Conference center and hospitality company Dolce Hotels and Resorts today announced it has appointed former Wyndham Hotel Group CEO Steven Rudnitsky as its new president and CEO.
Rudnitsky will assume the CEO position on Dec. 8, taking responsibility for developing the company's strategic direction, meeting business objectives and overseeing all company departments. He will report to company chairman and founder Andy Dolce.
Dolce currently manages 23 hotels, resorts and meetings centers in the United States, Canada and Europe and plans to double that portfolio within the next five years. Rudnitsky is charged with driving that growth, which will be underwritten by the company's capital partners, including Broadreach Capital Partners, which in 2007 purchased a majority stake in Dolce
(BTNonline, Oct. 8, 2007).
"The Dolce brand is a leader in the meetings industry, having pioneered a conference center concept that delivers inspiring, productive environments for meetings," Rudnitsky said in a statement. "With the continued support of Broadreach Capital Partners, we have every reason to be optimistic about our growth targets and our goal to make the Dolce name known around the world."
Rudnitsky said his initial goals would be to develop company objectives, including a drive to increase occupancy with social and leisure business. He also will be traveling to many of the Dolce properties to meet with the staff.
Rudnitsky, who also has worked in leadership roles outside the hospitality industry at companies including Kraft, Nabisco and Pillsbury, announced his departure from Wyndham in September. Wyndham on Monday announced that former president Eric Danziger was returning as its CEO.