The Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA) is delighted to announce its 2025 Board of Advisors, a distinguished assembly of leaders and innovators from the boutique hospitality industry. This esteemed group will guide BLLA’s mission to champion and support the boutique lifestyle movement as it continues to expand its influence globally.
With expertise spanning hotel ownership, operations, culinary innovation, luxury branding, and legal strategy, the 2025 Board members are united by their passion for advancing the boutique sector. Their collective efforts will empower independent hoteliers, drive innovation, and elevate the unique value of boutique hospitality on a global scale.
The 2025 BLLA Board of Advisors includes:
- Alexandra Walterspiel – CEO, Sensei
- Andrew Miele – Chief Development Officer, Proper Hotels
- Ariela Kiradjian – Partner & COO, BLLA and StayBoutique
- Atit Jariwala – CEO, Bridgeton Holdings
- Ben Leahy – Partner, Cedar Capital Partners
- David Bowd – CEO & Founder, Salt Hotels
- Frances Kiradjian – Founder & CEO, BLLA and StayBoutique
- Jersey Banks – Co-Founder, Urban Cowboy Hotels
- Kurt Bjorkman – Chief Operating Officer, The Ranch at Laguna Beach
- Mary Rogers – Managing Director, Montage International
- Maya Mallick – Owner, The Culver Hotel
- Mitch Prensky – Founding Partner & Chief Culinary Officer, COJHO F&B Development
- Sam Bakhshandehpour – Chief Executive Officer, José Andrés Group
- Samantha Ahuja – Partner, Greenberg Traurig
- Vikram Sood – Managing Director, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
Thoughts from Key Leaders
Frances Kiradjian, Founder & CEO of BLLA, shared her excitement for the year ahead:
“We are honored to welcome this extraordinary group of leaders to the 2025 BLLA Board of Advisors. Their collective vision and expertise will be instrumental as we advance the boutique hospitality movement and provide resources to independent hoteliers navigating an evolving industry landscape.”
David Bowd, CEO & Founder of Salt Hotels, commented:
“Under the tremendous leadership of Fran and Ariela, BLLA has been at the forefront of leading the boutique hospitality movement through education, unification, and setting industry standards. I am immensely honored and thrilled to be part of the Advisory Board for 2025 as we continue to grow this sector faster than any other in the industry and assist in the great work that BLLA champions.”
For Kurt Bjorkman, Chief Operating Officer of The Ranch at Laguna Beach, joining the Board is deeply personal:
“I am incredibly honored to join the BLLA Advisory Board! The BLLA team and community have played a pivotal role in my journey within the independent boutique resort space, inspiring me every time I engage with their amazing network. It’s a privilege to contribute to shaping the exciting and dynamic future of BLLA.”
Sam Bakhshandehpour, Chief Executive Officer of José Andrés Group, emphasized innovation:
“The boutique hospitality industry is here to provide guests with unmatched, memorable experiences. I am excited to join the 2025 BLLA Advisory Board and pool our collective expertise to uncover new strategies that enhance the guest journey and drive sustainable growth. By leveraging technology, immersive experiences, and reimagined culinary offerings, we can share groundbreaking ideas—all while maintaining the distinct character that sets boutique establishments apart.”
Alexandra Walterspiel, CEO of Sensei, reflected on her involvement:
“I have had the pleasure of being connected to the BLLA team over the last few years in a number of different ways and was absolutely delighted when they recently asked me to join their Advisory Board. I am thrilled to be able to contribute to this wonderful organization in this capacity.”
A Unified Vision for the Future
The Board will collaborate with BLLA to spearhead initiatives including educational events, networking opportunities, and advocacy for boutique businesses. By amplifying the voices of independent hoteliers, the Board will help shape the future of the industry while inspiring the next generation of boutique hospitality leaders.
About the Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA)
BLLA is the world’s most innovative and progressive organization dedicated to the boutique & luxury niche of the hospitality industry. The association connects the world’s most dynamic executives with cutting-edge business and operational insight. BLLA’s membership benefits allow access to the world’s leading minds in the hospitality space through events, research, and education. Our mission is to provide leadership and opportunities for global recognition and connections to the world’s best companies, investors, and developers. All result in strategic interactions and access to information that helps people and organizations thrive. Join the movement BLLA gave birth to in 2009 and become a part of something unique, exciting, and inspirational. www.blla.org.
About BLLA
The official organization for the world’s independent boutique lifestyle hotels and leaders who are entrepreneurs themselves, promoting capital, resources, connection, education, and advocacy. As a pioneer in forecasting the boutique movement, BLLA’s boutique community currently extends to more than 10,000 verified boutique and lifestyle hotels. BLLA is a catalyst for trends and the future of the boutique lifestyle, exactly what today’s traveler is embracing. BLLA.org / Stay-Boutique.com. BLLA is also a capital/partner matchmaker via its Boutique Money Group division.
The corporate manifesto is: Experience the intention behind the brand.
Recent Comments