Lightstone names Paul Ridguard as GM of New York City's Moxy Chelsea

New York-based real estate developer and investor Lightstone has appointed Paul Ridguard as GM for the Moxy NYC Chelsea. Ridguard will lead the opening and launch of Lightstone’s newest Moxy hotel in New York City, which is scheduled to open in October 2018.

Paul Ridguard. Photo credit: Lightstone

Ridguard has more than 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining Moxy Hotels, he served as GM at Executive Hotel Le Soleil. Before then, Ridguard led The Surrey hotel team as assistant GM, and later interim GM. He also served as the opening assistant GM for Viceroy Hotel Group and manager at the W Court and Tuscany Hotels in New York. 

Ridguard earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management at New York Institute of Technology. “Paul’s experience and vision will propel Moxy Chelsea towards great success with his expertise in hospitality and outgoing personality,” Gary Thomas, area GM, said in a statement. “We are thrilled to welcome Paul to continue the success of the New York Moxy properties.”

The 37-story Moxy Chelsea will have 349 guestrooms once it is complete later this year. The hotel, which was designed by Stonehill Taylor, Yabu Pushelberg and Rockwell Group, is near the Flower District. The property follows the launch of the Moxy Times Square in September 2017. The next Moxy scheduled to open in New York City is the Moxy Downtown near the World Trade Center. Mark Gordon of Tribeca Associate is developing the 20-story 298-room hotel while Stonehill Taylor is designing it. The new Moxy is slated to open in summer 2018.

Nearly 90 new Moxy hotels have been signed worldwide, 26 of which will be developed in the U.S. These are scheduled to open by the end of 2021. The brand will open several new properties in 2018 in Chicago; Washington D.C.; Memphis, Tenn.; Atlanta; and London.