With more than 30 years of experience as an international hotelier, Hans van der Reijden is recognized around the world as a visionary leader and trusted expert.
A native of Holland, Hans began his hospitality career at a young age in a 2-Star Michelin restaurant, followed by stints in Antwerp, Belgium, and on board the ships of the Holland America Line before joining The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. He excelled within the organization, opening numerous hotels around the world and developing a close relationship with company founder and legendary hotelier Horst Schulze. During his time with The Ritz-Carlton, Hans saw first-hand the impact of an organization focused not just on delivering exceptional service for guests, but also on creating a rich employee-focused company culture.
When Schulze founded Capella Hotel Group (CHG) in 2003, he called upon Hans to help bring his vision to life. As a partner at Capella, Hans worked alongside Schulze to take the legendary model of service and culture created at Ritz-Carlton one step further, catering to the emerging ultra-luxury guest seeking a highly individualized hotel experience. This role prompted Hans to move to Auburn, AL to oversee operations and educational initiatives at The Hotel at Auburn University as well as the partnership between CHG and Auburn University’s Hospitality Management Program.
Following the sale of Capella Hotel Group, Hans then established his own hospitality management company, Ithaka Hospitality Partners (IHP) in 2018, and has served as the company’s Founder & CEO since its inception. Instead of following the playbook of global hotel management companies, Hans chose to study and cater to the growing number of travelers who look for unique experiences rather than a brand name. This approach allows IHP to bring each concept to life in a completely unique way, unbound by brand standards.
IHP quickly established itself as a forward-thinking industry leader with its first major opening in 2022, The Laurel Hotel & Spa, which earned Alabama’s only AAA Five Diamond rating in its first year of operation. The teaching hotel is located within the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, also home to Auburn University’s Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, 1856 – Culinary Residence teaching restaurant, and Hey Day Market food hall. The group also recently announced its role as operator of the new Elevation Convening Center & Hotel opening in Montgomery, AL in summer 2025. Working closely with Bryan Stevenson, Founder and Executive Director at the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), Elevation will complement EJI’s nearby Legacy Sites. IHP has several hotels currently in development in the U.S. and beyond.
Hans’ personal dedication to exceptional hospitality and unwavering commitment to achieving excellence impacts all aspects of IHP. He embodies servant leadership, ensuring everyone around him – from IHP team members, to students, owners, developers, and guests – feel comfortable, cared for, and valued. His boundless energy and enthusiasm have raised the bar for the hospitality industry in all markets he’s touched, and the impact of his passion for developing the next generation of hospitality leaders will be felt for generations to come.
Hans was inducted into the State of Alabama Tourism Hall of Fame in 2025.
Rohm is an industry veteran with more than 40 years’ experience with some of the highest regarded brands and operators. He is recognized for his expertise in brand development, marketing, operations, profit delivery and CAPEX investments.
Scott’s experience includes both field and corporate office roles with the Ritz-Carlton. The president for Ritz-Carlton, Horst Schulze after departing the brand then hand-selected him to join him as an equity partner and SVP of Operations for the creation, introduction and launch of the Capella brand where he spent nine years.
Scott then served as President of the prominent Turnberry Hotel Group. During his tenure he rebranded the Fairmont Turnberry Isle resort to an Autograph Collection by Marriott.
He then joined Barry Sternlicht to launch Starwood Capital’s SH Group President, where he oversaw the brand development & launch of 1 Hotels and Baccarat, which won numerous awards for design, product and service execution.
In 2016 he joined ultra-luxe Auberge Resorts Collection as their C.O.O. and it quadrupled in size over the next nine years serving as primary liaison with ownership groups.
In May of 2025, Rohm joined long-time colleague Hans van der Reijden, CEO at Ithaka Hospitality Partners, to lead their business development and portfolio growth.
Ryan Magnon is a seasoned operations executive with deep expertise in service excellence, hospitality operations, and leadership development across luxury and high-performance service environments. As Chief Operating Officer at Ithaka Hospitality Partners, he is responsible for overseeing the strategic execution of world-class guest and member experiences across the company’s luxury hotel, upscale food hall, and private club portfolios.
In his role, Ryan ensures operational excellence at every level, with a focus on delivering exceptional guest, member, and ownership satisfaction. He works closely with Ithaka’s business units to drive performance, optimize efficiency, and maximize return on investment for ownership groups through disciplined, high-impact operational strategies.
Prior to joining Ithaka, Ryan served as Sr. Operations Executive, Field Operations at Chick-fil-A, where he partnered with franchisee Owner/Operators to develop and implement operational strategies that enhanced customer experience, improved performance, and supported the company’s vision of becoming the world’s most caring company.
Earlier in his career, Ryan was Vice President of Quality for Capella Hotels and Resorts, where he collaborated with industry leader Horst Schulze to help establish a new benchmark for luxury hospitality. He also served as a Quality Improvement Officer in the United States Air Force after being selected for flight school, where he developed a strong foundation in leadership and performance excellence.
Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the Georgia Institute of Technology and is a sought-after speaker on service excellence, leadership, and quality management.
Keisha Echols leads all aspects of Ithaka’s human resources team, overseeing employee selection and recruitment, training and development, and compliance with state and federal employment laws. With over 25 years of experience in human resources, she brings a wealth of expertise in fostering workplace culture, talent development, and strategic HR leadership.
Keisha has held key roles at industry-leading organizations, including Sara Lee Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, and Chick-fil-A’s Home Office. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavioral Science from National-Louis University and an MBA from Brenau University.
Certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) since 2006, Keisha also earned the SHRM-CP designation in 2015. In recognition of her leadership and contributions to the field, she was invited to join the SHRM Executive Network in 2024.
Stacy brings an exceptional hospitality résumé, with almost three decades of experience in luxury and lifestyle hospitality. Most recently, she served in senior leadership roles at Auberge Collection, including Senior Director of Sales Optimization, where she focused on building high-performing commercial teams, driving revenue strategies, and improving sales effectiveness across a rapidly growing portfolio. She also led new openings, acquisitions, and task force initiatives, mentoring Directors of Sales and partnering closely with General Managers, Revenue Management teams, and ownership groups.
Prior to Auberge, Stacy held senior sales leadership roles with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, where she spent nearly a decade as Director of Sales for Business and Leisure Travel for dual luxury properties, earning multiple Chairman’s Circle and President’s Circle awards. Earlier in her career, she spent many years with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, progressing through operations, catering, and sales leadership roles and consistently being recognized as a top performer.
Beyond her impressive professional accomplishments, Stacy is widely known as an inspiring, people-first leader—someone who builds strong teams, mentors talent, and leads with both clarity and heart. These qualities align perfectly with our culture and values at Ithaka.
Stacy resides in Asheville, North Carolina, where she lives with her family, and she will work remotely from Asheville as part of the Ithaka team.
Paul Reggio oversees all rooms and spa operations within Ithaka’s property portfolio. With more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, Paul has been in leadership roles for numerous luxury hotels, resorts and full-service conference centers throughout the U.S., including AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Four Star properties. He worked as an executive leader with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Marriott International and Capella Hotels & Resorts with proven balanced scorecard results. Paul played key roles in several hotel openings, management transformations, hotel development projects and feasibility studies. In 2013, he was named “Partner of the Year” by the University of Southern Mississippi Casino, Hospitality and Tourism Program.
With a strong passion for leadership development, Paul plays a key role in the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management as an Affiliate Faculty Member overseeing the development and continual improvement of student labs in Rooms Operations.
Paul holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management from The University of Southern Mississippi.
Adam Keeshan is the Managing Partner, Food & Beverage at Ithaka Hospitality Partners, where he oversees food and beverage operations across the company’s hotels, restaurants, and food halls. With a 20 plus year career spanning independent hotels, full-service restaurants, fast-casual concepts, luxury resorts, and private clubs, Adam brings a well-rounded expertise in food and beverage management, operational strategy, event curation, and hospitality leadership.
"Beyond his operational role, Adam is actively involved in industry leadership and advocacy. He is the Chair-Elect of the Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Association, a Hill Runner for the National Restaurant Association, and an Affiliate Faculty member at Auburn University. Additionally, he serves on the advisory board for the Independent Hotel Show Miami and previously held a position on Auburn University’s inaugural Young Alumni Council Board."
A firm believer in lifelong learning, Adam holds certifications as a Certified Specialist of Wine (Society of Wine Educators), Level 1 Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers), and Certified Bourbon Steward (Stave & Thief Society)—credentials that allow him to mentor and inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals. Adam also was recognized by Hotel Management in their 2024 class of Forty Over 40.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Auburn University and is currently pursuing studies in Christian Leadership at Highlands College ensuring that his leadership approach remains grounded in integrity, purpose, and service.
Paula brings an exceptional hospitality finance résumé, with more than four decades of experience spanning luxury hotel companies and independent properties. She has served in a variety of senior finance leadership roles through her consulting firm, Heartrock LLC, founded in 1999, including acting as Interim VP of Finance, forensic accountant, and task force leader for hotel openings, takeovers, and ownership transitions. She has assisted in the opening of more than 20 hotels, led due diligence for high-profile property sales, and guided clients through complex financial system implementations and turnarounds.
Prior to founding Heartrock, Paula held Director of Finance roles with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.
Throughout her career, Paula has served an impressive roster of clients, including The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Montage Hotels & Resorts, Capella, Benchmark Hotels & Resorts, and independents such as Enchantment Resort and Bardessono in Napa Valley — where she guided both the management company and the selling ownership group through a landmark sale that set a California record at $1,370,000 per key.
Paula is no stranger to Ithaka Hospitality Partners — she has collaborated with the team across many engagements over the years and was there from the very beginning, helping to establish the company in 2018.
Beyond her deep technical expertise, Paula is known as a steady, trusted partner — someone who brings calm and clarity to complex financial challenges, builds lasting client relationships, and delivers results with discretion and precision. These qualities have made her a go-to resource for hospitality leaders navigating their most critical financial moments.
Paula is based in Colorado and works with clients remotely and on-site across the country and internationally.
Chef Marc Osier oversees all food halls within Ithaka’s portfolio. Having dedicated more than 20 years to the Culinary Arts industry, Chef Marc’s precision ensures the highest standards are upheld at all Ithaka Hospitality Partners’ Food Halls. Chef Marc has held executive positions in a variety of luxury hotels, resorts and full-service convention centers throughout the U.S.
Chef Marc holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Auburn University and an Associates degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales University.
Chef Joel Antunes is the Chef in Residence at 1856 - Culinary Residence, the one-of-a-kind teaching restaurant at the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center at Auburn University.
Born and raised in the South of France, Chef Antunes learned his craft in the kitchens of France’s finest restaurants, including Michelin three-starred Ledoyen and Jacques Maximin. Antunes earned his first Michelin star as Chef and Partner of Les Saveurs in London.
Chef Antunes was recruited by The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead in Atlanta, GA to run The Dining Room earning multiple awards including AAA Five Diamond and best fine dining restaurant in the state. Chef Antunes then went on to launch his multi-award-winning eponymous venture, Joel Restaurant, for which he earned the James Beard Award for Best Chef East Coast.
Prior to joining Ithaka Hospitality Partners, Chef Antunes serves as Chef in Residence at Le Logis, an intimate ultra-luxury hotel in Cognac, France owned by Forbes Travel Guide.
Chef Antunes is proud to share his international experience with students in the unique combination of hospitality, fine dining, and horticulture available only at the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management at Auburn University.
In his leisure time, Chef Antunes enjoys running, biking, and traveling.
With more than 45 years in the culinary and hospitality industry, Chef Antony Osborne plans and oversees all culinary training and education within Ithaka’s property portfolio and serves as the liaison between Ithaka and the Auburn University College of Human Sciences. An award-winning chef and educator, Chef Antony’s experience is vast, having worked at some of the world’s finest hotels and restaurants.
Chef Antony served as the Executive Pastry Chef at The Oriental in Bangkok, Thailand, which was voted the No. 1 hotel in the world during his time there. Additionally, he served as the Executive Pastry Chef at The Dorchester in London (the youngest ever executive pastry chef of a leading hotel of the world) at 26 years old, Nagoya Hilton Hotel in Japan, Raffles Hotel in Singapore, and Crown Casino in Melbourne. Additionally, Chef Antony served as the regional pastry chef for Hilton International, where he oversaw operations for seven countries in Southeast Asia. In 2003, he transitioned to the field of culinary academics and served in various roles with Culinard, the Culinary Institute of Virginia College, ultimately serving as National Dean of Culinary and Hospitality Programs. He then served as Managing Director Culineur within Thailand’s School of Culinary Arts and Entrepreneurship, as well as serving as an independent consultant for EHL Advisory Services, the largest Swiss hospitality advisory services firm and one of the leading hotel schools in the world. Chef Antony served as a subject matter expert for the American Culinary Federation and ACICS Accrediting Counsel for Independent Colleges & Schools.
In 2004, Chef Antony worked with the Alabama State Department’s Judy Brown to establish the first culinary competitions in the state, overseeing their success. Additionally, he was part of the team of World-famous Swiss Chef Anton Mosimann, the first chefs to cook and prepare a meal aboard the inaugural Jumbo Flight of the new stretch upper deck from Vancouver, Canada, to Hong Kong, China.
Chef Antony’s awards are extensive, and include being named one of the top 10 pastry chefs in America in 2006.
Chef Aneesha Hargrave is a Johnson & Wales graduate and a foodservice veteran specializing in creating crave-able, sustainable, plant-forward, and globally focused menu solutions. She is a culinary Swiss army knife – part R&D chef, part trendspotter, and always searching for the best flavors. She is a culinary innovator and development strategist for global non-commercial brands and national chain restaurants as a Lead Culinary Specialist for Impossible Foods.
You can usually find Aneesha searching the city for the best strip mall dining, local sandwich shops, and neighborhood gems. Aneesha loves building community in her travels and deep dives on all things food, culture, and basketball.
Alex Brown provides successful solutions for excellent coffee quality and execution in all food and beverage areas across Ithaka’s Property Portfolio. He leads an incredibly talented coffee team focused on providing high quality coffee experiences delivered with exceptional service.
Alex leverages his 20 plus years of professional experience in the coffee industry to encourage and educate the next generation of coffee leaders as an Affiliate Faculty Instructor in the Horst Schultze School of Hospitality Management at Auburn University. A culinary arts graduate of Baltimore International College, he is passionate about providing students unique opportunities for success in the growing coffee market sector of the food and beverage landscape.
Alex holds a Q Grader License from the Specialty Coffee Association and is recognized as a Q Post Harvest Processing Generalist and Lecturer for the Coffee Quality Institute. He has also earned his Introductory Level 1 Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers and his Certified Beer Server certification from Cicerone.
Master Sommelier Thomas Price became the 190th American Master Sommelier, the first Black American to achieve the certification. He spent the last 35 years working in some of Seattle’s most prominent restaurants, including his own. Shortly after obtaining his Master Sommelier certificate in 2012, Price joined Jackson Family Fine Wines as National Director of Wine Education. In 2014, he served as the director of University Programs for the Court of Master Sommeliers Americas, leading him to his move in 2022 to Alabama to become the Master Sommelier in Residence at 1856 – Culinary Residence.
Casey Gamblin is the Area Beverage Manager for Ithaka Hospitality Partners, bringing over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. A Certified Sommelier since 2011 through the Court of Master Sommeliers, Casey’s career has taken her through some of the country’s most prestigious hospitality settings.
She joined The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, NC—a Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five Diamond property—in 2013, where she eventually led the wine program, curating wine classes, pairings, and immersive guest experiences. She later expanded her expertise by overseeing multiple food and beverage outlets at White Beeches Golf and Country Club in New Jersey.
Casey’s journey then brought her to North Alabama before she joined Ithaka Hospitality Partners in 2022 as part of the opening team for 1856 – Culinary Residence, A Teaching Restaurant. Her leadership and expertise helped shape the restaurant’s beverage program, and her success in that role led to her promotion to Area Beverage Manager, where she now oversees beverage operations across multiple Ithaka properties.
Nicole Vermolen serves as Director of Training, Development, and International Programs where she leads training strategy, training design, and international talent programs across the company’s hotel portfolio. She focuses on building strong operational teams while creating scalable, modern learning experiences that elevate both employee performance and guest experience.
Nicole brings nearly three decades of experience in hospitality, training, higher education, and international workforce development, including extensive work with J-1 cultural exchange programs and global talent pipelines. She previously served as Training Manager at Peet’s Coffee, leading large-scale training initiatives for a workforce of over 4,000 employees and driving improvements in performance and retention.
Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management and a Master’s degree in International Service Management from Stenden Hotel Management School Leeuwarden in the Netherlands.
Nicole is a Dutch native and has lived on three continents before coming to the USA in 2005.
Chris Monroe is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of corporate sales, training, and management experience. Leveraging his extensive background in business operations, Chris made a successful transition into the food and beverage industry. Since then, he has owned and operated multiple restaurants and Food Halls, driving operational success and creating exceptional customer experiences. Passionate about excellence and innovation, Chris is committed to shaping the future of the rapidly growing Food Hall sector.
