AKA Hotels + Hotel Residences has announced the appointment of Scott Walsh, executive vice president of asset, design and development. Walsh’s appointment comes at a pivotal point for AKA, as the brand executes its strategic growth plan introducing new properties and undertaking new projects. Walsh will oversee the renovation and transformation plans for existing AKA properties, as well as managing new ground-up developments involving construction, financing and lender relations.
Walsh will be responsible for sourcing new projects, participating in raising capital, and developing strategic business models for new and existing property assets. He will oversee the projects from inception to completion, ensuring they are on time, on budget and aligned with AKA’s business objectives. Walsh will be based in New York City, working alongside Larry Korman, CEO of AKA and the greater leadership team.
“As AKA thoughtfully expands its portfolio across the country, Scott’s specialized expertise and achievements in real estate and construction align with the brand’s vision,” Korman said in a statement. “Scott will be essential in further fostering our strategic development and growth, especially as we continue to evolve with new offerings.”
Prior to joining AKA, Scott served as a project director at Lendlease, an international construction and real estate company, where he spent the last seven years overseeing a $1.8 billion portfolio of New York-based residential development projects, including 277 Fifth Avenue, 100 Claremont Avenue and 1 Java Street. Walsh’s previous roles were at Forest City Ratner Companies, TF Cornerstone/Rockrose Development Corporation and Anderson. He has garnered more than 20 years of industry experience with a stellar proven track record as a successful real estate and development executive leader.
“Joining AKA is an exciting new chapter, allowing me to fuse my expertise in ultra-luxury condos and multifamily housing with a hospitality-focused vision at a private company,” said Walsh. “With an unwavering commitment to exceptional design, crafting a sophisticated residential experience and curating vibrant placemaking within iconic gateway cities, AKA resonates with my professional ethos. I’ve always admired Larry Korman’s approach to hospitality and design, and AKA’s core principles will foster the growth of my career in parallel with the company’s own journey.”