Mr. Grapstein, a board member of the Hotel Association for more than five years and a longtime member of the Hospitality Council of New York, brings a wealth of financial and operating experience to the role.
NEW YORK – The Hotel Association of New York City announced the election this week of Fred Grapstein, Executive Vice President of Vornado Realty Trust's Hospitality Group, as its new chairman.
Mr. Grapstein, a board member of the Hotel Association for more than five years and a longtime member of the Hospitality Council of New York, brings a wealth of financial and operating experience to the role. At Vornado he is responsible for over $1.5 billion of hotel assets including 2,500 rooms and 750,000 square feet of commercial/retail space.
"It's truly an honor to serve as chairman of one of the leading hospitality organizations in the world. The Hotel Association is integral to New York City's $5 billion tourism economy and sets the highest standards for hospitality and corporate citizenship," Mr. Grapstein said. "We will continue to advocate for our membership and industry that welcome more than 60 million visitors annually to our great city and support tens of thousands of jobs for New Yorkers from all walks of life."
Vijay Dandapani, president and CEO, Hotel Association of New York City, said, "Fred Grapstein is an accomplished and respected voice in the hospitality field and beyond, and we are privileged to have him as our new chairman. I look forward to working alongside Fred in continuing to grow the Association and meet the challenges of our vital and dynamic industry."
Mr. Grapstein is a regular speaker at hotel conferences throughout the country and is outspoken on the impacts of Airbnb. He is also a member of the Hospitality Asset Managers Association. Previously, Mr. Grapstein was with Merrill Lynch as a Vice President in their Real Estate Group, and with Deloitte in their emerging business consulting group. He is a CPA and holds an MBA from New York University. In 2006 Fred was awarded an Ellis Island Medal of Honor, for which his accomplishment was entered into the Congressional record.
Established in 1878, the Hotel Association of New York City, Inc. is one of the oldest professional trade associations in the nation. Its membership includes 275 of the finest hotels in New York City, representing more than 76,000 rooms and 50,000 employees.
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