Boutique real estate investment and development firm Trestle Studio has appointed Timothy Ryan as president/COO. In the dual role, he will lead all facets of operations and organizational growth, working across development, openings and ongoing performance.
Christine Morairty has also joined the company as chief brand and marketing officer and will oversee brand strategy, marketing and creative direction for the company, shaping how each property is positioned, experienced and communicated.
The appointments are strategically timed as the company gears up for a year of significant expansion, with several major projects slated across the U.S. Most notably, Sítio El Tropicano, a transformation of the historic El Tropicano on the San Antonio Riverwalk, is set to debut later this year, alongside additional forthcoming announcements.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Tim and Christine to the team, especially as we embark on important next steps in the Trestle Studio evolution,” said Jake Lamstein, founder, Trestle Studio. “As we continue to grow, it’s critical that we build a leadership team that brings expertise and shares our belief in creating places that are culturally resonant and operationally sound. Tim and Christine each bring a distinct perspective; together they strengthen our ability to think holistically about how our projects come to life, from concept through experience. Their leadership will be instrumental in shaping our next chapter.”
Ryan joins the company with nearly three decades of hospitality experience. Most recently, he served as COO of Aparium Hotel Group, where he led the strategic and operational direction of a growing portfolio of independent hotels and restaurants. During his tenure, he oversaw the opening of nine hotels and more than 20 food and beverage concepts, grew portfolio revenue by over 40% and guided the company through the global pandemic. Prior to Aparium, he spent more than a decade with MGM Resorts International, where he served as corporate VP of food & beverage strategy, overseeing nearly 500 outlets generating more than $2 billion in annual revenue. Across his career, he has opened more than 50 restaurants and bars and 15 hotels and resorts worldwide.
“There is a clear and compelling vision for what Trestle Studio can become, and it’s one I have deep confidence in,” said Ryan. “The momentum already building across the portfolio is especially exciting, and there’s a real sense of purpose behind each project. I’m looking forward to partnering with Jake and the team to channel that energy into growth.”
Morairty joins Trestle Studio as a seasoned brand and marketing executive with more than 15 years of experience building and elevating independent hotel brands and go-to-market strategies. She began her career at W Hotels’ innovation lab in New York City before leading global launches across the U.S. and Asia-Pacific. Most recently, as VP of marketing for Palisades Hospitality, she oversaw creative and commercial strategies across a portfolio of boutique hotels and restaurants on the West Coast and Mexico.
“Trestle is building hotels with a real point of view in markets that are ready for them,” said Morairty. “I’m thrilled to help shape what comes next for Trestle Studio’s next chapter alongside some of the best experts, operators and visionaries in the business.”
Ryan and Morairty join a C-suite that also includes Bridgette Summers, chief investment officer and partner, and Erich Heger, chief development officer.
