Atlanta-based third-party hotel operator and investor Hospitality Ventures Management Group has named Gary Kunesh senior vice president and chief financial officer. In his new role, Kunesh will provide oversight of accounting, financial reporting, tax, risk management and technology functions for the organization at both the corporate and property levels.
“With more than three decades of hospitality experience, Gary has worked with some of the biggest names in hotel ownership and operations,” Robert Cole—founder, president and CEO of HVMG—said in a statement. “His extensive experience in accounting & financial reporting, managing financial operations, implementing property-level cost-saving initiatives and developing talent within the finance areas will be extremely valuable.”
Most recently, Kunesh was vice president of financial planning and analysis with White Lodging Services, a hotel ownership/management company, where his primary responsibilities included annual business planning and budgeting; monthly, long-range forecasting; management company/board reporting; and cash flow forecast preparation for the company’s $1 billion-plus hotel portfolio. He also worked closely with ownership groups, including BRE Hotels & Resorts, Apple Hospitality REIT, RLJ Lodging Trust and Host Hotels & Resorts. Previously, he was director of finance at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort, leading a team of 30 F&A associates. Before that, Kunesh held roles with increasing levels of responsibilities with Loews Hotels and Starwood Hotels & Resorts and an earlier position with White Lodging.
Kunesh earned in Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“With their culture of excellence, HVMG is a perfect fit for me, sharing my professional goals and values,” Kunesh said. “As the company continues to expand its executive depth, I look forward to growing with HVMG as it works to expand its portfolio of third-party managed hotels nationwide.”