Castlerock Asset Management, an integrated real estate development, ownership, marketing, hospitality management and asset management company, unveils its strategic positioning for growth into markets such as Chicago, Detroit, Fort Worth, Los Angeles and Venice Beach, New Orleans, New York (23rd to Canal), Savannah and Washington D.C. Additionally, Castlerock remains committed to exploring opportunities within its home base of Nashville.
To accelerate these initiatives, Castlerock has appointed three industry experts to assume pivotal roles: Chief hospitality officer, chief marketing officer and vice president of acquisitions and development. The new executive leaders will report directly to Founder and CEO Seamus Ross.
Jeff Crabiel is named the new chief hospitality officer, overseeing the operational management function and day-to-day success of Castlerock’s branded and independent hotels, including future developments. Bringing more than 17 years of experience, Crabiel has a long-standing relationship with Castlerock, previously serving as the area general manager for the award-winning Bobby Hotel and The Westin Nashville. Crabiel also served as the director of rooms and executive assistant manager at The Westin Nashville, where he spearheaded the property’s opening and migration into the Marriott portfolio.
Joel Morales, who will lead the overall business marketing strategy, advertising, communications and brand-building functions as the chief marketing officer, has more than 20 years of experience shaping luxury and lifestyle brands. Previously serving as the company’s area director of marketing and public relations for Bobby Hotel and The Westin Nashville, Morales will continue to work closely with leadership to develop a framework in support of the company’s future growth objectives. Prior to joining Castlerock, Morales was the CEO for ext.54 in Chicago, where he led integrated marketing efforts for global clientele such W Hotels, Lollapalooza, AllSaints and more.
Hart Wilson has joined Castlerock as vice president of acquisitions and development, leveraging his decade-long experience in hotel real estate. Before Castlerock, he served as a vice president in JLL's Hotels & Hospitality Group, specializing in investment sales and debt and equity placement. He initially joined JLL in 2019 through their acquisition of Holliday Fenoglio Fowler. Beginning his career at Access Point Financial in Atlanta, Wilson has underwritten and transacted on over $2 billion in hotels. His appointment underscores Castlerock's commitment to recruiting industry experts for real estate portfolio expansion.
“We’re on the cusp of an exciting new phase of expansion and progress here at Castlerock Asset Management,” Ross said in a statement. “As we venture into new markets, our mission remains steadfast: to carve out a dynamic future for our asset management team and the Bobby Hotel brand, all the while enhancing the communities we have the privilege to serve.”