Starwood Hotels, the hotel brand management company that operates 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels, and Treehouse Hotels, has announced the promotion of three leaders across its operations and property teams…
Starwood Hotels continues to expand its global footprint across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. With a growing portfolio of properties open and in development across key global markets, the company remains focused on thoughtful expansion while strengthening its presence in destinations around the world. As the company grows, experienced leadership across both corporate and property teams remains central to delivering strong operations and performance across the portfolio.
New Appointments
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- Shadi Omeish | Image credit: Starwood Hotels
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- Ashley Gochnauer | Image credit: Starwood Hotels
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- Onal Kucuk | Image credit: Starwood Hotels
Shadi Omeish has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations, Americas; Ashley Gochnauer has been named Area Managing Director overseeing 1 Hotel San Francisco, 1 Hotel Seattle, and Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley; and Onal Kucuk has been appointed Area General Manager of 1 Hotel Nashville and 1 Hotel Austin
“We’re proud to recognize Shadi’s continued leadership as our portfolio keeps growing across the Americas and beyond,” said Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. “He’s had a huge hand in strengthening operations across our hotels and supporting the teams who make it all happen every day. This promotion reflects the impact Shadi has already made and the confidence we have in the leadership he’ll continue to bring as we keep building what’s next.”
Image credit: 1 Hotel Seattle
Omeish, an award-winning hospitality leader with nearly three decades of international experience, has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations, Americas, where he will continue to lead operational performance across Starwood Hotels’ growing portfolio throughout the region. Having held senior leadership positions with globally recognized brands including Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, MGM Resorts International, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Omeish brings deep operational expertise to the role. In this expanded role, he will work closely with general managers and regional leadership teams to strengthen day-to-day operations, enhance overall hotel performance, and support the continued growth of the company’s brands across its 17 operating properties. He will also play a key role in supporting upcoming openings across the Americas, including 1 Hotel Austin, 1 Hotel & Homes San Miguel de Allende, 1 Hotel Cabo, 1 Hotel Hudson Valley, Baccarat Residences Brickell Miami, Treehouse Hotel Brickell, and Treehouse Hotel Miami Beach. Since joining the company in 2016, Omeish has held several leadership roles across the portfolio, including General Manager of 1 Hotel South Beach and 1 Hotel West Hollywood, Area Managing Director, West Coast, Regional Vice President, West Coast, and most recently Vice President of Operations, Americas.
“Onal and Ashley have been doing an incredible job leading their teams and delivering strong results. Expanding their reach is a strategic advantage. They know our brands inside and out, they care deeply about their people, and it shows. Their expanded roles are well earned, and we’re excited to see them continue raising the bar for our guests and our hotels,” continued Leal. “The energy and enthusiasm these individuals inject into our journey will make us uncopiable.”
Image credit: Erin Kunkel / Treehouse Silicon Valley
Gochnauer has been promoted to Area Managing Director overseeing 1 Hotel San Francisco, 1 Hotel Seattle, and Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley. Most recently serving as Area General Manager of 1 Hotel San Francisco and Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley, Gochnauer now assumes broader oversight across the three properties, working closely with property leadership teams to drive operational performance, support team development, and maintain the brand’s standards for guest experience. She played a key role in the opening of Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley and previously led the debut of 1 Hotel San Francisco as General Manager, bringing valuable experience in launching and scaling new properties. Gochnauer brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience to the role, having held leadership positions with brands including Viceroy Hotels, The London, Kimpton Hotels, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Throughout her career, she has been closely involved in hotel openings and transitions, building strong teams and maintaining high operational standards.
Onal Kucuk has been promoted to Area General Manager overseeing 1 Hotel Nashville and the upcoming 1 Hotel Austin. Most recently serving as General Manager of 1 Hotel Nashville, Kucuk will now expand his leadership to include the highly anticipated debut of 1 Hotel Austin, set to open in late summer 2026, where he will play a key role in guiding the property through its pre-opening and launch. Since joining the brand, he has led operations at 1 Hotel Nashville, overseeing the hotel’s guestrooms and suites as well as its food and beverage and wellness offerings. Kucuk brings extensive experience in luxury and lifestyle hospitality, having previously served as General Manager of The Guild Hotel in San Diego and held leadership roles with Hyatt at properties including Ventana Big Sur and Thompson Chicago. Earlier in his career, he spent more than a decade with Starwood Hotels & Resorts in a range of operational leadership roles, including Black Belt–Area Director of Six Sigma for the Midwest.
