Kimpton Solamar Hotel named Justin Gentry as GM of the 235-room downtown San Diego boutique hotel. In his new role, Gentry will be responsible for leading day-to-day hotel operations, focusing on guest relations, employee engagement and developing business growth and branding strategies.
Gentry brings more than 12 years of hospitality industry experience to his new role, and has served as assistant GM at the Kimpton Solamar for the past five years, supporting the management of day-to-day operations and leading front-office, housekeeping and engineering teams. Gentry joined the hotel as director of rooms in 2013, and during his tenure at the property has successfully demonstrated leadership, effective management and engagement in all areas of the hotel’s operations. Before his time at the Kimpton Solamar, Gentry held various roles in the hospitality industry, starting out his career at the Conrad Indianapolis followed by a relocation to San Diego, where he held several leadership roles at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront and the Hilton Gaslamp San Diego.
“Justin is a passionate leader who has demonstrated both stellar professional growth and commitment to the Kimpton brand during his time with the property,” Jim Hollister, director of operations at Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, said in a statement. “I’ve seen Justin make significant contributions to Kimpton Solamar’s growth and development—from the hotel’s recent renovation to the elevated level of guest service offered—he has played a vital role. Justin embodies the spirit of the Kimpton brand and we’re thrilled to see him grow within our family and take this exciting next step in his career.”
“I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to grow within the Kimpton family and work alongside many talented industry professionals and leaders who have served as inspiring mentors to me," Gentry said in a statement. "I’m ready for the next chapter and look forward to stepping into the general manager role at Kimpton Solamar.”
Gentry holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Indiana University Bloomington. When he isn’t leading operations for the Kimpton Solamar hotel, Gentry enjoys spending time with his two daughters, wife and black Labrador Molly, who can be found in the lobby at Solamar from time to time.