TOURISM
{ HOSPITALITY } GUY BITTNER
Resort manager The Phoenician thephoenician.com Bittner joined The Phoenician in 2014 after 10 years with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. In his current role, he oversees the daily operations for both the 643room AAA Five Diamond resort and its boutique hotel, The Canyon Suites — one of only two Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond properties in Arizona. The native of Israel sits on the board of the Valley Hotel & Resort Association. Business advice: “Surround yourself with the best people. This will allow you to stay on top of trends -- and your competition -- while also taking calculated risks.” Surprising fact: “I am an avid guitar player and not too bad with a riff. I have played for several internal functions here at The Phoenician.rear”
STEVE HART
Area vice president Marriott International marriott.com Hart, a 45-year hospitality veteran, has served Marriott for 39 of those years. Additionally, he developed the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa and opened the resort as general manager in 2002. He oversees all Marriott development and operations in Arizona.
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: “Marriott has grown in a terrific way with the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, an historic milestone in the industry that has created the world’s largest lodging company. This will create a wealth of opportunities for the ladies and gentlemen who serve in our hotels and resorts, while at the same time offering our loyal guests and rewards members access to a collective portfolio of 5,800 hotels and resorts in more than 110 countries. Moving forward, this allows us to offer more benefits, amenities and more choices to travelers looking to have their own, unique travel experiences. It’s a win-win for all and it’s a true privilege to be a part of this extraordinary experience.” 140 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com
DAVID KONG
President and CEO Best Western International bestwestern.com David Kong is a hospitality industry leader with deep experience in the industry. Since he was named president and CEO of Best Western in 2004, Kong has led the company to significant financial achievements, including an average RevPAR index of 110 over the past five years, as well as unprecedented performance in guest loyalty and hotel satisfaction. Business advice: “I am an immigrant who came to this country with nothing. This industry has allowed me to earn a good living, provide for my family and find fulfillment. It is a forward looking industry. It has empowered me to dream boldly and to pursue those dreams without hesitation.”
SCOTT LYON
Founder and managing partner Westroc Hospitality westroc.com Lyon grew up in the real estate world, learning the business from his father Rusty, founder of Westcor, a development company. Leadership of the renovation and expansion of Scottsdale Fashion Square highlights Lyon’s tenure at Westcor. Lyon branched out into the hotel and resort industry through key participation in the formation, expansion, and eventual sale of Carefree Resorts. In this role, he was instrumental in the development and management of some of the most renowned resorts and communities in the country, including The Boulders in Carefree and The Lodge at Ventana Canyon in Tucson. Westroc now manages Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain and Scottsdale’s historic Hotel Valley Ho.
JACK MILLER
Regional vice president, Central U.S. Region Fairmont Scottsdale Princess scottsdaleprincess.com Miller joined the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in 2009 as general manager of the iconic 750-room, AAA Five Diamond resort in the Sonoran Desert. His role expanded to regional vice president in 2017. Miller, a 40-year veteran of the hospitality industry, has overseen the Princess’ unprecedented expansion with the new Palomino Conference Center, 102 new guest rooms, the new Sunset Beach and award-winning events. Business advice: “Find a career that you can truly be passionate about. Life is too short to spend time in a career that doesn’t inspire you. If you’re passionate and inspired, you’ll invest your time, talent and energies in success. Loving what you do is truly success.”