User:Illson773/Laurence Geller

Laurence S. Geller is currently the President and CEO of Strategic Hotels & Resorts.

After graduating from Ealing Technical College's School of Hotel Management and Catering, Geller has worked in the lodging industry for the last 40 year and has received numerous awards for his service.

In 1989 Geller founded the gaming, tourism and lodging advisory company, Geller & Co., and was Chairman and CEO. Geller & Co. focused on major hotel, corporate and real estate development, financing and structuring on an international scope. In 1997 left the company to found Strategic Hotels Co. LLC, where he continues to serve as the company's President and CEO.

In 2007 Geller published his first novel, "Do Not Disturb," an executive look into the fast-paced world of the international hotel business.

Currently, Geller serves on the Boards of Children’s Memorial Hospital and Gaylord Entertainment Company. He is Co-Chairman of Trustees of the Churchill Centre, and Ambassador for North America for The Hotel and Catering Institutional Management Association of the U.K. Geller is a marathoner and student of Winston Churchill, and currently lives and works in Chicago.

Positions Held
· EVP and COO of Hyatt Development Corporation

· VP of Holiday Inn · Director of London’s Grand Metropolitan Hotels · Vice Chairman of the Urban Land Institute’s Commercial and Retail Council · Chairman of the Industry Real Estate Financing Advisory Council of the American Hotel and Motel Association (IREFAC)