HEI Hotels & Resorts Promotes Peart, Cuff and Sistare to General Manager Positions

NORWALK, Conn., June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- HEI Hotels & Resorts (HEI), the nation's fastest growing private owner/operator of hotel real estate, today announced the promotion of three of its fast-track team members to general manager (GM) positions.  John Peart has been named GM of the recently acquired The Hotel Minneapolis, Autograph Collection; Kelly Martin Cuff was appointed GM of the Marriott Fullerton, Calif; and Ryan Sistare becomes GM of the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale, Fla.  

"Especially in today's challenging economic climate, hiring and retaining the best associates is critical to the success of our hotels," said Ted Darnall, HEI's chief operating officer.  "One of the most effective ways we've found to accomplish this is by attracting the right talent, recognizing excellence and promoting from within.  All three of these high-achieving individuals have been fast-tracked up the HEI career ladder based on their record of superior performance and strong leadership skills.  We have the utmost confidence in their ability to help these hotels reach their full operating potential."

Created to support HEI's rapid growth, the fast-track Director of Operations Program has become a crucial aspect of HEI's recruiting efforts.  The program is designed to target leaders from across the industry ready to take the next step towards management of an upper-upscale hotel.  Candidates with a true passion for hospitality and a proven track record of upward progression across multiple disciplines are highly coveted for their potential to succeed in HEI's demanding environment.

"For experienced hospitality professionals who have hit a career ceiling in their current role, our fast-track development program is the perfect next step," said Stephanie Rhodes, director of talent acquisition.  "HEI's continuous growth makes us the ideal destination for the best up and coming talent in the industry, and we embrace that opportunity."

Prior to being named general manager of The Hotel Minneapolis, Autograph Collection, John Peart was director of operations at the Hilton San Diego Mission Valley and at Le Meridien San Francisco, both HEI properties located in California.  Prior to joining HEI, Peart held various general management and director of food and beverage roles with Starwood Hotels & Resorts.  The 222-room The Hotel Minneapolis was recently acquired by HEI in a joint venture with Hempel Properties and transitioned to Marriott's new Autograph Collection brand.

Kelly Martin Cuff brings 20 years of hospitality experience to his new post as GM at the 224-room Marriott Fullerton in California.  Previously he was director of operations at the 410-room Crowne Plaza San Antonio and Hilton Indianapolis North, before earning his promotion to the Marriott Fullerton.  Prior to joining HEI, Cuff held various management positions with Dolce International, and was director of resort operations at the French Lick Resort and Casino.

Ryan Sistare, newly appointed GM of the 236-room Renaissance Fort Lauderdale in Florida, is the former hotel manager at HEI's Embassy Suites Orlando Downtown.  A fourth-generation hotelier, Sistare joined HEI from Winegardner & Hammons and received his degree in hotel administration with suma cum laude distinction from Florida State University.

About HEI Hotels & Resorts

HEI Hotels & Resorts, headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., is a leading hospitality investment firm that acquires, develops, owns and operates full-service, upper upscale and luxury hotels and resorts throughout the United States under such well-known brand names as Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Le Meridien, Embassy Suites, and Hilton.  For more information about HEI, visit the company's website, www.heihotels.com.

SOURCE HEI Hotels & Resorts