Gilda Perez-Alvarado

Orient Express

New York

Gilda Perez-Alvarado

Orient Express

Chief Executive Officer

 

Educational Background

 

Gilda's educational journey began at Cornell University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Hotel Administration. This foundation in hospitality management set the stage for her future endeavors. She further honed her business acumen by pursuing an Executive MBA at IE Business School in Spain. Additionally, Gilda enhanced her executive education through programs at top institutions, including Stanford University Graduate School of Business, INSEAD, and the University of Cambridge.

 

Career Path

 

Gilda's career path is a testament to her expertise and versatility in the hospitality sector. She started her professional journey with roles in hospitality advisory services at Ernst & Young and leisure management at PricewaterhouseCoopers. In 2004, she joined JLL's Hotels & Hospitality Group as the Global CEO, a role she held for nearly two decades. During her tenure at JLL, she managed investment sales, debt and equity placements, strategic advisory, and asset management across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific.

In October 2023, Gilda transitioned to Accor, taking on the role of Group Chief Strategy Officer. Shortly thereafter, she was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Orient Express, starting her position in January 2024. In these roles, she oversees global strategy, owner relationships, and strategic partnerships, particularly within Accor's ultra-luxury division.

 

Industry Contributions and Board Memberships

 

Beyond her professional roles, Gilda has contributed to various boards and councils in the industry.

  • She has been a member of the Board of Directors at Blackstone Mortgage Trust since February 2023 and has served on the Board of Trustees for Cornell University since July 2022.
  • She is also actively involved with the World Travel & Tourism Council, the Industry Real Estate Financing Advisory Council, and the Dean's Advisory Board for the Cornell School of Hotel Administration.

 

Awards and Recognitions

 

Gilda's achievements in the field have been widely recognized.

  • She received the Jack A. Shaffer Financial Advisor of the Year award twice, in 2016 and 2021, and was honored with the 2021 Castell Award.
  • JLL also named her a Champion of Excellence in 2023.

 

With a career spanning leadership roles, board memberships, and numerous accolades, Gilda Perez-Alvarado stands out as a leading figure in the global hospitality industry, driven by her educational background and extensive professional experience.

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