Founder and CEO
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.
Managing Partner, Sales and Marketing
Todd Scholl oversees marketing, sales, brand awareness, websites and social media for Ithaka’s property portfolio. A 31-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Todd has enjoyed a career at some of the finest, independent properties in the United States, including Hotel Sorella Country Club Plaza in Kansas City; the Elms Hotel & Spa in Excelsior Springs, Missouri; the Canterbury Hotel, Indianapolis, IN; The Peabody Little Rock, Little Rock, AR, The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center and The Laurel Hotel & Spa. During his tenure in Little Rock he helped the hotel achieve the Forbes Four-Star designation. The Laurel Hotel & Spa became the first Preferred Hotel in Alabama. Each of these hotels became the market leader in their segments under his tenure. Todd is also a Board Member for Storybook Farm the chosen charity for IHP. Todd is a former Board Member of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce.
Todd holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa.
Managing Partner, Food and Beverage
Adam Keeshan oversees Ithaka’s entire food and beverage operation and works with individual properties to streamline and solidify their food and beverage offerings. Adam has worked within the food and beverage industry for more than 20 years, with a background that includes time in independent full service restaurants and bars, fast-casual concepts and country clubs.
Adam serves on the Young Alumni Council and the Communication Workgroup for Auburn University and sits as an officer for the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association Board of Directors. 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.
Managing Partner, Culinary Operations
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.
Managing Partner, Talent, Learning, and Culture
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.
Managing Partner, Finance
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.
Managing Partner, Room and Spa Operations
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.
Managing Partner, Restaurant and Food Hall Operations
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 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.
Development Advisor
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.
