LionGrove, a Miami-based hospitality investment firm, has expanded its executive leadership team with the appointment of Ricardo Vázquez as vice president of talent and culture and Sophia Chan as senior vice president of development. LionGrove’s portfolio includes Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach & Golf Resort and Wyndham Palmas Beach & Golf Boutique Resort in Puerto Rico, along with ADERO Scottsdale Resort, Autograph Collection, in Arizona.
“Ricardo brings exceptional expertise and leadership to LionGrove at a pivotal moment of growth,” Chris Sariego, senior managing director and chief operating officer of LionGrove, said in a statement. “His experience in building high-performing teams and strengthening culture will be instrumental as we continue to expand and enhance our portfolio.”
In his new role, Vázquez will lead the evolution of LionGrove’s organizational culture, talent strategy and employee engagement initiatives across the firm’s growing platform. He brings more than 18 years of experience in luxury hospitality, most recently serving as director of human resources and business support at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón.
His background spans human resources leadership, talent development, training and performance optimization, as well as leadership programming. Vázquez has held key roles in the opening of Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Los Cabos, and leadership positions at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve; JW Marriott Mexico City; and JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. Vázquez is a two-time recipient of Marriott International’s HR Excellence Award and a graduate of the company’s Emerging Leader Program.
“Sophia’s appointment marks an exciting step forward for LionGrove,” said Andro Nodarse-León, chief executive officer of LionGrove. “She brings a forward-thinking perspective on development that balances innovation, design and disciplined growth, helping to shape the next chapter of our portfolio.”
Chan will oversee the planning, design and execution of LionGrove’s expanding pipeline of luxury hospitality projects. She brings extensive international experience in hospitality design, development and construction, having held senior roles with InterContinental Hotels Group, Ian Schrager Company and Red Sea Global.
Most recently at Red Sea Global, Chan led development strategy and feasibility planning for large-scale luxury resort destinations in partnership with global brands including Four Seasons, Six Senses, Rosewood and Equinox. Previously at InterContinental Hotels Group, she oversaw luxury hotel and resort developments across more than 10 cities throughout Asia under the InterContinental, Regent, Kimpton and Vignette brands, leading projects from deal execution through opening.
Earlier in her career, Chan served as senior vice president of architecture and construction at Ian Schrager Company, where she oversaw luxury hotel and residential developments, repositioning projects, renovations and large-scale construction initiatives across U.S. and international markets.