Eric Danziger, CEO of Braintree Group and Resolute Road Hospitality, has officially announced his retirement after five decades in the hospitality industry. Danziger’s leadership has played a significant role in shaping the success and growth of every organization he has been a part of throughout his career.
Braintree Group's existing executive management team will remain unchanged with Chief Investment Officer Kristen [Knapp] Pierce and Daniel Pinheiro, chief business development. Gary Horton will continue to serve as president of Resolute Road, the third-party management organization launched last year.
While Danziger will be stepping down from his role as CEO, he will remain active on the board of directors to ensure a seamless transition and allow for the continued benefit of his insights and expertise to the company.
Danziger began his career in the hospitality industry at the age of 17 when he started as a bellman at The Fairmont San Francisco. Over the years, he has held leadership positions at some of the industry's leading hotel companies, such as CEO of Trump Hotel Group, president and CEO of Starwood Hotels, president and COO of Carlson Hotels Worldwide, and president and CEO of Wyndham Hotel Group.
Danziger's first executive role was with DoubleTree Hotels, where he was part of the team that created the iconic DoubleTree cookie. Notably, he is credited with greatly expanding the footprint of Wyndham Hotel Group.
Throughout his career, Danziger has received numerous awards and honors, including the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, the Lifetime Achievement HSMAI, the Industry Icon SAHIC, 2011 Honoree – UJA Federation, and the PATWA Lifetime Achievement Award, among others. He has been a guest lecturer at prestigious institutions such as Cornell University. Johnson and Wales University awarded him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field.
In a statement regarding his retirement, Danziger expressed gratitude to the industry for the support he received throughout his career and confidence in the future of Braintree. “It has been an incredible journey, and I am proud of our accomplishments together," he said. "I look forward to continuing my involvement on the Board and witnessing the company's continued success.”
“After five decades in the hospitality industry, I reflect on a journey that embodies the very essence of the American dream. From starting out as a bellman with humble beginnings to reaching the top as a CEO, each chapter has been a testament to the power of hard work, resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Here's to the dreams realized, challenges conquered, and cherished memories of a life dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences."