Hospitality and retail operator and management company Makeready is bringing on new executives.
“We’re delighted to have top talent from some of the country’s biggest tourism markets relocating to Makeready destinations in Charleston, [S.C.]; Dallas and more,” said Christine Magrann, COO of the company. “It’s been a very prominent theme in recruiting; in a post-pandemic environment, leaders in hospitality are opting to move their careers and families to destinations and companies that are paying close attention to the daily pace of life and the effect that has on team members.”
Makeready operates hotels, restaurants and retail shops throughout the country, including the Noelle, Keep Shop, Hidden Bar and Makeready L&L in Nashville; The Alida and Rhett in Savannah, Ga.; The Adolphus and Commerce Goods + Supply in Dallas; Emeline, Frannie & The Fox and Hank’s Seafood restaurant in Charleston, S.C.; and Halcyon and Local Jones in Denver.
New Additions
Ted Arps, Makeready’s new chief investment management and development officer, brings more than 35 years of hospitality experience to his new role. Arps has worked on more than 100 acquisitions during his industry tenure, holding various senior leadership positions throughout his career including strategic operations for private equity and investment holdings groups. At Makeready, Arps will focus on value enhancement, innovations, improvements, return on investment projects and accelerated deal growth and acquisitions. Arps began his work in hospitality across various food-and-beverage positions.
Gary Thomas, SVP of hotel operations, will oversee six lifestyle-luxury properties in various locations across the country along with hotels in development. He has experience in several general manager and senior operations roles with Morgan’s Hotel Group and SBE Hotels.
Marcia Murphy, corporate director of commercial strategy, is joining Makeready’s home office team in Dallas, having spent the past 20 years on the Los Angeles hospitality scene. In her new role, she will collaborate with revenue management, digital strategy, marketing and sales teams to design and implement strategies that optimize the most profitable revenue streams.
Charles Olalia is Makeready’s new corporate director of culinary. Born and raised in the Philippines, Olalia attended culinary school before working at several Michelin-starred restaurants and opening Rice Bar and Ma’am Sir, his first restaurant showcasing his Filipino heritage. Overseeing culinary operations for Makeready, Olalia will create food and beverage experiences throughout the brand while mentoring and building bench strength for future leaders.