THE CAREER trajectory of Tracy M. J. Colden, the legal powerhouse of Playa Hotels & Resorts, mirrors the strategic expansion of the hospitality industry itself.
Tracy didn't stumble into the world of beachfront resorts and luxury accommodations. Her journey began in 1988 in the hallowed halls of Hogan & Hartson, one of the top global law firms now known as Hogan Lovells, where she cut her teeth in corporate law before making a calculated pivot that would define her career.
She saw an opportunity to blend the legal expertise with her business acumen in an industry that fascinates her, as she moved to Host Marriott Corp (now Host Hotels & Resorts) as an assistant general counsel.
What distinguishes Colden in the hospitality realm isn't just her legal prowess but her financial fluency. Armed with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan and credentials as a Certified Public Accountant, she brings a rare dual perspective to the boardroom. This combination proved invaluable during her tenure at Highland Hospitality Corp., where she helped navigate the complex waters of lodging REITs from 2003 to 2007.
When Playa Hotels & Resorts appointed her Executive Vice President and General Counsel in January 2020, they weren't simply hiring a lawyer – they were acquiring a strategic asset with an encyclopedic understanding of the industry's evolution over three decades.
The timing proved prophetic. Weeks into her role, the global pandemic brought international travel to a standstill. While competitors floundered, Colden helped Playa weather the storm, leveraging her experience across market cycles to position the company for post-pandemic growth.
Today, she oversees legal operations for more than 20 resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, spanning prestigious brands from Hyatt Zilara to The Luxury Collection. Her influence extends beyond Playa through her board position at National Health Investors Inc., where she applies her hospitality expertise to the senior housing sector.
