Auberge Resorts Collection, a portfolio of award-winning hotels, resorts and residences, announced today that Chris Gabaldon will join the company as Chief Operating Officer in April. In his new role, Chris will lead the corporate operational and human resources strategies for the company and work closely with the on-property teams and hotel owners of Auberge Resorts Collection’s growing international portfolio.
“With extensive leadership experience at prominent international hospitality brands, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to our Auberge family,” said Craig Reid, President & CEO, Auberge Resorts Collection. “His impressive track record in the luxury market, as an effective collaborator with a reputation for delivering results, will prove invaluable to the brand and each of the properties in the portfolio.”
With nearly 30 years of experience in the global hospitality industry, Chris brings proven brand strategy, operations, and sales and marketing expertise to his new role. Most recently, he served as the Area Vice President of Luxury Brands, America West, at Marriott International. There, he oversaw operations and opening activities for 37 hotels across the seven luxury brands in the Marriott portfolio: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Edition, W Hotels, Luxury Collection, Bulgari, and Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Chris previously served in strategic leadership roles as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer globally for The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Edition and Bulgari Hotels and with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company as Area Vice President, Western Region and Canada.
At Auberge Resorts, Chris’ responsibilities will include corporate management of rooms, residential, food & beverage and spa operations, as well as recruitment and talent development for the company. Chris will be a key leader within the Auberge Resorts Executive Team as the company continues to elevate the brand, and he will work closely with Auberge’s hotel owners and hotel operations to build on the successes of the award-winning portfolio of properties.
Chris will be based in Washington D.C., where he lives with his family and enjoys skiing, tennis, attending Penn State football games with his son and watching his daughter play high school lacrosse. Chris holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. and earned a Master of Business Administration from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. Chris remains involved with his alma mater, serving on the Hospitality and Sports and Recreation Management Advisory Board at James Madison University. He previously served as a guest lecturer for the university and was a member on the MPI Foundation Global Board of Trustees. Chris was inducted into the 20 Prominent Patriots for George Mason University in 2014 and is a past recipient of the Brand Genius Award by Adweek.
