Open To Work
Max Jonas
Playa Vista,CA
Work Preference
Summary
Results-oriented General Manager with 20 years in luxury hospitality, driving operational success and strategic growth. Expertise in enhancing guest satisfaction through innovative service initiatives, effective financial management, and leading capital projects to boost property performance. Focused on developing team skills and fostering career advancement.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Hotel Casa del Mar
Santa Monica, CA
08.2021 - 12.2025
- Initiated drive to obtain Forbes Travel Guide 5 Star rating, properties having not previously taken part. In 1st year the Service assessment achieved 92%, a 5 Star qualifier.
- Offered and executed the hotel's first full buy out for a major tech company's global management offsite. The company has returned each year since, increasing the program annually.
- Led major capital projects, executing full property guestroom refreshment, Inncom lighting and room control upgrades, and digitization of aging telephone system. Enhanced systems included PMS upgrade to Opera Cloud and ProfitSage implementation for budgeting and financial reporting.
- Oversaw the conversion of underperforming 2nd restaurant into a highly desirable ocean front event space, with investment in conversion recouped within 18 months. Opened new beachfront seasonal restaurant.
- Coordinated intraproperty communication and collaboration with sister property Shutters on the Beach to maximize efficiencies and develop tailored group proposals across both properties.
- Served on ETC Hotels Executive Committee, contributing to strategic decision-making and operational oversight.
- 129 key full service independent luxury beachfront hotel with lobby bar, restaurant, and private events spaces including 250 seat ballroom. Annual rooms revenue of $38m, Food and Beverage revenue of $12m. 72% Occupancy at ARR $810, RevPAR $583. Hotel staff of 230 with 10 Heads of Department direct reports, payroll of $23m.
General Manager
Crosby Street Hotel
New York City, NY
04.2017 - 08.2021
- Reported to Group COO based in London, and with direct responsibility to owners for all aspects of the operation
- Worked with Group VP of Sales and Marketing to ensure best positioning of property to the market, and providing client facing support for corporate accounts and agencies
- Oversaw rolling refurbishment program, with 55 rooms completed in 4 years including conversion of 5 suites into 2 Bedroom format, full refurbishment of the bar and restaurant whilst remaining open, and full refurbishment of private events spaces
- Stewarded the property through the 4 month Covid-19 closure and reopening, navigating weekly changing state regulations.
- Implemented advanced Revenue Management System, enhanced Human Resources platform, and oversaw compliance with EU GDPR laws and PCI regulations
- Drove Firmdale Hotels core values culture, and through leadership of HOD team ensured that these values were personified in all team members to continually exceed guests' expectations
- Prioritized consistent focus on staff welfare and satisfaction, with regular informal cross departmental panel meetings, identifying and addressing issues to maximize morale and motivation.
- 3 Michelin Keys 86 room independent luxury hotel with self-operated 100 seat bar/restaurant, and private events space. Annual rooms revenue of $26m, Food and Beverage revenue of $10m. 88% Occupancy at ARR $950, RevPAR $836. Hotel staff of 170 with 12 Heads of Department direct reports, payroll of $11.5m.
Assistant General Manager (Opening Team)
The Whitby Hotel
New York City, NY
08.2016 - 04.2017
- Worked closely in support of the General Manager in overseeing all aspects of pre-opening and opening of a new build 86 key luxury hotel with bar/restaurant and private events spaces.
- Provided operational liaison with architects and construction firm for 2 years during construction
- Oversaw recruitment of 180 staff across all departments, carrying out final interviews for all candidates
- Assisted Training and Development Manager with on boarding of all new staff and provided support with implementation of departmental training in preparation for opening. Coordinated cross training at our sister property in readiness for site completion
- Ensured that SOPs and service values were consistent with company standards, and oversaw pre-opening testing of systems and processes
- Provided support to Design team with installation of FF&E
- Acted as senior manager on duty, and provided training to the Heads of Departments in carrying out manager on duty functions, also coordinating their qualification as Fire and Life Safety Director
- New build 86 key luxury hotel with bar/restaurant and private events spaces.
Director of Operations
Crosby Street Hotel
New York City, NY
12.2012 - 08.2016
- Responsible for day to day operation of 86 bedroom full service boutique hotel
- Acted as Manager on Duty at all times when on property, and coordinated scheduling and training of other Heads of Department in this function for all other times
- Liaised with Heads of Department and their assistant managers on a continual basis to ensure teams had all resources to perform their roles to the highest level
- Met all regular and VIP guests, and ensured all special requirements were fulfilled
- Assisted Human Resources with all counselling and disciplinary action meetings
- 86 bedroom full service boutique hotel.
Night Manager
Crosby Street Hotel
New York City, NY
11.2010 - 12.2012
- Manager on Duty with full responsibility for whole hotel operation during 12 hour overnight shift
- Completed the night audit, ensuring accuracy of all accounts prior to date rolling
- Acted as Fire and Life Safety Director during overnight shift
- Independent luxury hotel.
Assistant Head Concierge
Charlotte Street Hotel
London, UK
06.2008 - 11.2010
- Developed and maintained network of suppliers to ensure service was consistent with company values
- Ensured that knowledge of trends and new openings was maintained, to provide guests with the most up to date information and recommendations
- Luxury hotel.
Reception Manager
Charlotte Street Hotel
London, UK
06.2006 - 06.2008
- Responsible for performance of front desk functions to the highest standards
- Maintained accuracy of all guest accounts, and ensured efficient communication of requests between departments
- Luxury hotel.
Graduate Management Trainee
Firmdale Hotels
London, UK
03.2004 - 06.2006
- Completed 2 year program with rotation through all Rooms departments (6 months), all Food and Beverage departments (6 months), Rooms Supervisory role (6 months) and Food and Beverage Supervisory role (6 months). Additional 3 months spent in corporate office, in the group purchasing department.
Education
1st year of BSc - Chemistry
University of Exeter
Exeter, UK06-1997
A Levels - Chemistry, Mathematics, German
Tonbridge School
Tonbridge, UK07-1995
Skills
- Revenue management
- Budget analysis
- Financial forecasting
- Operational oversight
- Project management
- Guest experience enhancement
- Strategic thinking
- Team training and development
- Employee engagement
Professional Overview
Seasoned Hospitality Leader with over 20 years of experience in the independent luxury sector across London, New York City and Los Angeles, and approaching 10 years as a General Manager. Passionate about driving the highest standards of guest service and experience, while ensuring both owner and employee satisfaction are optimized. Committed to team development, and the relentless pursuit of excellence through supportive operational empowerment. Highly detail oriented front to back, from all aspects of luxury product and focused service, to revenue management, cost control and profitability analysis.
Timeline
General Manager
Hotel Casa del Mar
08.2021 - 12.2025
General Manager
Crosby Street Hotel
04.2017 - 08.2021
Assistant General Manager (Opening Team)
The Whitby Hotel
08.2016 - 04.2017
Director of Operations
Crosby Street Hotel
12.2012 - 08.2016
Night Manager
Crosby Street Hotel
11.2010 - 12.2012
Assistant Head Concierge
Charlotte Street Hotel
06.2008 - 11.2010
Reception Manager
Charlotte Street Hotel
06.2006 - 06.2008
Graduate Management Trainee
Firmdale Hotels
03.2004 - 06.2006
1st year of BSc - Chemistry
University of Exeter
A Levels - Chemistry, Mathematics, German
Tonbridge School