Travis Giles
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Operations leader with a strong track record in driving revenue growth and achieving operational excellence. Expertise in budgeting and capital planning, successfully overseeing multimillion-dollar renovations while promoting a service-oriented culture. Demonstrated ability to manage diverse teams and elevate guest experiences in luxury settings.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Operations / Resort Manager / Executive Committee
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort
Scottsdale, USA
01.2014 - Current
- Company Overview: Highgate Hotels – Scottsdale, AZ
- Full operational oversight of 404-room independent luxury resort
- Lead all Ops departments including Rooms, Spa, Engineering, Food & Beverage, Landscaping, Security, and Revenue.
- Direct budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, and executive strategy for ownership.
- Served as DORM for 2 years leading into final phase of renovations from 2014-2016.
- Created and implemented property culture and service philosophy adopted across all departments.
- Highgate Hotels – Scottsdale, AZ
Director of Operations / Assistant General Manager / EC
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.
Phoenix, USA
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Company Overview: Phoenix & Scottsdale, AZ
- Was only EC Manager remaining during transition from managed to franchised property
- Oversaw staff of 120+ across Rooms, F&B, Banquets, Catering, Engineering, and IT.
- Co-led budget planning, vendor management, and ownership communications.
- Guided $4M PIP renovations across 342 rooms and public spaces, acting as owner liaison.
- Phoenix & Scottsdale, AZ
Various Roles including Front Office Manager, Spa / AGM, and Task Force Leadership
The Phoenician Resort
Scottsdale, USA
01.2003 - 01.2012
- Company Overview: Starwood Management – Scottsdale, AZ
- Drove operational excellence and management development across luxury properties including The Phoenician Resort.
- Starwood Management – Scottsdale, AZ
Restaurant General Manager
Meritage LLC
Scottsdale, USA
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Company Overview: Armitage Wine Lounge – Scottsdale, AZ
- Directed operations of a high-volume restaurant with $1.6M in annual revenue.
- Armitage Wine Lounge – Scottsdale, AZ
Education
B.S. - Hotel & Restaurant Management
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZSkills
- Budgeting
- Revenue management
- Capital planning
- Operations oversight
- Vendor management
- Project management
References
- Alex Francis, 719-426-1322
- Martin Greenwood, 210-268-8815
- Dave Lunt, 480-620-8801
- Teralyn Miller, 480-205-3305
Recognition And Awards
- Manager of the Year – Sheraton Crescent (2011 & 2012)
- Certified Brand Trainer (Sheraton, Scottsdale Plaza Resort)
Leadership Highlights
- Revenue & Profit Growth, Increased NOI from $1.7M to $7.4M in 8 years at a 404-room resort.
- Guest Experience Excellence, Elevated TripAdvisor ranking from #67 to Top 10 in four years; sustained placement for 4+ additional years.
- Strategic Renovations, Led $15M, 3-year property-wide renovation—rooms, public space, and meeting venues—while maintaining operations.
- Market Growth, Transitioned market mix by +30% leisure in just 14 months, expanding revenue streams.
- Leadership & Culture, Built and trained a culture-driven team of 300+ employees, aligning service delivery with independent luxury standards.
- Crisis Leadership, Successfully led resort through COVID-19 operations, maintaining compliance, staff development, and guest trust.
Timeline
Vice President of Operations / Resort Manager / Executive Committee
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort
01.2014 - Current
Director of Operations / Assistant General Manager / EC
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.
01.2012 - 01.2014
Restaurant General Manager
Meritage LLC
01.2005 - 01.2007
Various Roles including Front Office Manager, Spa / AGM, and Task Force Leadership
The Phoenician Resort
01.2003 - 01.2012
B.S. - Hotel & Restaurant Management
Northern Arizona University
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