Raul Leal
CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts
A little bit about Raul…
Raul Leal is the Chief Executive Officer of SH Hotels & Resorts, an affiliate of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group and brand management firm that operates 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels, and Treehouse Hotels. The company currently manages 14 properties, with 16 in development. As SH expands its global presence, Leal continues to put people and the planet at the forefront of all aspects of the business.
Over the course of his 40-year career, Leal has proven to be a natural entrepreneur and visionary, responsible for creating some of the world’s most iconic luxury and lifestyle brands. Known for his astute design sense, clear communication, operational excellence, and ability to cultivate an energetic and inclusive culture, Leal is a celebrated leader, having held among the industry’s most prestigious roles.
Leal’s vast experience crosses multiple sectors – both as hotel owner and operator. He was President and Partner at Tecton Hospitality. In 2002, foreseeing the rapid growth of the boutique model, Leal launched Desires Hotels, among the first management companies to leverage data and technology for guest insights – spanning across 35 boutique and branded hotels.
In 2010, Leal was recruited directly by Richard Branson to launch Virgin Hotels. During his 10+ year tenure, Leal brought the company’s vision to life, implemented the strategic business plan, led operations, and built a powerful culture of inclusion. The first Virgin Hotel in Chicago was named #1 Hotel in the U.S. and #6 in the world by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Under Leal’s leadership, the brand built a robust pipeline with 13 hotel management agreements, including the 1500 room Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas. He also established the groundwork for robust sustainability practices, including all design, construction and operations aligned with LEED standards and strict environmental guidelines.
Leal’s proven track record identifying nimble, sophisticated tactics that drive positive change informs every aspect of the SH Hotels & Resorts organization. He is a mentor at all levels—driven by his commitment to building from scratch and championing others to revitalize existing communities in swift, impactful ways that achieve all the good we can. Since joining SH, Leal has overseen the successful openings of 1 Hotel San Francisco, 1 Hotel Nashville, and the brand’s flagship property, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. Later this summer, 1 Hotels will launch its first European hotel in the heart of London, with the highly anticipated opening of 1 Hotel Mayfair.
Leal currently serves as an official Mentor at Cornell University; he has also served on Cornell’s Boards for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
How to connect with Raul and SH Hotels & Resorts…
SH Hotels & Resorts’ Website
SH Hotels & Resorts’ LinkedIn Page
Raul’s LinkedIn Page