Oakwood names VP of development in Europe
Oakwood has announced the appointment of Maria Ashton as vice president, development – Europe.
Ashton brings with her a “stellar track record of excellence in leadership”, alongside a strong international background in hotel development, feasibility and asset management across North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Prior to joining Oakwood, Ashton spent 12 years with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, where she began as an analyst in Feasibility and Development and held roles of increasing responsibility in Chicago, Zurich, Paris and London.
In her most recent position, she served as director of Acquisitions and Development, where she was responsible for fulfilling Hyatt’s development strategy throughout Western Europe.
During her tenure, the Western Europe team more than doubled Hyatt’s regional portfolio of trading hotels from 19 to 40, with an additional 34 properties in the pipeline by 2020
Ashton will now be based in London in her new role, and report directly to Dennis Wong, vice president, portfolio strategy and growth, Oakwood.
Wong said: “I am thrilled to welcome Maria to Oakwood’s leadership team. She brings extensive knowledge and leadership experience in business development in growth markets, which is a top priority for Oakwood as we shift our focus on the development and expansion of our hospitality portfolio around the world.”
