Gregg Forde is now president/COO of Island Hospitality Management, while Jeremy Welter will leave his post as president/COO of Ashford Inc., as well as COO of Ashford Hospitality Trust and Braemar Hotels & Resorts in July.
Gregg Forde promoted to president/COO of Island Hospitality Management
Island Hospitality Management has promoted COO Gregg Forde (pictured above) to the additional role of president. In his new role, he will oversee the company’s day-to-day operations and overall strategic vision.
“Gregg has spent nearly two decades with Island, helping to grow and shape the company into the leading third-party management we are today,” said Jeffrey H. Fisher, founder/principal, Island Hospitality Management. “From area director to COO, Gregg has been with us virtually every step of the way. Under his tutelage, Island has elevated its overall performance in all respects, from our human capital and training to the growth of our propriety information systems and programs. His focus on owners and their priorities has helped drive the industry-leading results we achieve. Gregg is directly responsible for so much of our growth to-date and in his new role will lead us to reach even greater heights.”
Forde began his hospitality career on the front desk and in housekeeping with Marriott International, with ascending roles over the following years. He joined Island Hospitality in 2003 as an area director of the company’s Silicon Valley hotels. He has held a series of increasingly important roles within the organization, including regional VP; SVP, operations; and EVP/COO before this promotion.
“Having dedicated the vast majority of my career to Island, I am humbled to be named president of this thriving organization,” Forde said. “My goal is to make Island one of the most highly sought-after places to work in the hospitality industry for team members while simultaneously being known as a true partner to owners, and I look forward to working with this fantastic group of professionals to meet and exceed those targets.”
Ashford president/COO to leave the company
Ashford Inc. has revealed that Jeremy Welter, its president/COO, will be leaving the company effective July 15. His position as COO of Ashford Hospitality Trust and Braemar Hotels & Resorts will also end on that date.
“I would like to thank Jeremy for all of his invaluable contributions to our organization over his long tenure with us,” said Monty J. Bennett, chairman/CEO, Ashford. “He has played an integral part in maximizing the value of our hotel assets and in putting together the group of companies that we have today. We would not be where we are today without Jeremy’s creativity and leadership. We have a deep bench of talented executives across our organization, and I believe we are well-positioned to continue to capitalize on the recovery we are seeing in our industry.”