The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa announces the appointment of Derek Ellis as General Manager.
In his role Ellis will oversee all operations for the acclaimed Scottsdale property, which is presently underway with a transformation of its 732 guestrooms and corridors, signaling the re-imagination of an elevated guest experience set to debut holiday 2019.
“I am thrilled to join the talented team at this esteemed resort rich in innovation, inimitable experiences and unparalleled service,” says Ellis. “It is especially timely and exciting to bring my own personal touches to the resort during this incredible transformation as we welcome guests and the community to the next iteration of our property’s evolution.”
Prior to joining The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa Ellis most recently served as Resort Manager for JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, General Manager of JW Marriott Houston by The Galleria, and General Manager of the Houston Marriott Medical Center, where he was recognized as 2013 Best in Class “General Manager of the Year” for Host Hotels & Resorts®. Previous hospitality management experience includes roles at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, and Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel.
Ellis’ appointment comes as an encore to the resort’s recent announcement detailing its forthcoming re-imagined accommodations to feature designs that aim to present a striking new interpretation of modern eco-luxury. The refined guestrooms and corridors will feature expansive contemporary interior redesigns and enhancements inspired by the Southwest, all while preserving the iconic Kierland character for which the property is so renowned. Designed in partnership with Parker Torres Design Inc., the transformation endeavors to better ground each guest with a connection to the natural world and local Sonoran environment, evoking a sense of living amidst the desert.
