Bio
Eric joined GFI Development in 2012 as Executive Vice President of Development, bringing with him over four decades of experience in the hospitality industry. A seasoned leader in hospitality real estate and project execution, he is responsible for overseeing the firm’s development management initiatives across North America and Europe.
Throughout his career, Eric has led the successful development of more than 60 hospitality projects. Notable projects under his leadership include The Beekman Hotel and Residences, Ace Hotel Brooklyn, Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery in New Orleans, and The James New York – NoMad Hotel. He also directed the renovation and repositioning of the Thompson Central Park New York and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach, a collection of luxury condominium homes and single-family villas.
Eric played a key role in the transformation of the former Ritz-Carlton New York, Westchester into The Opus Westchester, an Autograph Collection Hotel, and served as Owner’s Representative for the development of the Thompson Miami Beach and the Chicago Athletic Association.
Prior to joining GFI, Eric was Senior Vice President of Development for Morgan’s Hotel Group, where he directed the development activities of their portfolio including prominent lifestyle brands such as Hudson, Royalton, Morgan’s, Mondrian, Ames, St. Martin’s Lane and Sanderson. He held that position for 14 years.
Eric holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration. He has been a faculty member of the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University since 2019, specializing in Hospitality Real Estate and Development. He serves on the Hospitality Real Estate Advisory Board at FIU, the Dean’s Advisory Committee Research Board and also teaches in the Latin America/Caribbean Executive Leadership program.