HVMG Names Pete Sams as President to Lead Daily Operations

Hospitality Ventures Management Group named former Highgate president Pete Sams as its new president to oversee day-to-day operations and performance, allowing founder and CEO Robert Cole to concentrate on long-term relationships and corporate expansion [1]. The executive brings 32 years of hospitality background across finance, property management, and multi-unit leadership [[1], [2]].

What are Pete Sams' new responsibilities at HVMG?

Pete Sams will direct the day-to-day business and maintain accountability for company performance as the organization pursues future growth, according to Hotel Business [1]. Founder and CEO Robert Cole noted that placing Sams in the president seat allows Cole himself to take a step back from daily operating tasks [[1], [2]]. Instead, Cole plans to dedicate his attention to overall corporate strategy, building new commercial connections, and reinforcing the operator's current industry ties [1].

As reported by Lodging Magazine, the Atlanta-based third-party operator conducted an extensive executive search before finalizing the appointment [2]. Cole highlighted Sams' operational background, business acumen, and history of talent development as primary reasons for the hiring decision [[1], [2]].

What leadership experience does Sams bring to the company?

Sams spent more than three decades working across various tiers of hotel management, ranging from on-property accounting to executive boardroom oversight [[1], [2]]. His background divides into three distinct phases: an opening decade centered on finance and accounting, ten years operating properties directly as a general manager, and the past 12 years directing full-service, multi-unit portfolios in above-property executive posts [1].

Most recently, Sams served as president at Highgate Hotels [1]. Before his tenure at Highgate, he spent over six years serving as chief operating officer across the KSL portfolio, including leadership posts at both Peregrine Hospitality and Davidson Hospitality Group [[1], [2]].

How has Sams performed in previous portfolio growth roles?

Sams oversaw substantial portfolio expansion and quality milestones throughout his previous operational leadership roles, according to Hotel Business [1]. While serving as chief operating officer at Peregrine Hospitality, he helped roll out an internal management platform for KSL Capital that managed a collection of over 45 hotels, encompassing multiple destination resorts [[1], [2]].

During his leadership tenure as COO of Davidson Hospitality Group, the company doubled its operating size [[1], [2]]. Under his operational direction, Davidson also earned the J.D. Power Award recognizing the highest guest satisfaction among third-party hotel management companies [1].

Where did Sams work earlier in his hospitality career?

Sams accumulated direct hotel management experience during more than ten years as a general manager for Omni Hotels & Resorts, as noted by Lodging Magazine [2]. That tenure included managing Omni's 836-room flagship property in Washington, D.C. [[1], [2]].

Beyond his time with Omni, Sams held multi-unit corporate positions above the property level with third-party operators Interstate Hotels & Resorts and White Lodging Services [[1], [2]]. Sams noted that Robert Cole built HVMG over a 25-year span from a single property into a nationwide management group, creating operational values that mirror his own management background [[1], [2]].