As President and CEO of DePalma Hotels and Resorts, Brian DePalma is responsible for all aspects of company operations, sales and marketing, and outreach. A 34-year industry veteran, he has been responsible for hotel operations, asset management, assisting owners with acquisitions and new development, receiverships, and market analysis for properties throughout the country.
Starting in the hotel industry as a bellman, Brian has served as General Manager, Regional Manager, Hotel Opening and Project Manager, Corporate Business Development, Chief Operating Officer, and President and Chief Executive Officer of a hotel management organization founded in 1983. He has been involved with many types of hospitality projects and openings, including resorts, conference centers, and full- and select-service hotels.
His primary areas of expertise include forecasting, cash flow projections, capital expenditure plans, market research, budget creation, and development planning and review.
His specialty experience spans everything from pre-opening to turnarounds of distressed properties to contract negotiation. With extensive contacts among financial institutions, the legal community, hospitality consultants, and hotel and real estate brokers, he has built a respected network across the industry. Brian also negotiates franchise agreements, assists lenders in the sale of hotels, and evaluates third-party management contracts for the company.
Brian has served as an expert witness in litigated matters and has completed receivership functions as an agent for DePalma Hotels and Resorts. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University and serves on the Delta Hotels by Marriott International Advisory Board.