Global engineering and design consultancy HDR has appointed Jessica Leone as hospitality sector lead, strengthening the firm’s hospitality offering and supporting the next phase of strategic growth. Based in the company’s New York office, she brings more than 20 years of experience across construction, consulting, development and hotel financing.
Leone joins HDR from Ernst & Young, where she worked as a real estate consultant within the strategy & transactions practice. She advised developers, corporations, government entities and private equity firms on hotel portfolios, including luxury resort and gaming developments in New York, as well as a statewide tourism plan for California.
Previously, she was director of real estate development at Mortenson, where she led multiple large-scale hospitality and commercial projects, including a $54-million Marriott hotel in Iowa, a $47-million Hilton hotel in Minneapolis and a $20-million Allstate call center in Idaho. She began her career in construction as a project manager for Hilton, overseeing $20 million in annual renovations at the Waldorf Astoria in New York.
“HDR’s strong global, multidisciplinary expertise and commitment to innovative, high-quality developments makes the company an exciting place to work right now,” said Leone. “I look forward to collaborating with our talented teams to drive new opportunities and deliver world-class hospitality projects for our clients.”
Matt Voaden, global hotel, leisure & entertainment sector director, HDR, added: “Jessica’s depth of experience across the hospitality sector makes her a strong addition to our team. Her proven track record in hotel development, real estate strategy, and large-scale project delivery will further enhance HDR’s hospitality offering and strengthen our position in this key market.”