After an illustrious career spanning over five decades in the hospitality industry, Eric Danziger, CEO of Braintree Group and Resolute Road Hospitality, has officially announced his retirement. Danziger’s contributions to the industry have been invaluable, and his leadership has played a significant role in shaping the success and growth of every organization he has been a part of throughout his career.
During his time with Braintree Group, Danziger continued to build on his legacy of success, emphasizing service, strategic growth and fostering a culture of excellence within the organization. He leaves the organization in capable hands, with the existing executive management team remaining unchanged, providing stakeholders with continuity and stability. Under the capable leadership of Kristen [Knapp] Pierce, Chief Investment Officer, and Daniel Pinheiro, Chief Business Development, the management team will continue the pursuit of unparalleled service and excellence. Gary Horton will continue to serve as President of Resolute Road, the third-party management organization launched last year.
While Danziger will be stepping down from his role as CEO, he will remain active on the Board of Directors to ensure a seamless transition and allow for the continued benefit of his insights and expertise to the company.
Danziger began his career in the hospitality industry at the age of 17 when he started as a bellman at The Fairmont San Francisco. Over the years, he has held leadership positions at some of the industry’s leading hotel companies, leaving an irreplaceable mark on each organization. His journey includes notable roles such as CEO of Trump Hotel Group, President and CEO of Starwood Hotels, President and COO of Carlson Hotels Worldwide, and President and CEO of Wyndham Hotel Group.
Danziger’s first executive role was with DoubleTree Hotels, where he was part of the team that created the iconic DoubleTree cookie. Notably, he is credited with greatly expanding the footprint of Wyndham Hotel Group, and he was the visionary that first leveraged the organization’s strength and synergies across its brands.
Throughout his career, Eric Danziger has received numerous awards and honors, including the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, the Lifetime Achievement HSMAI, the Industry Icon SAHIC, 2011 Honoree – UJA Federation, and the PATWA Lifetime Achievement Award, among others. He has shared his wealth of knowledge as a Guest Lecturer at prestigious institutions such as Cornell University. Johnson and Wales University awarded him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field.
In a statement regarding his retirement, Danziger expressed gratitude to the industry for the support he received throughout his career and confidence in the future of Braintree. “It has been an incredible journey, and I am proud of our accomplishments together. I look forward to continuing my involvement on the Board and witnessing the company’s continued success.”
Danziger added, “After five decades in the hospitality industry, I reflect on a journey that embodies the very essence of the American dream. From starting out as a bellman with humble beginnings to reaching the top as a CEO, each chapter has been a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Here’s to the dreams realized, challenges conquered, and cherished memories of a life dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences.
As Eric Danziger steps into a well-deserved retirement, his impact on the hospitality industry will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. His legacy of innovation, leadership, and dedication serves as an inspiration to aspiring professionals in the field.
The entire Braintree Group and Resolute Road Hospitality family extends their deepest gratitude to Eric Danziger for his service, leadership, and vision and wishes him well as he enters this new chapter.
