Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas Paradise Valley has appointed Colm O’Brien as Managing Director following the resort’s $42 million renovation and recent opening in one of Arizona’s most exclusive enclaves. O’Brien will oversee all aspects of resort operations for Kimpton’s second Arizona property and one of the largest resorts in the brand’s portfolio, guiding the continued evolution of Miralina as a distinctly expressive, desert-driven luxury destination in the Paradise Valley and Scottsdale market.
With more than 20 years of leadership experience in luxury hospitality, O’Brien brings deep operational and financial expertise across resort and multi-property portfolios. His background guiding high-profile properties through openings and complex redevelopment initiatives is rooted in translating brand vision into immersive, place-connected guest experiences. Drawing from his experience leading intimate, experiential luxury resorts in destination-driven markets, O’Brien takes a thoughtful, guest-centric approach to hospitality, one that emphasizes authenticity, emotional connection, and a strong relationship to the surrounding landscape, aligning seamlessly with Miralina’s design-forward identity and desert-inspired ethos.
“Colm brings a thoughtful, people-first leadership style and a deep understanding of how strong operations elevate the overall guest experience,” said Alex Francis, Vice President of Operations, Highgate. “His experience guiding luxury resorts through pivotal moments, while building cultures rooted in accountability and creativity, makes him exceptionally well-suited to strengthen Miralina’s identity and ensure every touchpoint reflects the level of excellence and character that defines the property.”
Prior to joining Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas, O’Brien held senior leadership roles with L’Auberge de Sedona and The Landing South Lake Tahoe, Aimbridge Hospitality operated resorts, where he advanced from director of finance to managing director and ultimately regional managing director. In these roles, he oversaw complex resort operations, led large cross-functional teams, and supported properties through redevelopment initiatives while maintaining strong service and brand standards. Earlier in his career, he served as chief financial officer, at Cape Resorts, and as director of finance with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, building a strong foundation in financial strategy, operational performance, and brand-aligned execution.
“I’m honored and excited to join Kimpton Miralina at such a pivotal moment in the resort’s evolution,” said Colm O’Brien. “What drew me here was the extraordinary desert setting and the opportunity to build something truly distinctive while bringing a renewed sense of luxury to Paradise Valley and Scottsdale. My approach is grounded in culture, clarity, and execution, creating a team environment where hospitality feels intuitive, service is consistent, and every guest journey reflects a true sense of place and belonging.”
Throughout his career, O’Brien has been recognized for his ability to translate brand vision into consistent, high-quality execution across all facets of resort operations. As Managing Director, he will focus on fostering Kimpton Miralina’s culture, supporting its culinary, wellness, and experiential programming, and ensuring the resort remains deeply connected to its desert setting and surrounding community.
