John has over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry, the last 25 years in Europe. He has extensive knowledge in hotel Marketing, Operations and Strategic Development having lived and worked in his native USA, plus Paris, Prague, London and Amsterdam.

John has played a key role in the sector’s growth by leading the operations of various hotels, continuously growing hotel chains, and bringing the branded extended-stay concept to Europe 15 years ago.

He is the Co-founder and former CEO of Cycas Hospitality, one of the largest, and most successful, white label operators in Europe with franchises from Marriott, Hyatt, Raddison, Accor, and IHG. A true leader, John set the company’s strategy and expanded it from 0 to 25+ extended-stay, full service, and double-decker hotels.

Prior to joining Cycas, he was Vice President at Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) where he planned and developed the European and Middle East version of the Staybridge Suites brand. He was responsible for brand development, franchise sales, and operations of the brand as it launched outside of the US.

Before coming to Europe, John was the first Vice President Sales and Marketing for Marriott Residence Inn responsible for the brand’s first 125 hotels.

He was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award at the Serviced Apartment Awards 2018.

John truly embodies the entrepreneurship spirit and dedication to customer service. His belief and experience at creating an award winning employee culture has proven to be a winning formula for success,  and his learnings are invaluable for anybody who is looking to create, develop and innovate for a hospitality business, as a start-up on for an ongoing operation.