In November, Jennifer Armbruster became the new president of Casetta Hotels. Over the course of her five years with the company, she has helped shape Casetta’s operational foundation and strategic vision.
Before that, Armbruster held leadership roles with Four Seasons, Fairmont, Omni Hotels & Resorts and Relais & Châteaux–affiliated properties, including Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in San Diego. She went on to advise several high—performing hospitality groups, ultimately partnering with Casetta before formally joining the team.
What first got you into hospitality?
I am not sure there was ever really a choice, because my mother owned a restaurant and I was working there before I was probably legally allowed to! Eventually, I fell in love with the human side of the “work”—meeting people, sharing moments and building relationships that come full circle.
Who were some of your mentors when you were getting started?
Brennan Evans, now SVP at Trilogy Spa Holdings, is the first person who comes to mind—we were paired during a leadership program at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. He consistently led with kindness, was accessible, and never let things feel overly serious. We still laugh to this day. I didn’t have many female mentors early in my career, and I felt that. It’s made me very intentional about how I show up for other women in this industry.
What were some of the most important lessons you learned early in your career?
Be kind to everyone. It’s everything. Life is short, and this industry is small. Your team should receive the same hospitality you ask of them to serve to our guests.
What is the biggest professional challenge you’ve faced in your career? How did you overcome it?
Making decisions that impact people’s lives, especially the decisions that are not immediately understood. I’ve learned that leadership in those situations requires honesty and empathy—you have to be able to hold both care for people and responsibility for the business.
Can you tell me about one of your proudest professional accomplishments? Why is it meaningful to you?
Right now. Having the opportunity to lead and build alongside an incredible team at Casetta is something I don’t take for granted. The culture and trust we have built over time have taken real sacrifice, which makes this moment especially meaningful.
What do you hope to be doing five years from now?
Celebrating our team's successes and continuing to build something even more exciting for the next phase of our company.
What is the best part of your job?
No two days are the same, and every decision has an impact. It’s thrilling and fun.