LIONGROVE DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Our mission is to develop real estate strategies to maximize the potential of our assets
ZACH GARCIA SENIOR ASSOCIATE
JEFFREY RODRIGUEZ VICE PRESIDENT
IDALIZ SANTIAGO PROJECT MANAGER
VONNE DECLET PROGRAM MANAGER
SOFIA ROSARIO
LUIS ACEVEDO MENDOZA ANALYST
ANDRO NODARSE-LEON
FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
• Over the course of a 20-year career, Andro Nodarse-Leon has been involved in over $85 billion of completed acquisition, financing, and divestiture transactions and hundreds of transaction processes across multiple sectors, including hospitality, education, finance, consumer products, media, entertainment, business services, energy, real estate and infrastructure
• Mr. Nodarse-Leon has operational and asset management experience in connection with companies in the hospitality, education, financial, consumer products, media and infrastructure construction sectors
• Before founding LionGrove, Mr. Nodarse-León was the Co-founder and Managing Partner for LEON, MAYER & Co. (LM) a successful Miami and New York City based private equity and investment banking firm, which Mr. Nodarse-Leon founded in 2005
• At LEON, MAYER & Co., Mr. Nodarse-León led all the operations of the firm, the firm’s work across dozens of investment banking transactions and all of LM’s investment and asset management activities
• From 2012 to 2018, Mr. Nodarse-Leon co-founded LM’s first private equity platform, Endeavor Schools, where he led financing efforts, investment activities and operational oversight
• Under Mr. Nodarse-Leon’s leadership, Endeavor completed the acquisition, financing and operational integration and optimization of 34 private school properties and operations, as well as the commencement of the development of three new schools across 15 MSAs and 9 states
• By 2018, Endeavor Schools became the 14th largest owner and operator of pre-k to 8th private school sector in the US, leading to LM successfully selling Endeavor Schools and realizing an IRR in excess of 40% for Endeavor’s equity investors
• In 2015, under Mr. Nodarse-Leon’s leadership, LM created its second private equity vehicle, a joint venture with a multi-billiondollar New York City based institutional private equity firm, to acquire El San Juan Hotel from Blackstone
• Mr. Nodarse-Leon led an extensive and successful $60 million renovation of El San Juan Hotel between 2016 and 2017
• After a direct impact to the property from of Hurricane Maria in September 2017, Mr. Nodarse-Leon led a subsequent $60 million restoration of the property, which was completed at the end of 2019 and led to the hotel’s rebranding as the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
• In 2019, affiliates of LionGrove purchased the interests in the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel from affiliates of LM and, today, LionGrove co-owns and leads the asset management of the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
• In 2021, LionGrove purchased the interests in the Wyndham Palmas Beach & Golf Resort from local investors, and today, LionGrove co-owns and manages the property. LionGrove also leads the asset management
ANDRO NODARSE-LEON
FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
• Prior to LM, Mr. Nodarse-León was an investment professional at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) in New York City. At KKR, Mr. Nodarse-Leon worked on the acquisition of companies in the hospitality, consumer products, media and energy sectors
• While at KKR, Mr. Nodarse-León completed the $1.5 billion acquisition of Sealy Corporation, the largest bedding manufacturer in the world, and was involved in the development and oversight of various operational initiatives that led to significant improvements to the company’s financial performance and the eventual successful IPO of Sealy at a valuation of more than 3x the original equity purchase price paid for the company two years prior
• Mr. Nodarse-León was also involved in the asset management oversight and pursuit of add-on hotel acquisitions for KSL Holdings, a successful KKR portfolio company that owned and operated leading resort properties throughout the United States
• Prior to KKR, Mr. Nodarse-León was an investment banking professional at Goldman Sachs & Co
• At Goldman Sachs, Mr. Nodarse-León advised media and entertainment clients on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, financings and strategic matters.
• Mr. Nodarse-Leon’s clients at Goldman Sachs included AT&T, Time Warner, Sony, Pulitzer and the Houston Astros, among others
• Mr. Nodarse-Leon has previously served on the Owners Advisory Council for Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. and the Board of Trustees for the Oliver G. Scholars Program in New York City
• Mr. Nodarse-Leon currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Cuban American National Foundation and is a member of the Board of Directors of SportsManias
• Mr. Nodarse-Leon is the co-author of Cuba: From Economic Take-off to Collapse Under Castro, published by Routledge’s Transaction Publishers in 2015
• Mr. Nodarse-Leon received a B.S., cum laude, from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a B.S.E. cum laude, from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences of the University of Pennsylvania
• Mr. Nodarse-Leon is fully bilingual in English and Spanish
INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUNDS
SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
• Mr. Sariego has 30 years of experience leading and developing leading hotels and resorts in iconic city centers as well as resort destinations throughout the US, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe
• Directs all LionGrove operation initiatives inclusive of asset management for both owned properties as well as hotel management for Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Resort.
• He has consistently led hotels to growth, creating high-value experiences and profitable revenue centers at internationally recognized hotels and resort companies such as SBE, Atlantis, an Autograph Collection, The RitzCarlton, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts, and Starwood
• Mr. Sariego has played a key role in managing everything from boutique hotels to mega-complex resorts
• Prior to joining LionGrove, Mr. Sariego served as Chief Operating Officer for Virgin Trains USA, a multi-billion-dollar company that seeks to revolutionize train travel in the US through hospitality and luxury experiences
• Prior to Virgin Trains USA, Mr. Sariego served as the Vice President and General Manager for SBE, an international lifestyle hospitality company that develops and operates hotels, residences, restaurants, and nightclubs such as Delano, SLS, Hyde, and Mondrian. Opened the SLS resort in the Bahamas and repositioned the Delano in South Beach
• Previously, Mr. Sariego was the Senior Vice President and General Manager for Atlantis directly overseeing the luxury areas of the mega-resort, including two hotels totaling about 1,100 rooms, the property’s privately-owned residences, three theme parks, the spa and fitness areas, cruise ship and preservation programs. Atlantis is approximately a $900 million dollar per year operation with approximate 8,000 employees
• Before Atlantis, Mr. Sariego served successfully as general manager for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company at the RitzCarlton in Santiago de Chile and The Ritz-Carlton in Grand Cayman
• Prior to Ritz-Carlton, Mr. Sariego held General Manager positions with Marriott International and Intercontinental Hotels Group as well senior management positions with Starwood Hotels and Resorts and other independent hotels
CHRIS SARIEGO
SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
• Over his career, Mr. Sariego has been involved in management of hotels, resorts and luxury residences with a combined real estate value greater than $5 billions
• Mr. Sariego’ s experience includes capital improvement projects totaling over $600 MM across urban hotels, destination resorts, restaurants, nightclubs, spas, and other hospitality venues
• Mr. Sariego holds high service marks on all assignments including three consecutive AAA 5 Diamonds Resort, Spa and Fine Dining Awards as well as Forbes Star rating
• Mr. Sariego has created educational programs and has been a keynote speaker in many forums to support education, travel, and hospitality business. He has also spearheaded several initiatives to preserve the natural ecosystem in the communities he serves through scientific research, reef and marine life rehabilitation, and energy conservation
• Mr. Sariego holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Universidad del Desarrollo in Santiago, Chile; a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Management from Florida International University in Miami, FL; an International Business Certification from Florida International University in Miami, FL; a General Manager certification and a Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management certification from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY
• Mr. Sariego is fully bilingual in English and Spanish
INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUNDS
CHRIS SARIEGO
AMADEO ZARZOSA
SENIOR
VICE PRESIDENT OPERATIONS
• Mr. Zarzosa serves as Senior Vice President and General Manager for Wyndham Grand Rio Mar and Wyndham Palmas.
• His 38-year prestigious hospitality career has revolved around resort, luxury, and business segments of the hospitality industry, with reliable international operations & marketing experience.
• Mr. Zarzosa has consistently created high-value experiences and profitable revenue centers at internationally recognized hotels and resort companies such as Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts, Atlantis, St. Regis, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, and Starwood.
• Prior to LionGrove, Mr. Zarzosa operated his own hospitality consultancy company for four years as Managing Director of AXJANA consulting.
• Before AXJANA, Mr. Zarzosa served as the Vice President of Resorts for Luxury & Lifestyle Asia Middle East Australasia IHG - InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Group based in Singapore head office.
• Before IHG, Mr. Zarzosa served as the General Manager for St Regis Hotel & Residences Singapore.
• Before St Regis, Mr. Zarzosa was Opening Senior Vice President and General Manager at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai –a 1,539 room, ocean-themed destination resort located at the center of the crescent of the artificial Palm Jumeirah Island, Dubai.
• Before Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, Mr. Zarzosa was General Manager & Regional General Manager of Intercontinental Resort Bali and IHG Resorts Southeast Asia.
• Before General Manager & Regional General Manager at InterContinental, Mr. Zarzosa was Senior Vice President, General Manager at Atlantis Resort & Casino in Paradise Island, Bahamas.
• Throughout his career, Mr. Zarzosa has managed hotels, resorts, and luxury residences, with a combined real estate value exceeding billions of dollars.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OPERATIONS AMADEO ZARZOSA
INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUNDS
• Mr. Zarzosa’ s experience includes capital improvement projects exceeding millions of dollars across urban hotels, resorts, restaurants, nightclubs, spas, and other hospitality venues.
• Mr. Zarzosa holds high service marks on all assignments, including consecutive General Manager of the year recognitions, 5 Diamonds Resort, Spa, Fine Dining Awards, and Forbes Star rating.
• Mr. Zarzosa has created hospitality educational programs and has been a keynote speaker in many forums to support the travel and hospitality business. He has also spearheaded several initiatives to preserve the natural ecosystem in Bali, the Maldives, and other rural communities.
• Over his career, Mr. Zarzosa has served as the head of culinary services for the entire North America division of ITT Sheraton Corporation. Opened complex Hotels & Resorts ranging from 200 – to 1600 keys. He was responsible for operating budgets, producing over $1 billion in revenues.
• He has played a significant role in hotel & resort project acquisitions for international hospitality brand conglomerates.
• Mr. Zarzosa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts & Hotel Management from Slough Langley, Hospitality College Slough, United Kingdom.
• Mr. Zarzosa is fluent in Spanish, English, and Catalan.
VICE PRESIDENT DEVELOPMENT
• Mr. Rodriguez joined LionGrove in 2023 and serves as Vice president of Development for LionGrove providing leadership and project management strategies for all Capex and Opex developments/projects across the whole property’s portfolio
• With over 25 years of experience leading and developing large complex projects throughout the US, the Caribbean and Latin America, Mr. Rodriguez has been involved in the development of hotels, resorts and luxury residences, multi-use complex, manufacturing and food and beverage projects with a combined real estate value greater than $2.5 billion
• He has consistently led or work on strategic planning and development of large accounts such as Albany Nassau, Hyatt, Chick Fil-A, Mc Donald’s, Johnson & Johnson , Amgen, Walmart, DDR, Burlington, Toyota among others
• Mr. Rodriguez has played a key role in growing a business model for project and development services, managing a portfolio of more than $100M of projects per year
• Prior to joining LionGrove, Mr. Rodriguez served as Vice President of Project Development for Jones Lang Lasalle, leading and overseen large accounts and clients through the Caribbean and Latin America. In charge of 46 team members including senior project managers, project managers, EHS, Compliance and business development staff
• Prior to Jones Lang Lasalle, Mr. Rodriguez served as Senior Project Manager and lead designer for Nex Corporation, a design build company leading sustainability and Leed projects in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean
• Previously, Mr. Rodriguez was the Senior Project Manager and Lead Designer for Jacobs Engineering working on life sciences and large commercial projects throughout Puerto Rico, US and the Caribbean
• Before Jacobs, Mr. Rodriguez served successfully as Lead Designer and Project Manager for CPH engineers, working on food and beverages, retail and large shopping centers projects
JEFFREY RODRIGUEZ
JEFFREY RODRIGUEZ
VICE PRESIDENT DEVELOPMENT
• Before Jacobs, Mr. Rodriguez served successfully as Lead Designer and Project Manager for CPH engineers, working on food and beverages, retail and large shopping centers projects
• Prior to CPH Engineers, Mr. Rodriguez worked for JCJA Architects as lead designer working on large shopping centers such as Plaza Las Americas, Plaza del Sol, Plaza Rio Hondo, Onofre Carballeira Sport Complex, DDR portfolio among others
• Mr. Rodriguez holds a master’s in architecture from Universidad de Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, Puerto Rico; a Bachelor of Environmental Science Degree from Universidad de Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus
• Mr. Rodriguez is fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUNDS
• Mr. Juan Rivera currently serves as the Vice President of Finance at LionGrove
• With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Mr. Rivera has been awarded multiple accolades; they include, but are not limited to 2004 Nominated Manager of the Year Award, 2016 Nominated CFO Experience Award, 2016 Marriott Special Achievement Award, etc
• Prior to joining LionGrove, Mr. Rivera served as the Director of Finance for Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf & Beach Resort
• Previously, Mr. Rivera served as the Director of Finance for Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino
• Prior to his position at Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, Mr. Rivera was the Director of Finance at St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort – the only 5 diamond resort in Puerto Rico
• Before St. Regis, he served as the General Manager for Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel & Casino. He also served as the Director of Finance prior to this
• Mr. Rivera is fluent in English and Spanish VICE
• Previously, Mr. Rivera was the Assistant Director of Financial Services for El Conquistador Golf Resort & Casino.
• Prior to El Conquistador, Mr. Rivera served as the Assistant Director of Financial Services for Wyndham Old San Juan Hotel & Casino
• Mr. Rivera earned his bachelor’s degree from El Colegio Universitario del Este in Carolina, Puerto Rico
INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUNDS
• Mr. Ernesto Velázquez currently serves as the Vice President of Revenue Management for LionGrove.
• With more than 20 years of Revenue Management experience, his track record of exceeding budgeted total revenues and growing RevPAR Index year after year, while achieving consistent forecast accuracy, proceeds him and was awarded the Platinum Circle Award by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
• Prior to joining LionGrove, Mr. Velázquez served as the Director of Revenue Management for Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort.
• Previously, Mr. Velázquez served as the Area Director of Revenue Management for Benchmark Resorts and Hotels.
• Prior to Benchmark Resorts and Hotels, he worked at Omni Hotels as Director of Rooms.
VICE PRESIDENT
REVENUE MANAGEMENT ERNESTO VELAZQUEZ INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUNDS
• Before his position at Omni Hotels, Mr. Velázquez served as the Director of Rooms at The St. Anthony, a luxury collection hotel in San Antonio, TX.
• Previously, Mr. Velázquez was the Area Director of Revenue Management for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
• Bachelors in Business Administration from Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, PR, Hospitality & Tourism Management degree from Florida Atlantic University and is a Certified Revenue Management Executive from HSMAI.
• Mr. Velázquez is fully bilingual in English and Spanish. .
• Ms. Garcia currently serves as Vice President of Sales at LionGrove, designing strategies for Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest, Beach & Golf Resort and Wyndham Palmas Beach & Golf Boutique Resort.
• Ms. Garcia has had a vibrant career in the resort, and luxury hospitality spaces spanning over 25 years with a successful track record in building sales teams and business development strategies.
• Prior to LionGrove, she was the Director of Sales & Marketing for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Corporate, overseeing the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort.
• Previously, Ms. Garcia served as the Director of Sales & Marketing for El Conquistador Resort & Las Casitas Village, A Waldorf Astoria Resort.
• Prior to her position at El Conquistador, she was the Director of Sales & Marketing for Gran Melia Golf Resort Puerto Rico.
• Before Gran Melia, Ms. Garcia was Director of Sales for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, based in Mexico.
• Prior to Fairmont, she was Area Director of Marketing & Public Relations for Tishman Hotels & Resorts.
• Ms. Garcia embarked on a career in hospitality as Area Director of Sales for InterContinental Hotel Group after a successful career in the Marketing arena in the Greater New Orleans area.
• She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Marquette University, Mass Communication/Media Studies and is fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING
• Mr. James Karabelas currently serves as the Vice President of Marketing for LionGrove.
• James is a results-oriented brand marketing, digital, and communications executive with a robust background in strategy, branding, and digital media.
• Prior to joining our team, James was serving as the Regional Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Highgate Hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii. Oversaw brand planning, digital media strategy, and communications for a portfolio encompassing 15 properties and 5000 guest rooms. His leadership has been pivotal in achieving significant revenue growth and surpassing budget targets, particularly through optimized digital strategies and comprehensive media approaches.
• Prior to his role at Highgate Hotels, James held the position of Vice President of Brand Marketing & eCommerce at Aqua-Aston Hospitality, where he orchestrated global marketing strategies across 40 hotels, resulting in substantial revenue increases and the successful launch of key loyalty programs. His expertise also includes directing digital marketing initiatives at Castle Hospitality Group, where he achieved notable revenue growth through enhanced digital strategies and optimized online booking systems.
• With a Bachelor of Science from Boston University in Hospitality Administration and Communications, James combines strategic vision with hands-on leadership to drive growth, performance, and revenue in competitive markets. He is adept at fostering strong stakeholder relationships and leading high-performing teams through clear communication and collaboration.
INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUNDS
JAMES KARABELAS
• Ms. Valentin currently serves as Vice President of Talent & Culture at LionGrove, driving the development and implementation of talent and culture strategies to support organizational goals.
• Prior to joining LionGrove Ms. Valentin operated her own leadership and customer excellence consultancy company for four years..
• Ms. Valentin has delivered over 2,000 presentations globally to more than 20,000 leaders and executives across various industries, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, fitness, insurance, aviation, IT, finance, and hospitality. In her consulting business, she has significantly impacted two major healthcare systems by increasing physician engagement from the 50th percentile to approximately the 90th percentile and boosting employee engagement from 4.57 to 5.63 within one year.
• Ms. Valentin had an illustrious 23-year tenure at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, where she held significant roles such as Corporate Director of Culture Transformation, Regional Learning and Performance Development, and Quality Management, Rooms Operation, F&B and Human Resources.
• Ms. Valentin is a Master Targeted Selection Trainers for DDI (Development Dimensions, Inc.) and played a key role in implementing the selection process at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Also, contributed to the employee strategy that helped The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company win The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 1999. Additionally, she assisted The Ritz-Carlton San Juan, Puerto Rico, in winning a local Quality Award for Excellence in 2000.
• Ms. Valentin is a Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist by the Corporate Health & Wellness Association, a Certified Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher by the Veda Center, and a Certified Hospitality Trainer by The American Lodging and Educational Institute. She has also completed The High Impact Leadership Program from FIU and serves as a Steering Committee Member for the Customer Experience Certificate Program at The University of South Florida. Furthermore, she is a member of the Allenamenti Speakers Bureau in Mexico
MARILIN ROSARIO CUEVAS
AREA DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
• Ms. Marilin Rosario currently serves as the Area Director of Communications and Public Relations for LionGrove.
• With over 22 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ms. Rosario develops strategic communication and public relations plans to enhance organizational reputation, market position, stakeholder relations, and consumer awareness.
• She has successfully managed high-profile PR campaigns, resulting in increased investor interest and media coverage as well as navigated government, hospitality, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and non-profit sectors, becoming an expert in handling controversies and implementing effective damage control strategies.
• Prior to joining LionGrove, Ms. Rosario lead the marketing and communications team of St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico, driving innovative strategies and cohesive brand messaging.
• Before St Regis, she was the Public Relations/Communications Director at Alliacom, Inc, leading strategic planning for 35+ leading companies across a variety of sectors.
• Prior to Alliacom, Ms. Rosario was the Sales & Marketing Director for Mundo Travel and directed general management, marketing, negotiations, and public relations within a conglomerate of six travel agencies in Puerto Rico.
• Previously, she served as the Revenue Sales Manager for the San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino.
• Marilin holds a Master of Science in Corporate Public Relations from Purdue University; a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from University of the Sacred Heart, San Juan, PR, and is fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUNDS
SENIOR ASSOCIATE ACQUISITIONS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT
• Zach Garcia is an Associate on the LionGrove Investments and Asset Management team.
• Zach joins LionGrove with two years of experience investing in hotels across the capital stack, chain scales, product types, and geographies. Furthermore, Zach has over two years of experience as a management consultant for the Hospitality and Leisure industry.
• Before joining LionGrove, Zach was an Associate on The Buccini/Pollin Group’s Hotel Acquisitions and Development team. Zach assisted with all aspects of the deal process from deal sourcing through asset disposition. Zach led underwriting and financial modeling for a variety of hospitality investment opportunities, oversaw the due diligence process, and prepared investment memorandum for the firm’s investment committee. Additionally, Zach coordinated the firm’s biannual hotel investment strategy updates. Over the course of two years, Zach completed disposition, refinancing, preferred equity, and mezzanine loan transactions in excess of $350 million across 15 markets.
• Prior to joining the Buccini/Pollin Group, Zach was an Experienced Associate in PwC’s Hospitality & Leisure Advisory practice. Zach provided strategic advisory, valuation, due diligence, and litigation support services to an assortment of clients across the Hospitality and Leisure industry in the United States, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. Zach’s depth and breadth of experience includes working with owners, investors, operators, brands, timeshare companies, furniture suppliers, sports teams, convention centers, destination marketing organizations, and industry trade associations. Zach was also a contributing writer for the following thought leadership publications: Hospitality Directions, Convention Center Report, Sports Outlook, Super Bowl Economic Impact Study.
• Zach received a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University and is fluent in English and Spanish.
INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUNDS
SENIOR MARKETING AND OPERATIONS MANAGER
• Ms. Leon is focused on managing LionGrove’s marketing and operational activities, as well as supporting the underwriting and asset management of the Firm’s investments.
• Prior to joining LionGrove, Ms. Leon worked as Sales Operations Manager at Prodema USA, a Basque based company that specializes in creating natural wood products of the highest quality for the world of architecture and interior design.
• Prior to Prodema, USA, Ms. Leon worked at Preferred Hotels & Resorts as the Regional Office Administrator, where she worked directly with Executive Vice President of Worldwide Development, provided brand and marketing support to the Latin America, Florida/South Carolina, and Caribbean regions, and act as a regional brand liaison for the I Prefer Loyalty program, the world’s largest points-based loyalty program for independent hotels.
• Before working with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Ms. Leon worked as the Executive Assistant Manager for Viceroy Miami hotel, where worked directly with the General Manager and Executive Committee, as well as managed and organized marketing and public relations initiatives with both the property and corporate teams alike. While there, she was also the special projects manager which handled the redesign and refurbishment of multiple areas throughout the hotel, including guest rooms, public areas and the Food and Beverage outlets.
• Launching her career in hospitality, Ms. Leon worked in a variety of roles at Conrad Miami Hotel, starting as Sales & Marketing coordinator on the pre-opening team, then project coordinator for the refurbishment of the property, and ultimately managing the Marketing and Special Events for the Food & Beverage operation.
• Ms. Leon attended Florida International University and is bilingual in English and Spanish.
DEVELOPMENT &
MANAGEMENT
• Mr. Luis Acevedo is an Analyst on the LionGrove Investments and Asset Management team. Luis joins LionGrove with one year of experience investing in real assets across the entire process, from acquisition to asset disposition in Mexico. Furthermore, Luis has over 5 years of experience in financial analysis and market research.
• Before joining LionGrove, Luis was an Analyst at O’Donnell Capital Management. He played an active role in all aspects of the deal process, from deal sourcing through asset disposition. Luis led underwriting and financial modeling for a variety of industrial and retail investment opportunities, oversaw the due diligence process, and prepared investment memorandum for the firm’s investment committee. Over the course of one year, Luis completed the acquisition, development, fundraising, and financing for 2 projects totaling over $180 million and completed the financing for 4 additional projects totaling $130 million.
• Before joining O’Donnell Capital Management, Mr. Acevedo was an Associate at AMEXCAP. He managed market research and relations with general partners over 8 private capital strategies, including VC, growth and LBO, real estate, infrastructure and energy, debt, fund of funds, search funds, and family offices, where he published more than 8 market studies.
• Prior to joining AMEXCAP, Luis was an IR coordinator at Grupo Herdez, a consumer staples company where he played an active role in fundraising for a total of $200M in debt for debt refinancing and managed relations with the buy and sell-side analysts. Luis’s experience includes working with owners, investors, general partners, and business leaders.
• Mr. Acevedo received his MBA degree from UDLAP University in Mexico and will obtain a Master in Science from the University of Houston in 2024.
