Matt Kleefisch has been named director of hospitality operations for Santa Ana, Calif.-based Carter Hospitality Group. He was most recently the general manager at Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa in Texas Hill Country. Carter Hospitality is a family-owned hospitality company with four hotels and resorts and three wineries across the United States.
In his new position, Kleefisch oversees more than 361 employees—directing management teams for all properties in the Carter portfolio with a focus on supporting general managers, improving operational efficiencies and driving financial objectives.
“A hospitality industry leader with extensive operational experience, Matt successfully oversaw Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa for four years before being promoted to the corporate director of hospitality operations role,” Jeff Carter, president of Carter Hospitality, said in a statement. “He is a master at achieving a customer-centric environment with the ability to engage with and motivate team members, and we are confident he will successfully help lead our company as we continue to grow.”
Kleefisch previously was a general manager of Azul Hospitality Group overseeing multiple properties. During his tenure with Azul, he was the dual general manager for two hotels in the Austin, Texas, market—leading both properties through renovations.
Additionally, he was a dual assistant manager at both the Hyatt House and Hyatt Place in downtown Denver and resort manager and owner services representative for Kauai’s Koloa Landing Resort and Spa, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. He began his hotel management career in the rooms division for La Costa Resort and Spa, just north of San Diego.