KRISTEN WHYLY
LEADER | HOTELIER | MENTOR | CONSULTANT
“In a world of new challenges and new threats, you can choose leadership that has been tested and proven.”
Kristen Whyly has been consistently recruited to fulfill more than the job description - to strategically maneuver the business away from risk and place it in position of success. A pedigreed Hotelier and leader, Kristen translates the best a brand has to offer into motivation and action to tackle the specific challenges at hand. This is supported by his portfolio of exceeding financial performance goals and guest satisfaction through building, developing, and empowering diverse teams. He maximizes talent to be multi functional and could staff an entire operation with the employees he has coached and mentored.
A permanent resident of the U.S. and Bahamian by birth, Kristen was exposed to hospitality growing up in Nassau, Bahamas. Though he had a youthful fascination with travel and culture, he fell into the industry after studying international business management and economics at Tennessee State University in the U. S. and University of Surrey in the U.K.
It was a fortuitous pathway that led to recruitment with various prestigious hospitality brands such as Ritz- Carlton and the Four Seasons. Kristen’s genuine ability to integrate and lead teams took him to culturally rich destinations like Exuma Bahamas, Thailand and Hawai'i. Consistently recognized by corporate leadership, he has flourished through 20 years of executive roles including Resort Manager at Oahu at Ko Olina, Hotel Manager in Washington, DC and Houston, and Club Manager at The Ocean Club, Bahamas. He completed the Four Seasons General Manager academy and shortly thereafter was recruited by the Proper team and took on the position as General Manager of the Austin Proper Hotel. At this stage of his life, he can unequivocally state he is indeed fulfilling his purpose and passion.
With two decades of experience in luxury and lifestyle hospitality, Kristen carries within him the best of the industry. His meticulous attention to detail is both innate and disciplined. He champions diversity and inclusion through professional development as well as community outreach. Emotional intelligence is at the core of his leadership style – forever anticipatory to the needs of his shareholders, team, guest and clients. In our dynamic and quickly changing business world, his leadership has been tested and proven.
KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Executive Leadership
Hospitality Management
Operations Management
Guest Relations & Customer Service
Capital Financial Planning
Project Management
Human Resources Administration
Forecasting & Budget Management
Employee Training & Management
Staff Supervision & Motivation
Inventory, Procurement & Purchasing
Community Relations
Oversee business operations, hospitality service, and revenue management by applying individual expertise, building and delegating duties to capable teams, and evaluating overall performance to make adjustments when needed. Able to expertly:
● Create and enforce sales methods, customer-centric policies, corporate guidelines, and cost controls to increase profits
● Negotiate contracts, analyze expenses, and balance against customer expectations to create and enforce budgets
● Oversee recruiting, hiring, training, development, and discipline of a skilled, motivated, and customer-focused team
● Create and present comprehensive management reports to ownership groups outlining the overall performance
SUCCESS IN THE FIELD
A Hospitality Executive with an extensive 20-plus year record of successful accomplishments of high-profile leadership in luxury destinations around the world. Exceeds goals for financial performance and guest satisfaction by building, developing, and empowering diverse teams that are always motivated to meet expectations and provide exceptional customer service.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
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Marshall Johnston
EXECUTIVE VP, ASSET MANAGEMENT
McWhinney"I had the pleasure of working with Kris when he was the Managing Director for the Austin Proper. I oversaw Asset Management for the ownership group for the hotel and worked closely with Kris on all aspects of hotel operations and strategy. I found Kris to be simultaneously hyper-passionate about the business but also approachable and a great team player. Often times that balance is tough to maintain when leading a hotel of this caliber, but Kris did just that day in and day out. He was a great strategic and tactical leader, and Kris also handled multiple capital investment projects, P&L reporting, forecasting and kept the food and beverage offerings sharp and inviting, resulting in multiple accolades and awards for service and quality. I would enthusiastically recommend Kris for any hotel leadership position, and believe the best of his career is still ahead of him; you'd be lucky to hire Kris as your GM/MD.”
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BRENT MARTIN
COO
Northview Hotels and Resorts“Kristen is always on a path of growth. He won’t be stagnant – his journey has taken him to some of the world’s most successful resorts. He continuously rises above challenges because he’s figured out a path that works for him: he connects with employees in an authentic way that brings out the best of their personalities and talents. He sees everyone around him. People gravitate toward him and want to perform, and it’s endorsed by the dozens of employees mentored by Kristen who have excelled in their own careers.”
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YVETTE THOMAS-HENRY
CHIEF HOSPITALITY & SERVICE OFFICER
Private Famiy Office“I have had the pleasure of working with Kristen for five years at Four Seasons Ocean Club where he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.
As the Hotel Manager at The Ocean Club, and Four Seasons Houston, Kristen played a pivotal role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the hotel. His strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and ability to effectively manage a team of employees were instrumental in ensuring the overall success of the hotel. Kristen consistently exceeded expectations by implementing innovative strategies to drive revenue, improve guest satisfaction, and enhance operational efficiency.
In addition to his impressive leadership skills, Kristen is also an excellent collaborator and team player. He works well with others, fosters a positive and inclusive work environment, and is always willing to lend a helping hand to colleagues. Kristen's positive attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to motivate and inspire others make her a valuable asset to any team.
I have no doubt that Kristen will excel in any Executive role within the hotel industry. He is a dedicated professional with a proven track record of success, and I am confident that he will continue to achieve great things in his career.”
CHARITY & PUBLICATIONS
CHARITY & PUBLICATIONS
Gostelow Report:
Famous last words of budding GM
“It really is a help to have been born with hospitality in the blood. My father owned and managed a small bed-and-breakfast back in The Bahamas. I must admit that from the start I always vowed I would never, ever follow him,” laughs Kristen Whyly, resort manager of Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina, Hawaii.