Melia VP, Americas steps down after 30 years with company

After nearly 30 years with Melia Hotels International, Alvaro Tejeda Schroeder has stepped down as VP for the Americas. Schroeder plans to launch and lead a boutique consulting firm to help investors and hoteliers looking to step into or accelerate their growth in the hotel business in the Caribbean and Latin America.

During his time with Melia, Schroeder has worked in seven different countries. After more than a decade and a half managing individual properties, the company promoted him to area VP for Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Shortly after that appointment, Melia moved Schroeder to VP of the Americas, where he has stayed for just over a decade.

“It has been a very rewarding 30 years with Melia Hotels International and I would like to thank Chairman Mr. Gabriel Escarrer, Melia Hotels International team that worked with me along all these years and specifically my regional team,” Schroeder said in a statement. “MHI was not only a job but also a true passion, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this iconic, Spanish hotel brand.”

Melia has chosen Philippe Cassis as its new regional VP for the Americas, effective Aug. 20. Most recently, Cassis served as EVP/COO for Belmond. Before that, he was CEO of Sun Resorts and held regional SVP roles with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.