Founder and CEO
With more than 30 years of dedicated service as an international hotelier, Hans van der Reijden is recognized as a hospitality expert and a respected leader.
As founder and CEO, Hans leads Ithaka’s development initiatives and spearheads the company’s academic partnership with Auburn University’s Hospitality Management Program. A visionary leader in the world of luxury hospitality, Hans has a record of successfully launching, turning around and expanding organizations.
Hans was a Partner in Capella Hotel Group from its founding in 2003 until 2018. Prior to joining Capella, he served as an Executive in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company for 11 years, opening hotels across the globe.
He has been named “Hotelier of the Year” and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Alabama Hospitality Association, “Tourism Executive of the Year” by the State of Alabama and was awarded the Award of Excellence by the Alabama Travel Council. Hans is an active member and has served as Chairman of the Board for both the Alabama Hospitality & Restaurant Association as well as the Alabama Travel Council. He also serves on the advisory board for the Alabama Tourism Department, an appointment by Governor Kay Ivey, and is a charter member of the Foundation Board for Storybook Farm, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing childhoods for children experiencing difficulties.
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.
Culinary Director, 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.
