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Michael Escalante

EVP, President Operational Effectiveness

Contact Information
Education
  • Executive MBA, Baylor University
  • Bachelor of Science, Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University
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Michael Escalante

EVP, President Operational Effectiveness

Michael brings 30 years experience delivering industry-leading returns and guest service to hospitality owner and manager stakeholders worldwide. At hotelAVE, Michael leads the Operational Effectiveness division, hAVE OE, and is a member of the Executive Committee focused on forward-looking opportunities to enhance our hotel portfolio.

Prior to joining HotelAVE, Michael founded R5 Hospitality and provided professional services in operational effectiveness (OE), due diligence, new builds, technology utilization/implementation and customized approaches to many of the top hotel management companies in the world, including Hilton , Marriott and Four Seasons  as well as independent owner operators.

Prior to founding R5 Hospitality Solutions, Michael was Global VP Operations for Hilton Hotels and Resorts and co-founded the Hilton Center for Operational Excellence.  He led and had oversight of the Global Operational Effectiveness initiative with teams in the Americas, EMEA and APAC and implemented the OE methodology in all owned, leased, JV and many of the managed estate for Hilton.

Michael has practical, hands-on experience as General Manager, Regional VP, VP Asset Management, SVP Owner Representative, and Partner in Luxury, Upper-Upscale, Airport, Convention, Resort and Downtown US properties  and abroad.

A data-driven,  solutions oriented, seek to understand approach stems from Michael’s Air Force and Aeronautical Engineering background

“It’s a privilege to be a part of the legacy of hotelAVE, the insight, knowledge, guidance and experience they have in the industry and the innovative products and services that help define the future for hospitality and our clients makes me proud to be a part of it all!”

Affiliations and Certifications
  • Certified Six Sigma Black Belt
Has worked at hotelAVE since
2022
Interests and Hobbies

Michael enjoys everything outdoors.  A global traveler with the desire to scuba dive, practice his wildlife photography, and camp in his overland Jeep.  He takes at least one long road trip a year and has visited over half of the 63 National Parks in the USA.

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