First Investors, the real estate investment affiliate of First Hospitality, has appointed Jan Hajek as EVP, asset management & investments. In this role, he will lead the execution of investment business plans across the firm’s portfolio of premium select-service, full-service and lifestyle hotels, leveraging two decades of experience in asset management, real estate investment and financial planning.
As a key member of the senior leadership team, Hajek will serve as the primary relationship manager for all debt and equity capital partners; spearhead refinancing processes and strategic asset dispositions; and manage renovation planning, budgeting and execution in collaboration with First Hospitality. Additionally, he will be responsible for driving the implementation of investment plans across First Investors’ $700 million national portfolio; managing renovation and disposition timetables; and expanding the firm’s pipeline of high‑conviction acquisitions.
“Jan’s deep expertise in asset management and investments will further enhance First Investors’ disciplined multistep approach to hospitality investment,” said David Duncan, CEO, First Investors. “His strategic mindset and leadership will support our ongoing goals to strengthen our investment portfolio, deepen relationships with capital partners and drive operational excellence across our asset base.”
Prior to joining First Investors, Hajek served in multiple leadership positions at AJ Capital Partners, most recently serving as principal of asset management. At that company, he oversaw $2.5 billion in assets, orchestrated the strategic repositioning of the 37‑property Graduate Hotels collection and co‑led its 2024 sale to Hilton. His earlier posts include finance, strategy and development leadership at Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Marriott International.
“Jan’s rigor around numbers is matched by a natural ability to build alignment between owners, operators and lenders,” said Sam Schwartz, executive chairman. “His leadership will strengthen our reliability, deliver superior results and enhance First Investors position as a preferred investment partner.”
Hajek will sit on the investment committee, providing underwriting discipline that supports First Investors’ ambition of surpassing $1 billion in assets under management.
