Matt Kleefisch – most recently the general manager at Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa in Texas Hill Country – has been named director of hospitality operations for Santa Ana, Calif.-based Carter Hospitality Group.
In his new position, Kleefisch oversees more than 361 employees – directing management teams for all properties in the Carter portfolio with a focus on supporting general managers, improving operational efficiencies, driving financial objectives, creating new guest experiences and enhancing guest satisfaction.
According to Jeff Carter, president of Carter Hospitality, a family-owned hospitality company with four hotels and resorts and three wineries across the United States – including Carter Creek Winery – Kleefisch is a dedicated industry professional and a key addition to his company’s executive team.
“A hospitality industry leader with extensive operational experience, Matt successfully oversaw Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa for four years before being promoted to the corporate director of hospitality operations role,” Carter said. “He is a master at achieving a customer-centric environment with the ability to engage with and motivate team members, and we are confident he will successfully help lead our company as we continue to grow.”
With over 20 years of leadership experience across multiple brands, properties and locations, Kleefisch was a general manager of Azul Hospitality Group overseeing multiple properties. During his tenure with Azul, he served as the dual general manager for two hotels in the Austin market – leading both properties through renovations. Additionally, he was a dual assistant manager at Hyatt House and Hyatt Place, both in downtown Denver and resort manager and owner services representative for Kauai’s Koloa Landing Resort and Spa, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. He began his hotel management career in the rooms division for La Costa Resort and Spa, just north of San Diego. Kleefisch’s hospitality roots started at the student operated Statler Hotel in Ithaca, N.Y., on the Cornell University campus, where he held several positions across multiple departments.
Kleefisch holds a Bachelor of Science degree in hotel administration/management from Cornell University where he was an NCAA football student athlete.
