New York, NY – March 1, 2016 – Highgate, a premier hospitality investment and management company, has partnered with seasoned hospitality executive, Rob Dann. Dann plays a key role in expanding Highgate’s global portfolio, currently 100 properties and nearly 27,000 rooms in key gateway markets. Through a joint venture, Highgate and Dann have invested in a programmatic roll-out of Home2 Suites by Hilton, an all-suite, extended-stay hotel brand featuring residential-like amenities and contemporary design.
Dann will oversee the development and management of Highgate’s Home2 Suites portfolio in the U.S. Highgate currently has one property under development and five additional sites expected to begin construction later this year along with an extensive pipeline slated for the coming years. The completed portfolio will be managed by InnVentures, a division of Highgate specializing in the management of select-service hotels.
Additionally, Highgate has appointed Rob Dann as Executive Vice President of Operations overseeing the management of Highgate’s portfolio of properties in Massachusetts, Washington D.C., and Florida.
“Dann’s stellar operational experience and senior leadership has equipped him with the vision and skillset needed to help grow our U.S. portfolio,” said Steve Barick, Chief Operating Officer of Highgate. “Partnering with Dann on the Home2 Suites development is indicative of one of the target business models for Highgate, and we are pleased to extend the company’s footprint to new destinations.”
Previously, Dann served as Chief Operating Officer of Campus Crest Group, the second largest student housing company in the world. During his tenure, CCG grew from approximately 17,000 rooms to over 45,000. Prior to CCG, he was the President of CSM Lodging, a privately held development and management company working with top industry flags including Marriott and Hilton. Dann also served as Vice President of Operations at Interstate Hotels, where he worked directly with Highgate and Goldman Sachs who purchased and converted 24 hotels from the Wyndham portfolio.
“I am pleased to start this exciting venture with Highgate, a company I’ve greatly admired, and to be a part of its robust expansion plans,” said Dann.
In addition to his extensive background in the management industry, Dann also has over 15 years of hospitality experience at the field level with such companies as Ian Schrager Hotels, Helmsley Hotels, InterContinental and Westin Hotels & Resorts.
