Tempe, Ariz. (May 4, 2022) – The Westin Tempe, the largest new hotel to debut in Tempe, Ariz. in nearly four decades upon its grand opening last fall, has appointed Ryan Kirby as the general manager.
Over a career of 14 years in the hospitality industry, Ryan Kirby’s experience as a hotelier has taken him from the sandy beaches of Hawaii, to the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, and finally to the pristine landscape of the Arizona Sonoran Desert. He has dedicated his career to the hospitality industry where he has earned the privilege of working for some of the most prestigious hotels including The Westin Moana Surfrider, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, W Los Angeles – West Beverly Hills, and the W Scottsdale. He has worked for multiple brands including Westin, Sheraton, W Hotels, Fairmont, Aloft, and most recently, the independent lifestyle brand, Saguaro Hotels.
Originally from Ojai, California, Kirby began his hospitality career as an intern at The Westin Moana Surfrider and The Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Enrolled as a student at The University of Hawaii at Manoa studying travel industry management, while other students were enjoying the waters of Waikiki, Kirby was volunteering his time as a restaurant host, front desk agent, or any department where he was needed. Upon graduation, he was hired as a Sales Management Trainee with Starwood Hotels, which secured his first managerial position at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa as a Leisure Sales Manager.
From the clear waters of Ka’anapali beach, Kirby progressed as a hotelier with roles in Group, Leisure, and Business Transient Sales over the next decade. In 2013 and 2014, he was recognized as a top sales performer for Starwood Hotels, with the W Brand in both Los Angeles and Scottsdale. By 2016, he was overseeing sales teams with both the Aloft brand and Saguaro hotels, with properties in Scottsdale, Tempe, Silicon Valley and Palm Springs. If you ask him how it feels to be back with the Westin brand, he will tell you it feels like home. Since the Westin brand was his introduction to hospitality, he feels privileged to have opened and now lead Arizona’s fourth Westin hotel.
Kirby has resided in the greater Phoenix area for the past 8 years and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. You’ll find him hiking the great trails of Arizona, playing a round of golf on the weekends and enjoying one of the many fabulous restaurants that the Valley has to offer. During the hotter summer months, he also ventures back to his roots and enjoys the beaches of Southern California with his family.
For more information about The Westin Tempe, visit https://www.marriott.com/en-
