Hyatt Hotels Corporation is expanding the reach of its Essentials portfolio with several major milestones, including signing more than 20 new Hyatt Select deals this year and reaching 70 total hotel deals for the Hyatt Studios brand since its launch. In addition, Jason Ballard was recently appointed as global brand leader – Essentials to steer this anticipated next phase of growth.
Under Ballard’s leadership, the company is positioning the brands in its Essentials portfolio—Caption by Hyatt, Hyatt House, Hyatt Place, Hyatt Select, Hyatt Studios, Unscripted by Hyatt and UrCove—to offer owners “attractive operating models and measurable value” in the hotel industry’s select-service category. Half of Hyatt’s executed 2025 U.S. Essentials portfolio deals are in new markets.
In his new role, Ballard will lead ongoing efforts to ensure Hyatt’s Essentials portfolio is “insights-led and brand-focused.” As the portfolio continues to scale, Hyatt will refine brand standards based on owner and guest insights, while safeguarding the quality and consistency that guests, customers and World of Hyatt members expect, according to the company.
Ballard, who has more than two decades of Hyatt experience scaling select-service properties globally, will oversee strategy, performance and brand evolution for the portfolio. His Hyatt leadership roles include franchise operations, brand performance and development across the Americas, Asia Pacific and EAME regions. Recently, he led the launch of Hyatt Studios, Hyatt’s newest extended-stay concept, and the opening of the brand’s first hotel in Mobile, AL, earlier this year.
