- Jim Petrus is an industry leader for over 30 years who has held senior positions at Blackstone / BRE Hotels and Resorts, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and Hyatt Hotels.
- Lotte currently has 34 properties with a total of 11,200 rooms, and another 3 properties are being planned.
- The appointment of Petrus builds on the South Korean luxury brand’s commitment to creating unique and compelling experiences for guests in America.
Lotte Hotels Corporation announced today that Jim Petrus has been named Chief Executive Officer of Lotte Hotels and Resorts Americas, effective immediately. Petrus is an industry leader for over 30 years who has held senior positions at Blackstone / BRE Hotels and Resorts, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and Hyatt Hotels. The appointment of Petrus builds on the South Korean luxury brand’s commitment to creating unique and compelling experiences for guests in America.
Lotte Hotels & Resorts entered the North American market in 2015 with the takeover of the legendary Lotte New York Palace Hotel in Manhattan and further expanded its presence in 2020 with the opening of the Lotte Hotel Seattle. Lotte plans to open more than 20 hotels over the next 5 years, targeting major gateway cities, technology centers and resorts in America. Lotte currently has 34 properties with a total of 11,200 rooms, and another 3 properties are being planned. Lotte Hotels brands include Signiel, their 6-star brand; L7, their lifestyle brand; and Lotte Hotels, their trademarks.
“During Petrus’ illustrious career, he has been instrumental in creating the best culture and business strategy for all the brands he has touched. We are extremely optimistic about all that Jim Lotte Hotels & Resorts has to offer and we are delighted that it heralds the next generation of the brand’s success in America, said David Kim, President and CEO of Lotte Hotel Corporation. “He understands our business, our company and our people and I am confident that he is the right leader to help drive our culture and our business.”
Prior to joining Lotte Hotels & Resorts, Petrus was with Blackstone / BRE Hotels and Resorts, where he was Senior Vice President of Asset Management – Hawaii Hotels and Resorts. Petrus also held several key positions at Starwood Hotels and Resorts within the St. Regis brand, including Global Brand Leader and Senior Vice President of Operations. Prior to that, he held several senior positions at Hyatt Hotels. During his career, Petrus has also held numerous leadership positions in civil society and industry. Petrus is a graduate of Michigan State University’s Hotel Management School.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to take the helm of Lotte Hotels & Resorts in America,” said Petrus. “I see so much potential for our Lotte hotel brands and I am very excited about the opportunity to introduce these brands to both the luxury and lifestyle travel markets in this corner of the world. With the support of our extraordinary team in Korea, I am confident that we will advance the expansion strategy we are currently pursuing while building on an extraordinary hospitality culture and offering our team members, guests and investors new growth opportunities. “
