Executive Profiles
Lindsey Ueberroth
Chief Executive Officer
Lindsey Ueberroth is Chief Executive Officer of Preferred Hotels & Resorts and a member of its Board of Directors. Since joining the company in 2004, Lindsey has helped solidify the position of Preferred Hotels & Resorts as an iconic global hospitality brand, a preferred partner for independent hotels, and a trusted resource for travelers seeking an authentic, independent luxury hotel experience.
In March 2015, Lindsey spearheaded the rebranding of Preferred Hotel Group to Preferred Hotels & Resorts, which represented the onset of a new consumer-facing strategy for the company. The new brand architecture redefined the way the hotel experience is rated, not by tiers or stars, but by experiences, to create stronger clarity for the company’s world-class portfolio of independent properties among travelers, hoteliers, and travel partners. Highlighting the success of that strategic move, in that same year, Lindsey led the company to achieve a major milestone in its history by generating more than $1 billion ($1.011B) in reservations revenue on behalf of its member hotels worldwide, a 15% increase over the previous year.
During her tenure as president, from June 2010 to February 2014, Lindsey’s leadership of Preferred Hotel Group helped the company’s global portfolio of member hotels successfully emerge from the worldwide economic downturn by doubling total year-end reservations revenue and generating a 25% increase in Average Daily Rate. Under her direction, the company also launched the innovative points-based iPrefer hotel rewards program; executed the introduction of three distinct brands that represented hotels and resorts in the design, boutique, and serviced residences niche categories; marked first-time presence in more than 25 new countries; and formed strategic partnerships with small hotel brands that expanded the company’s reach into key global markets.
Her strength and success as the leader of Preferred Hotels & Resorts earned her recognition in 2017 by Hotel Management as one of the 30 most influential women in hospitality. She also received back-to-back accolades in 2015, first by HOTELS magazine as one of the top 10 most noteworthy hoteliers in the world and then by Lodging Magazine as one of the 20 most influential females in the lodging industry.
Before joining Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Lindsey was an account executive at Ambassadors International, Inc., a global meetings and incentives company. Prior to that, she was a management consultant at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture).
Lindsey serves on the Board of Directors for Historic Hotels of America, the Global Hotel Network, and Wine 2 Water. She is also an active member of the U.S. Travel Association and the Young Presidents’ Organization. A graduate of Wake Forest University, Lindsey has traveled to more than 100 countries.
John Ueberroth
Executive Chairman
John A. Ueberroth is the Executive Chairman of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. John has more than 30 years of executive-level experience in the travel industry, ranging from global travel agencies to airline and travel service companies, as well as major industry associations.
John began his career in the travel industry in 1967 when he joined his brother, Peter at Transportation Consultants International (TCI), which became the world’s largest travel representation company, representing hotels and airlines among other businesses. Subsequently, TCI bought Ask Mr. Foster travel agency, where John served as President from 1971-80, growing the business from 29 offices to over 1000. In 1980, TCI was sold to the Carlson Companies. John served as President of Carlson Travel Group from 1980 until 1989. From 1990-93, he served as Chairman and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, and from 1993 to 2003 he served as CEO of Ambassadors International (NASDAQ: AMIE). John joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts in 2004 as co-owner and partner with his wife, Gail.
In addition to his current post at Preferred Travel Group, John has also served as Chairman of other leading industry organizations, including Ambassadors Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: EPAX), Travel Industry Association of America, and the U.S. Tour Operators Association.
Gail Ueberroth
Vice Chairman & Chief Creative Officer
Gail Ueberroth joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts in 2004 as Co-Owner with her husband, John. She currently serves as Chief Creative Officer and Vice-Chairman, responsible for leading the company’s Creative Services department and overseeing the direction and execution of the creative strategy behind the Preferred Travel Group brands.
Her distinguished career in travel and hospitality has led her to more than 110 countries, fueling a passion for travel and a hands-on understanding of diverse global markets. In addition to her past work with Carlson Travel and Ambassadors Group, Gail has created innovative travel programs for Neiman Marcus, Young Presidents Organization and CEO, as well as numerous alumni, museum, and symphonic non-profit organizations.
Casey Ueberroth
Member of the Board of Directors
Casey Ueberroth serves on the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Board of Directors. Most recently, he held the position of Chief Marketing Officer, charged with leading the company’s marketing strategy globally, including the company’s global hotel rewards program iPrefer and website, and also concurrently oversaw the development and execution of Preferred Golf, a niche market membership program created in partnership with American Express.
Since joining Preferred Hotels & Resorts in 2005, Casey has supported the company’s marketing and development efforts in various other roles, including Area Managing Director of the United States and, most recently, Senior Vice President of Marketing, a position he held until being promoted to Chief Marketing Officer in January 2015.
Before joining Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Casey served as Assistant Vice President at Wells Fargo Bank N.A. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University.
Ken Mastrandrea
Chief Operating Officer
Ken Mastrandrea is the Chief Operating Officer of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, responsible for overseeing all corporate operations and brand development. Ken has extensive experience in international and North American hospitality management, including franchise branding and asset preservation, as well as professional qualifications in deluxe residential destination development with sales, client relations, design, and building operations.
Prior to joining Preferred Hotels & Resorts in 2007, Ken spent more than 25 years in executive-level positions directing leisure, tour, and corporate travel management efforts for companies across North America. He served as CEO of a major company operating domestic and international tours and as senior vice president of a corporate travel agency that serviced North America’s Fortune 100.
Ken’s influence in the industry extends to serving on travel-related association boards and advisory councils, including Sabre Hospitality’s Executive Advisory Board. He is also a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) by the American Hotel and Lodging Institute.
Hiren Chandiramani
Chief Financial Officer
Hiren Chandiramani is Chief Financial Officer of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. In this role, he works directly with CEO Lindsey Ueberroth to sustain the success and strategic growth of the company, overseeing all global financial activities including general accounting, financial planning and analysis, treasury, global tax, and compliance.
Previously, Hiren served as Senior Vice President of Finance, playing an integral role in launching key initiatives for Preferred Hotels & Resorts including its guest loyalty program I Prefer over a three-year period. He joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts in 2010 as Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis.
With nearly 20 years of experience in corporate finance, Hiren has held various leadership positions for companies such as SIRVA INC, for whom he lead all finance-related activities for the international moving division including oversight of the company’s annual operating plan, monthly forecast, and variance analysis, and performance reporting. Hiren launched his finance career working for SBC Communications (Ameritech Cellular).
Hiren holds multiple degrees including a Master of Business Administration in E-Business Strategy from DePaul University, a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Northern Illinois University, and as a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Auditing degree from Bombay University in India.
Michelle L. Woodley
President
Michelle Woodley is President of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. In this role, she oversees multiple departments across the company including development, revenue management, customer relations, IT, and human resources. She also works closely with CEO Lindsey Ueberroth to support the development of other strategic areas of focus within the organization and serves as a company spokesperson.
Since joining Preferred in 2002, Michelle has held various leadership positions with cross-functional responsibilities including Senior Vice President of Global Marketing Strategy, Senior Vice President of Distribution & Revenue Management, and Executive Vice President, the role she held prior to her promotion to President in January 2018. She has used her expertise to help the company successfully execute major global initiatives designed to foster the longevity of the Preferred brand such as two comprehensive rebranding initiatives, the launch of multiple brand websites, the introduction and institutionalization of a Revenue Management Certification Program, the technology conversion of the company’s global central reservation system and call center services, and the creation of the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program.
Before joining Preferred Hotels & Resorts in 2002, Michelle spent five years as Vice President of Distribution for Swissôtel and Raffles Hotels & Resorts, charged with overseeing the strategic direction and operations of the company’s electronic distribution and database solutions. She held various senior positions in operations, marketing, and distribution with Swissôtel from 1990 to 1997.
Michelle has been an active board member in industry organizations. She is currently on the Sabre Hospitality Executive Advisory Board, the Active International Travel Advisory Board, and the Cornell University Center for Hospitality Research Advisory Board, and serves as an executive committee member for the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation Board of Directors. She previously served on the Board of HSMAI Americas and spent two terms as president and two terms as vice president of the Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association (HEDNA). She was a founding member of the Open Travel Alliance (OTA) and served two terms on their board of directors as treasurer.
Michelle is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. She is based in Chicago with her husband and two sons.
Cheryl Williams
Chief Revenue Officer
Cheryl Williams is Chief Revenue Officer for Preferred Hotels & Resorts, dedicated to overseeing and fine-tuning best-in-class commercial efforts globally for the organization across key departments including sales, revenue optimization, marketing, e-commerce, loyalty, distribution, events, and customer relations.
Prior to joining Preferred, Cheryl served as regional vice president of sales & marketing in Hawaii for Highgate for four years, leading an integrated sales, marketing, and revenue organization while overseeing the company’s expanding portfolio of properties in the state. In that position, she collaborated often with the Preferred team given that one of the resorts under her purview – ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach – was a member hotel and because she served as a member of Preferred’s Hotel Advisory Board.
Previously, she held various sales and marketing leadership roles for Starwood and Sheraton where she led leisure sales and distribution, growing leisure business for hotels with key customers based globally. Cheryl also had oversight of new business development at Starwood with a specific focus on growing business from Brazil, Russia, India, and China. In addition, she served as general manager and sales and marketing leader of several iconic properties and, in those positions, oversaw the opening and/or repositioning/rebranding of many hotels such as the St. Regis Bora Bora, Bora Bora Nui, the St. Regis Princeville Resort, the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort, and The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort.
Cheryl has earned numerous accolades in the hospitality industry. She was named by Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) as one of the world’s “Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality & Travel Sales & Marketing.” She also helped launch the Aloha Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and has since been honored with the MPI Aloha Chapter Founders Award. She was a finalist for the Pacific Business News Businesswoman of the Year in 2014 and was honored in 2018 by Pacific Edge Magazine for her contributions to Hawaii’s visitor industry. She is based in Preferred’s corporate headquarters in Newport Beach, California.
Dan Coyle
Executive Vice President, United States & Canada
Dan Coyle is Executive Vice President, United States & Canada, for Preferred Hotels & Resorts. In this role, he is responsible for leading the brand’s strategic direction in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean to ensure the success and retention of more than 250 member properties in the region, while managing a team of regional directors based in New York City, Newport Beach, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Miami, and Toronto.
Dan joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts in 2002 as Regional Director of Global Sales for North America and received continual promotions, most recently serving as Senior Vice President, North America During his tenure with the company, Dan has been instrumental in coordinating efforts among the company’s global senior leadership to deliver incremental revenues to hotel partners, successfully refining and growing the presence of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts brand across the United States through strategic partnerships with hotel management companies, and managing key elements of the company’s strategic relationships with various partners such as American Express and its Fine Hotels & Resorts program.
Dan came to Preferred Hotels & Resorts with extensive experience in international corporate transient, leisure, and group sales. Prior to joining Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Dan served as Senior Director of Global Sales for Raffles International Hotels & Resorts and Swissôtel, where he was recognized for strong leadership and outstanding sales with a variety of awards, including three Worldwide Sales & Marketing Awards, the President's Award for Sales & Marketing Excellence, and Global Account Manager of the Year.
Dan is a graduate of Providence College, where he received a B.S. in Finance. He is based in New York City.
Brenda Collin
Executive Vice President, Europe
Brenda Collin serves as Executive Vice President of Europe for Preferred Hotels & Resorts, overseeing a growing team of over 45 associates, leading the company’s growth and evolution across Europe, as well as ensuring the retention and success of nearly 200 member properties across 25 countries in the region.
Since joining Preferred in April 2013 – first serving as Regional Director of the U.K., Ireland, the Nordics, and The Netherlands before being promoted to Managing Director of that region in January 2017 – Collin has been instrumental in generating significant awareness of the Preferred brand among trade and industry audiences. In addition to strengthening engagement among existing member hotels, she succeeded in tripling the size of the company’s footprint in the region during a seven-year timeframe by spearheading representation of acclaimed hotel companies such as Nordic Hotels & Resorts and signing more than 50 new member hotels such as The Hotel Maria (opened in Helsinki in 2024); Old Course Hotel (St. Andrews, Scotland); Castlemartyr Resort (Cork, Ireland), Sommerro (Oslo, Norway), and, most recently, The Newman (opening in London in 2025).
Throughout her 30-year career in the hospitality industry, Collin has established an exemplary record for guiding owners and operators of independent and chain hotels alike as they pursue their operational, sales, and marketing goals. Prior to joining Preferred, Collin served as Co-Founder and Executive Director of HotelREZ, a UK-based agency that provides representation and consultancy services to independent hotels worldwide, growing the company’s portfolio to 700 properties in a seven-year timeframe. She also spent five years at Utell working in various capacities including managing account retention, developing the company’s portfolio in the Middle East and Africa, and selling SAAS services. Collin began her hospitality career with Hilton Hotels & Resorts, where she spent seven years holding various front office and regional positions for hotels across the United Kingdom.
A Trustee and Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, Collin holds a B.A. in Hotel & Catering Management from Galway & Mayo Institute of Technology, a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management from Cornel University’s School of Hotel Administration and a certificate in Executive ESG for Hospitality Leaders from Kings College London. She is based out of the company’s London office.
Saurabh Rai
Executive Vice President, South Asia, Middle East, Africa, and Australasia
Saurabh Rai began his career with Preferred Hotels & Resorts in 2008 as Director of Global Sales & Development for India and the Middle East. He progressed to Regional Director of India in 2009 and gained additional responsibilities upon his subsequent promotion to Regional Director of South Asia & the Middle East. In April 2014, Saurabh was appointed Area Managing Director of South Asia & Middle East and, due to his astute business acumen and strong leadership skills, achieved promotion to Executive Vice President, South Asia, Middle East, Africa, and Australasia in January 2016.
During his tenure with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Saurabh has been integral to the brand’s development across the region, growing its portfolio in India from two properties to 29 world-class properties, enhancing its presence across the Middle East, and solidifying key relationships with major partners such as Katara Hospitality, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, ITC Hotels, and Palazzo Versace Dubai. As a testament to his knowledge of the hospitality industry, strategic insight on market trends, and strong relationships with key decision makers, Saurabh was ranked among the “Power 100 – Top 100 most influential people in the hospitality industry” by Hotelier India in 2013.
Saurabh’s hospitality industry experience spans over a decade and includes development consulting, sales and marketing strategy, hotel operations, market studies, and quality assurance. He began his career with The Oberoi Hotels and Resorts and moved on to The Imperial, New Delhi, where he spearheaded the hotel’s sales and marketing initiatives.
Jonathan Newbury
Executive Vice President, Asia Pacific
Jonathan Newbury serves as Executive Vice President of Asia Pacific for Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Jonathan brings 20 years of international independent hotel experience to this position, which he assumed in August 2020 and which carries the responsibility to drive the strategic direction and evolution of the Preferred brand in Asia Pacific, ensuring the success and retention of more than 150 member properties across the region and overseeing the company’s associates who are based in offices across 10 cities.
Since Jonathan joined Preferred in July 2008 – first serving as Vice President of Brand Development and most recently as Senior Vice President of Strategic Development – he has innovated the company’s approach to development, helping solidify a strong platform for the Preferred brand among hotel owners, operators, asset managers, and management companies globally and fostering impressive retention in North America. He has spearheaded a variety of global development initiatives that have helped fuel a 20% growth in the brand’s hotel portfolio over the past decade, including the launch of the brand’s newest campaign, FREEDOM, which debuted in May 2020, and the execution of a focused education movement to highlight Preferred’s performance on behalf of its member hotels compared to that of its hard-brand competitors. These efforts helped successfully attract nearly 100 properties to “de-flag” and go independent with Preferred Hotels & Resorts as their brand partner from July 2013 through July 2020. In addition to his development work, Jonathan served as Preferred’s Vice President of E-Commerce & Technology from July 2010 to March 2012.
Prior to joining Preferred, Jonathan spent three years as Vice President of Global Development for Small Luxury Hotels of the World, where he leveraged his international background to support growth of the brand with a focus on Asia. He has also served as Operations Director for VIP SKI and held on-property sales and marketing positions with both The Langham Hotels and Resorts and Thistle Hotel brands.
Jonathan holds a B.A. (Hons) in Politics & Government from London University. He is the proud father of two boys.
Richard White
Executive Vice President, in memoriam
Richard led a distinguished career in the hospitality industry, serving as a mentor and friend to countless members of the extended Preferred family. As Executive Vice President, Richard White worked directly with Preferred's CEO Lindsey Ueberroth on a variety of strategic initiatives related to the growth and success of the company and its member hotels. The Preferred family was saddened by Richard’s passing on July 10, 2023, and will be forever thankful for his visionary business insights, thoughtful teaching, friendship, wisdom, and kindness to all who knew him.
Greg Smith
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
With more than 20 years of experience as a thought leader and practitioner in the human resources field, Greg Smith serves as Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Preferred Hotels & Resorts. In this role, Greg oversees talent acquisition, organizational development, compensation and benefits programs, performance management, and employee and labor relations for the company’s worldwide team of 300 associates across 35 countries, helping to ensure a strong corporate culture and high associate satisfaction and retention.
Over the course of his career, Greg has led human resources efforts for complex global organizations, providing counsel and direction to create successful, positive, and efficient work environments, as well as guiding companies through times of both critical expansion and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joining Preferred Hotels & Resorts in 2018, he held executive-level positions for major hospitality brands such as Commune Hotels & Resorts, Denihan Hospitality, Kimpton Hotels & Resorts, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, and Choice Hotels International, managing human resources needs from technology systems and training and development to recruiting and executive-level coaching for up to 39,000 associates at a time. His efforts have helped him achieve several work-life balance and workplace awards including Fortune’s “100 Best Places to Work.”
Greg holds a J.D. from Tulane University Law School and a B.A. in English Language and Literature/Letters from Tulane University.