Top 10 Hotel General Managers 2026

Lee Belfield is a seasoned hospitality professional with extensive leadership experience across hotel operations, education and program development.

My journey in hospitality has been shaped by a deep appreciation for both the art and discipline of the industry. I began my career on the operational side, where I developed a strong foundation in service standards, attention to detail and the importance of consistency. 

Casey Neuburger is a human resources executive with expertise in talent strategy, employee relations, and organizational development. Throughout her career, she has helped organizations build strong workplace cultures and support business growth through people-focused initiatives. Her work centers on leadership development, employee engagement, and creating environments where individuals and teams can thrive.

James Childress is a hospitality leader with more than two decades of experience in hotel operations, property management, and team development. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles across major hospitality brands, helping drive operational excellence, service quality, and business performance. He is passionate about building strong teams and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Androu Sefin is an experienced hospitality professional with a strong background in restaurant operations, team leadership, and employee engagement. Throughout his career, he has focused on building high-performing teams, enhancing guest experiences, and supporting organizational growth. His interests include leadership development, workplace culture, and creating environments where people and businesses can succeed together.

Harcel Mpoyi is a hospitality leader with experience spanning private clubs, restaurants, and guest-focused operations. Throughout his career, he has built and led teams dedicated to delivering exceptional service and memorable experiences. With a background in business management and operational leadership, he is passionate about people, culture, and elevating hospitality standards across diverse environments.

Jacquelin Lamberson is a hospitality professional with extensive experience in hotel operations, team leadership, and guest services. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating positive guest experiences while supporting high-performing teams and operational excellence. Her interests include leadership development, service culture, and advancing best practices across the hospitality industry.

Jeff Makhlouf is a hospitality executive with more than two decades of experience leading hotel operations across a variety of brands, ownership groups, and management organizations. As a seasoned general manager, he has built a reputation for driving revenue growth, strengthening guest satisfaction, and cultivating high-performing teams while maintaining strong relationships with owners and brand partners.

Craig Mitchell is a hospitality and sports entertainment executive with extensive experience leading large-scale operations, high-performing teams, and guest-focused service environments. As General Manager at Aramark Sports & Entertainment, he is committed to operational excellence, leadership development, and continuous improvement. He regularly shares insights on industry trends, innovation, and building strong organizational cultures.

Gary Roker is a restaurant operations leader with extensive experience in hospitality, team management, and guest service. As General Manager at Shake Shack, he focuses on building strong teams, enhancing the customer experience, and driving operational excellence. His expertise spans food and beverage operations, employee development, and creating positive, service-driven workplace cultures.