Westport Hospitality Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Joe Carton will retire after 10 years of hospitality leadership. Hans van Wees, formerly general manager at Hotel Vermont, has been promoted to managing director of Westport Hospitality. Assistant General Manager Matt Canning has been appointed to succeed van Wees as general manager at Hotel Vermont.
A veteran hospitality professional, Carton began his career within the Vermont ski business as a resort sales professional before moving on to the Radisson Hotel Burlington (presently Hilton Burlington) as the general manager. He joined Westport Hospitality to open the Courtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor as general manager. To facilitate the opening of Hotel Vermont in 2013, Carton was promoted to COO of Westport Hospitality.
“The past 20 years have been an incredible experience. I am immensely proud of all we have built within the Westport Hospitality family,” Carton said in a statement. “Our successes are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and I look forward to supporting them in what’s to come. The connections I’ve made and relationships I’ve built during my time here will stay with me long after I leave.”
With extensive leadership experience and a diverse background in the hospitality industry, van Wees has branded full-service convention and resort hotels in Europe, the Caribbean and the U.S. He eventually joined the Westport Hospitality team to support the development of Hotel Vermont.
Canning began his tenure at Westport Hospitality as a key member of Hotel Vermont’s opening in 2013. Having worn many hats including front office manager, F&B manager and assistant general manager, Canning is well prepared to succeed van Wees as general manager.