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. 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 new role brought Hans 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. Auburn University asked Hans to lead the development of a world-class, first of its kind, center for hospitality education with a strong commercial component. The process would take more than a decade to come to fruition, but it played a large part in Hans’ decision to stay in Auburn when CHG was sold in 2017.
Following the sale of Capella Hotel Group, Hans decided to pursue a longtime dream: launching his own hospitality management company. He established 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 younger generations 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 currently has nine hotels and three food halls in development in diverse markets including Sonoma, California; Portland, Maine; Exuma, Bahamas; and Bordeaux, France.
In August 2022, Hans and IHP, along with their academic counterparts, celebrated the grand opening of the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, the culmination of more than ten years of work to bring a world-class facility for Auburn University’s Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management to life. IHP serves as the commercial partner for the 155,000 square foot, 127 milion dollar facility, managing operations and academic integrations at The Laurel Hotel & Spa, 1856 – Culinary Residence restaurant, and Hey Day Market food hall.
Hans’ personal dedication to exceptional hospitality and unwavering commitment to achieving excellence impacts all aspects of IHP. Hans 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 Auburn and beyond, and the impact of his passion for developing the next generation of hospitality leaders will be felt for generations to come.
Todd Scholl is the Managing Partner, Sales & Marketing, for Ithaka Hospitality Partners (IHP). He brings more than 30 years of industry experience to the role, where he oversees marketing, sales, brand awareness, websites, and social media for the entire IHP portfolio.
Born and raised in Fort Madison, Iowa, Scholl graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies. Scholl met a hotel general manager during a Dale Carnegie leadership training course who offered him a job on the spot, sparking an excitement for hospitality that he carries to this day. His hospitality career includes time spent at some of the finest independent properties in the country, including Hotel Sorella Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, MO; the Elms Hotel & Spa in Excelsior Springs, MS; the Canterbury Hotel in Indianapolis, IN; and The Peabody Little Rock in Little Rock, AR. Each of these hotels became the market leader in their respective segments during his tenure.
In 2018, Scholl relocated to Auburn, AL to join Ithaka Hospitality Partners and oversee sales and marketing for The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center. He also began working on The Laurel Hotel & Spa, which opened in 2022 and became both the first Preferred Hotel and the first AAA five star designated hotel in the state of Alabama. As part of the IHP leadership team, Scholl works on the company’s Auburn properties as well as on other projects around the world.
Scholl serves on the board of Storybook Farm and is a former board member of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. He lives in Auburn with his wife, Michele.
Adam Keeshan oversees Ithaka’s entire Food & Beverage operation. Adam has worked within the food and beverage industry for more than 25 years, with a background that includes time in independent hotels, full-service restaurants and bars, fast-casual concepts and country clubs.
Adam currently sits as the chairmen-elect for the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association Board of Directors and serves as a Hill Runner for the National Restaurant Association as a liaison between Alabama & Congress. Adam also serves on the Communication Workgroup for Auburn University and most recently served on the inaugural Young Alumni Council for the Auburn University Alumni Group. Adam also holds his Certified Specialist of Wine from the Society of Wine Educators, Level 1 of the Court of Master Sommeliers and is a Certified Bourbon Steward through the Stave & Thief Society.
Adam holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations from Auburn University.
Leo Maurelli oversees Ithaka’s culinary operations, utilizing his 25+ years in the culinary industry to ensure each property’s culinary offerings are second to none. His guidance provides individual properties with original menus and distinct food pairings of the highest quality. Chef Leo has served as Executive Chef at famed restaurants throughout the state of Alabama, including The Hotel at Auburn University. He was honored as the 2011 Alabama Restaurant Association and Alabama Hospitality Association Chef of the Year, and is consistently voted as one of Best Chef’s America: South since 2014.
Chef Leo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Auburn University.
Keisha Echols leads all aspects of Ithaka’s human resources team, including employee recruitment, training & development, and interpretation of state and federal employment law.
A Human Resource professional with more than 25 years of experience in the field, Keisha has worked for companies that include the Sara Lee Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, and Chick-fil-A Home Office. Keisha holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Behavioral Science from National-Louis University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Brenau University. She obtained her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification in 2006 through the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM), as well as earning their SHRM-CP designation in 2015. She was invited to join the SHRM Executive Network in 2024.
John Hopkins oversees all aspects of Ithaka’s financial management. With more than 30 years in finance and hospitality, John is a seasoned professional with experience in financial, operational, ownership and entrepreneurial leadership in the hospitality industry. As a key manager within hotels throughout the U.S., including most recently The Hotel at Auburn University, John has overseen significant reductions in costs and increases in profitability.
John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Restaurant and Hotel Management from Purdue University.
Paul Reggio oversees all rooms operations within Ithaka’s property portfolio. With more than 25 years in the hospitality industry, Paul has been a part of numerous luxury hotels, resorts and full service conference centers throughout the U.S. He worked as an executive leader with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Marriott International and West Paces Hotel Group with proven balanced scorecard results. Paul played key roles in several hotel openings and management transformations. In 2013, he was named “Partner of the Year” by the University of Southern Mississippi Casino, Hospitality and Tourism Program.
Paul holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management from The University of Southern Mississippi.
Chef Marc Osier oversees all restaurants and 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 Restaurants and 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.
An industry veteran with more than 30 years in some of the highest regarded brands and operators, Rohm works in close partnership with Ithaka to unlock value and deliver exceptional results. Scott’s experience includes field and corporate office roles with Ritz-Carlton, an equity partner and SVP of Operations for the creation and introduction of the Capella brand and the C.O.O. position of the ultra-luxe Auberge Resorts Collection as it doubled in size. Additionally, he was responsible for development, implementation and management of operational controls to effectively grow the collection and ensure financial strength through operating efficiency.
Josh Head is responsible for all operations at the ultra-luxury teaching hotel on the campus of Auburn University and oversees the practical experience for students in The Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management. In 2023, the hotel received the Five Diamond award from AAA travels, becoming the first hotel in Alabama to ever earn this distinction. Josh has over 15 years of leadership experience at both luxury brand and independent hotels and resorts, including five years with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Most recently, Josh was an executive leader at Pursell Farms where he played an instrumental role in the opening of their boutique Inn and expansion of the resort’s amenities.
Career associated recognitions include being named Hotelier of the Year in 2023 by The Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association and in 2020, he received the Professional Achievement Award from the College of Human Environmental Sciences at his alma mater. Josh serves on the Board of Directors for the Auburn based Greenawalt Family Foundation and is a member of the Southern Innkeepers Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Management.
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.
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 America, leading him to his move in 2022 to Alabama to become the Master Sommelier in Residence at 1856 – Culinary Residence.
Chef Dallas Kee is Director of Pastry Operations for Ithaka’s property portfolio. Kee is a graduate of the culinary program at The Art Institute of Atlanta and has taken advantage of multiple opportunities to work alongside renowned pastry chefs throughout the southeast. She has mastered the art of creating delicate and rustic desserts and pastries that delight with their simplicity. Originally from Newnan, Ga., Kee found her way to Auburn in 2018, where she shared her pastry talents with the patrons at Ariccia Cucina Italiana inside The Hotel at Auburn University.
Alex Brown oversees all coffee operations for Ithaka’s property portfolio, leading a team of baristas, roasters, and supervisors to offer excellent service and coffee education to guests and hospitality students. Under Alex’s guidance, Ithaka’s coffee operations feature responsibly sourced products and sustainable practices, and Auburn University students are educated through hands-on training that focuses on coffee and tea as a career path within an expanding beverage industry. With 20 years of experience in the coffee trade, Alex has a passion for coffee that has taken him from coast to coast as well as to coffee producing countries abroad, and now calls Ithaka’s headquarters in Auburn, Alabama home.
Tara Harbison oversees all group-based business for the properties within Ithaka’s property portfolio, ensuring the highest level of guest satisfaction. Originally from Oxford, Alabama, Tara began her hospitality career with The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference center as the Executive Meeting Sales Manager and Private Dining Coordinator for Ariccia Cucina Italiana and Piccolo 241. She was promoted to Assistant Director of Sales prior to her current position. Tara is deeply involved in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association, is involved with the Alabama Travel Council’s “Forty under Forty” Council, is a graduate of Leadership Lee County and a former Board member of the Junior League of Lee County. Additionally, Tara was a finalist for Front of House Employee of the Year through the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association.
Tara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Auburn University.
Anna Kent plans and coordinates all group accommodations and events for Ithaka’s property portfolio, ensuring all arrangements are made and executed to the highest standards. Originally from Tallassee, Alabama, Anna began her career as an intern within the Walt Disney World College Program. She then served as Catering Sales Manager with the Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center, where she was promoted twice, ultimately serving as Associate Director of Catering prior to transitioning into her current role. Anna spearheaded the $1 million renovation of Auburn University’s Agriculture Heritage Park Pavilion, turning the facility into a profit center for the College of Agriculture.
Anna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Supply Chain Management from Auburn University.
Brook Ladner-Pinson is responsible for laying the training and development foundation for Ithaka Corporate and at all properties. Brook is responsible for all in-house trainings, internal development for team members and leaders, and oversees and manages Ithaka Corporate training materials and openings.
Brook joined The Hotel at Auburn University in 2012 and over the years was a part of the team in several capacities between studying abroad and completing internships. In 2017, Brook joined the Hotel full time, and in 2019, was promoted to Area Assistant Director of Food & Beverage.
Brook was named ARHA’s Hospitality Department Manager of the year in 2018, and Hotel Management’s 30 Under 30 in 2019. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management and a Master’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics and Hospitality Management, both from Auburn University.
Esther Hand oversees all spa operations at The Laurel Hotel & Spa, where she oversees all spa activities and personnel.
Esther joins us from The Spa at Marriott Grand National, where she began as a spa attendant and worked her way to the role of spa supervisor. She brings valuable spa operations experience with her to The Laurel.
Esther was born and raised in Auburn’s sister city of Opelika, Alabama, and obtained her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Auburn University.
