Hospitality | Tourism 2025: JAMES CARROLL

A former Navy fighter pilot with a Harvard MBA, Carroll parlayed his financial management expertise into running one of the largest independent hotel operators in the country.

Founded in 2000, Crestline Hotels & Resorts operates about 18,300 rooms in 28 states and Washington, D.C. In January, the company announced its acquisition of Five Senses Hospitality‘s management contract portfolio of 13 hotels. Crestline also manages Georgetown University’s hotel, overseeing renovations beginning this fall.

Carroll joined Crestline in 2004 as senior vice president and treasurer, after holding various financial positions at Dell. He was promoted to chief financial officer in 2006 and chief operating officer in 2009, before becoming the hotel management company’s president and CEO in 2010. Carroll also was involved in the formation and growth of Playa Hotels & Resorts, an international private equity real estate venture.

Crestline operates more than 130 hotels under 25 brands and private labels, including Marriott, Hyatt Hotels and InterContinental Hotels Group. It’s an indirect subsidiary of the Barceló Group, based in Spain.

Carroll sits on the boards of the American Hotel & Lodging Association and Virginia Beach-based real estate investment trust Armada Hoffler Properties.

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