profile, including new development, conversions and management and franchise contracts. Former Chief Development Officer of Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) (2022–2026) and Senior Vice President - Hotel Development, Asia Pacific (2005–2022) at Marriott International.
James Farrah
LinkedInExperience: Vice President of Development · IHG Hotels & Resorts
Vice President of Development at IHG Hotels & Resorts since 2026, responsible according to the profile for the development of new hotel and mixed-use projects throughout the Americas region. Former Head of Development, Upper Luxury Brands, the Americas at IHG Hotels & Resorts (2025–2026), Head of Development for the Americas at Six Senses (2023–2025) and Vice President, U.S. Luxury Hotels and Mixed-Use Development at Marriott International (2022–2023).
Jason Farmer
LinkedInExperience: Vice President, Lodging Development at Marriott International · Marriott International
Vice President, Lodging Development at Marriott International since 2015, responsible according to the profile for the growth of Marriott's Select Service & Extended Stay brands such as Courtyard, Residence Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites. Former Director, Lodging Development at Marriott International (2013–2015) and Director, Franchise Development at Choice Hotels International (2006–2013).
Jesse Luis
LinkedInExperience: Vice President-Resort Development · Foxwoods Resort Casino
Vice President-Resort Development at Foxwoods Resort Casino since 2018. Former Vice President, Development-North America at Dolce Hotels & Resorts (2012–2014), Vice President, Real Estate Development Services at Choice Hotels International (2008–2011) and Vice President, North America Real Estate at Marriott International (2007–2008). The profile describes $2 Billion in commercial real estate development with a specialty in hotels and resorts.
Mark Keiser
LinkedInExperience: President, Development · Viceroy Hotels and Resorts
President, Development at Viceroy Hotels and Resorts since 2024, where the profile says Keiser is responsible for spearheading Viceroy's growth strategy of adding luxury hotels. Former Chief Development Officer at Starwood Hotels (2015–2021), Chief Development Officer at EOS Hospitality (2021–2023) and Vice President - Development at SH Hotels & Resorts (2004–2015).
Robin Kennedy
LinkedInExperience: EVP, Chief Development Officer · Montage International
EVP, Chief Development Officer at Montage International since 2016; the profile says Kennedy leads the global expansion of the company's portfolio of Montage and Pendry branded hotels and is responsible for strategic business development, capital partnerships, acquisition, design and construction activities. Former Vice President, Full Service Development Mergers & Acquisitions at Marriott International (2007–2011).
Ryan J. Wold
LinkedInExperience: Vice President of Development · Choice Hotels International
Vice President of Development at Choice Hotels International since 2025, where the profile says Wold is responsible for development west of the Mississippi River, overseeing a team of 6 development professionals who represent 4 extended stay brands. Former Regional Vice President Development at Choice Hotels International (2018–2025) and Director, Lodging Development at Red Lion Hotels Corporation (2012–2014).
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's side of the table to yours, since a brand's development executive signing franchise and management deals sees projects differently from an owner or operator building and financing them. Also consider the segment and region the person worked in, since luxury, select service and extended stay projects follow different economics.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01What do you look at first when deciding whether a hotel site and market can support a new project?
- 02How do you choose between a franchise, a management agreement or another structure for a new hotel?
- 03What usually causes a hotel development project to stall between signing and opening, and how do you prevent it?
Reaching hotel development experts
How can I contact one of these hotel development experts?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 8 companies, including IHG Hotels & Resorts, 360° Hotel Group and Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, based on profile data retrieved on October 4, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach hotel development experts?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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