ATLANTA — Hotel Equities has appointed Martin Stitt to the position of senior vice-president of Operations, Canada, where he will oversee HE’s growing portfolio of hotels in the country. HE’s Canadian regional team based in Edmonton, Alta. provides corporate support across all disciplines, including operations, food and beverage, sales and marketing, revenue generation, accounting and human resources to the firm’s 26 managed hotels in Canada.
Stitt brings more than 30 years of industry experience and a track record of success to his role with HE, as well as broad experience in all market segments from select service and extended stay, to resort, full-service and luxury. He most recently served as area VP, Canada with Marriott International from 2015 to 2020, where he successfully led the integration of Delta Hotels and Starwood Hotels for Western Canada, growing the portfolio from five to 26 managed properties with more than 5,000 associates and $600 million in annual sales.
“Martin brings over two decades of servant and performance-based hospitality leadership to our Canadian team,” says Bryan DeCort, Chief Operating Officer for Hotel Equities. “He is owner-centric, associate focused and has an excellent reputation for driving results. His depth of hospitality experience and skills will immediately strengthen Hotel Equities as we continue to grow our footprint throughout Canada.”
Stitt will work closely with HE’s SVP of Business Development in Canada, Ryan McRae, to identify areas of opportunity for HE to lend its expertise and strategically expand its portfolio, adding value to individual hotel assets as well as small to mid-sized portfolio acquisitions. “We have heard from hoteliers in Canada who are interested in conversion opportunities and many with stalled construction projects who would benefit from our development-services expertise,” says McRae. “Having Martin in-market as a resource to hoteliers will be a huge benefit to HE and our clients as the industry rebounds and gains momentum.”
“I’m excited to join the Hotel Equities team as we move into a time of strong recovery,” says Stitt. “This is a terrific opportunity to build on Hotel Equities’ renowned culture and make a distinct difference for our owners, associates, and guests while simultaneously growing our portfolio in Canada.”
