New York, NY (October 24, 2019) – BD Hotels announces the appointment of Colleen Heslin in the newly-created role of Vice President of Revenue Management for The Pod Hotels, and Elan Bielski as General Manager of Pod Times Square. The Pod Hotels currently has six properties in the portfolio, including Pod 39, Pod 51, Pod Brooklyn, Pod Times Square and Pod D.C., as well as the just-opened Pod Philly. The brand addresses the rapidly increasing demand for affordable lifestyle hotels targeted at progressively-minded travelers who seek affordable accommodations with smart design, intuitive technology and vibrant communal spaces.
Pod Hotels has announced its first West Coast property with Pod LA slated for 2021 and has plans to expand to even more key markets, including Miami, San Francisco, Chicago, Austin, Boston, Nashville, Seattle, Montreal, Toronto, and Mexico City, amongst others.
“Colleen and Elan join us at a crucial time as we continue expanding The Pod Hotels portfolio in North America,” said Richard Born, Owner of BD Hotels. “They both bring years of hospitality experience, from hotel operations to development, that will be a significant asset as we continuously grow and improve the brand.”
Colleen Heslin – Vice President of Revenue Management, The Pod Hotels
In this newly created role, Heslin will be responsible for the overall vision and strategic execution to drive demand optimization and revenue profitability, and replicate The Pod Hotels’ successful business model in other key markets. Heslin will leverage BD Hotels’ expertise in hotel development and understanding of the market to expand The Pod Hotels brand across the country and eventually globally. Heslin formerly oversaw a large portfolio of hotels in major markets throughout the U.S. in her role as North American Regional Revenue Director at InterContinental Hotels Group. Prior to that, she held regional and corporate revenue positions at Denihan Hotel Group and Highgate Hotels. Heslin received her Bachelor’s in Economics from Central Connecticut State University and later obtained her Certificate of Revenue Management from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Management.
Elan Bielski – General Manager, Pod Times Square
Utilizing his years of hospitality experience, Bielski will oversee operations at The Pod Hotels’ flagship property in Midtown Manhattan, Pod Times Square. He will have operational, strategic and financial responsibilities for the development and success of the property. Most recently, Bielski was the Hotel Manager at the Stewart Hotel, and prior to that, worked various roles at the Hilton Garden Inn New York/West 35th and Hilton New York Fashion District. Bielski is originally from Long Island, New York and graduated from the State University of New York at Binghamton with a Bachelor’s in Economics.
