GF Hotels & Resorts promotes three executives

GF Hotels & Resorts, a Philadelphia-based hotel ownership and management company with more than 140 upscale and midscale U.S. hotels and resorts in its portfolio, has promoted John Rubino to president, managed division; Vineet Nayyar to president, owned division; and Lisa Drake to VP, development & owner relations.

Rubino (shown above left), who will also serve as COO of the managed division, joined the company in 2019. With more than 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he has held various positions, including EVP; SVP, operations; VP, operations; regional director, operations; regional director, training; area manager; and general manager.

Lisa Drake

Since joining GF, Rubino has assisted in adding more than 130 managed properties to the GF portfolio and recruiting more than 15 executives to the team, according to the company.

“John’s leadership style encompasses the genuine spirit of hospitality,” said Kenneth Kochenour, CEO/founder, GF Hotels & Resorts. “While impressing clients and delivering superior results are critical, employee satisfaction and workplace culture are fundamental. Guided by John’s exceptional leadership, we look forward to the continued success in growth, investment and strategic planning.”

Nayyar (shown above right), who joined the company in 2000, brings with him more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and will continue as COO for the owned division, serving in a dual position. His knowledge has been an essential part of the GF Hotels & Resorts team since he joined in 2000, the company reports. He has served in all areas of hotel management and worked with most major brands, including Marriott International, Hilton, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Radisson.

“It’s an exciting time for GF Hotels & Resorts as we continue to pivot through these challenging times we are looking forward to Vineet’s leadership contributions,” said Kochenour.

Nayyar’s expertise led to a seat on Holiday Inn’s General Manager Advisory Board, and he is currently a member of the IHG Owners Association and DoubleTree Hotel Owner Advisory Council.

Drake joined GF Hotels & Resorts in 2018 and has made her mark on the development team since day one, the company reports. With more than 10 years of hospitality experience in sales, marketing and revenue management, she has helped grow the company through its rebranding from GF Management to GF Hotels and Resorts and adding more than 130 managed properties to the portfolio during the most challenging years for the hospitality industry. In her new role, she will be focusing on growth and retention in both our bank workout and third-party management divisions alongside the entire development team.