Summary:
- Stonebridge Cos. named Rich Cortese special advisor to the Caribbean.
- The move reflects the firm’s focus on the Caribbean and Latin America.
- It recently opened a Miami office.
Rich Cortese is now special advisor to the Caribbean region for Stonebridge Cos. He brings more than 30 years of experience in Caribbean development, operations, and asset management to support the firm’s expansion in the region.
Cortese, who has overseen several Caribbean resort properties, previously served as executive vice president at Caribbean Property Group, managing a $750 million portfolio that included the Ritz-Carlton San Juan, Marriott Aruba, Radisson San Juan, the Normandie Hotel and a portfolio of Courtyard by Marriott properties, Stonebridge said in a statement.
Denver-based Stonebridge, founded by Chairman Navin Dimond, is led by President and CEO Rob Smith.
“Rich is an unmatched resource in the Caribbean hotel space, and we’re fortunate to have him advising our team as we continue building out our footprint in the region,” said Smith. “With my two decades of experience in the Caribbean and Marco Selva leading our luxury and resort platform, Rich’s insight and relationships will strengthen our offering to owners seeking operational excellence and regional expertise.”
Cortese’s appointment reflects Stonebridge’s focus on the Caribbean and Latin American region, the statement said. It recently opened a Miami office led by Marco Selva, senior vice president of business development and operations for luxury and lifestyle.
Selva said he looks forward to collaborating with Cortese as Stonebridge expands in the Caribbean.
“His experience and relationships in the region align with our strategy,” he said. “Together, we’ll offer owners a comprehensive approach that combines strategic insight, operations, and regional knowledge.”
Earlier in his career, Cortese led operations at the El San Juan, El Conquistador, and Conrad Plaza in Puerto Rico, and at Wyndham properties across the Caribbean.
“I’ve worked with many hotel management companies, and Stonebridge stands out for its entrepreneurial culture, hands-on leadership, and tailored approach to each property and owner,” Cortese said. “The Caribbean is a dynamic market, and I look forward to working with Rob, Marco, and the team as they bring Stonebridge’s capabilities to a broader group of owners and investors in the region.”
In June, Stonebridge named Adam Snow executive vice president and chief strategy officer to lead property strategy and performance.
