Phoenix, Ariz. (February 24, 2016) – Set to open in late spring 2016, FOUND:RE Phoenix is pleased to announce the executive team leading the daily operations and management for the highly anticipated lifestyle hotel and restaurant developed by Habitat Metro, the group behind Portland Place and the adjacent Portland on the Park condominiums, and BOND Partners, the minds behind a collection of unique, lifestyle hotels and resorts. The property will be helmed by Vittal Calamur, general manager; Parley Stock, director of sales and marketing; and Brian Blanke, director of food and beverage.
"We’ve put together an outstanding team of passionate leaders with the experience and a bold vision to make FOUND:RE and MATCH Cuisine and Cocktails, the go-to art and lifestyle destination. We’ve purposely strayed from the ‘play-it-safers,’ said Vittal Calamur, General Manager. “Our tuned-in grasp of the local scene and our focus on connecting with the community will reflect in the culture and style at FOUND:RE – bringing a progressive and imaginative hospitality experience to downtown Phoenix and the growing city."
General Manager Vittal Calamur not only has an extensive background in hospitality, but more specifically, expertise in opening and operating award-winning boutique hotels across the country. He has over 20 years of experience in the lifestyle and hospitality industry, and is constantly looking for an edgy and new approach to creating unique experiences for guests. Early on in his career, Calamur began with the W Hotel Brand when it first launched, where he went on to open five of their properties, followed by leading the operations of a full rebrand and launch at THE MODERN HONOLULU in Oahu, Hawaii. Calamur has also helped lead the teams at luxury boutique hotels including the JAMES Hotel in Scottsdale, the Montage Resort & Spa, TOWER 23 and The Keating Hotel in San Diego. In his role, Calamur oversees all day-to-day activities on property and will ensure all guests experience the style, art, culture, and service that FOUND:RE embodies.
As Director of Sales and Marketing, Parley Stock brings over a decade’s worth of experience in leading hospitality sales teams at high-end hotel destination hotels to the FOUND:RE team. Previous to being a member of the executive team at FOUND:RE, Stock held management positions at well-known hotels including Hotel Palomar Phoenix, a Kimpton Hotel; The Saguaro, Commune Hotels + Resorts and The Ritz-Carlton Phoenix. Along with his role at FOUND:RE, Stock is also the current President and long-time board member of the Global Business Travel Association Arizona Chapter. In addition to supporting essential internal roles in creating an unforgettable customer and employee experience at FOUND:RE, Stock oversees communication with sales teams of key national and local partners. With Stock’s background in the hospitality industry, he plays an integral role as a member of FOUND:RE’s marketing team; contributing to the branding of Phoenix’s most anticipated, innovative, downtown lifestyle hotel.
Director of Food and Beverage, Brian Blanke has partnered with Executive Chef Akos Szabo to create FOUND:RE’s onsite restaurant, MATCH Cuisine & Cocktails, Downtown Phoenix’s highly-anticipated creative culinary experience. As a seasoned professional, Blanke brings years of restaurant and hospitality skills to FOUND:RE and MATCH. Prior to joining the FOUND:RE team, Blanke has lead teams at multiple luxury hotels, upscale restaurants and catering businesses around the country. As Director of Food and Beverage, Blanke will oversee the daily operations of MATCH Cuisine & Cocktails and all hotel dining. He will manage the restaurant and catering staff, ensuring top-notch service, while cultivating community relations with surrounding Phoenicians.
Calamur, Stock, and Blanke make up a dynamic trio and are the creative and strategic force behind FOUND:RE Phoenix. With more than three decades of combined luxury hospitality and restaurant experience, the team is poised to introduce FOUND:RE and MATCH Cuisine & Cocktails as an integrated lifestyle experience unlike any other.
