Hospitality | Tourism 2024: MICHAEL GEORGE

A 40-year hospitality industry veteran, George founded Crescent Hotels & Resorts in 2001. The company operates more than 100 hotels and resorts in the U.S and Canada. Its hotel portfolio includes Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt brands, along with the Latitudes: Lifestyles by Crescent collection of independent hotels and resorts.

In May, Crescent added the dual-branded AC Hotel by Marriott Symphony Park and Element by Westin Symphony Park in Las Vegas to its portfolio. The five-story development has two hotels connected under one roof, with opening set for late 2025. In July, the company announced an agreement with a Comstock Holding Cos. affiliate to manage the JW Marriott — Virginia’s first — at Reston Station, expected to open in mid-2025.

Before founding Crescent, George served as senior vice president of operations for Destination Hotels & Resorts. Prior to that, he served as chief operating officer for Sunstone Hotels Properties and senior vice president of operations for Interstate Hotels & Resorts, now part of Aimbridge Hospitality. Earlier in his career, George was a general manager for Hilton, Westin and Sheraton hotels.

George serves on the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s board of directors.