Hyatt names its first chief creative officer
Hyatt Hotels Corporation appointed Amar Lalvani its first chief creative officer, a title he adds to his role as president and creative director of Hyatt's Lifestyle Group. The appointment is effective immediately. Hyatt announced it on 30 September 2026.
Lalvani will continue to serve on Hyatt's senior leadership team and report to Mark Hoplamazian, Hyatt's chairman, president and chief executive officer.
The scope of the role
In the new title, Lalvani will work across Hyatt's global portfolio on what each brand stands for and how it comes to life through design, experience and culture. Hyatt states he will work with leaders, developers and creative teams across the company, and with hotel owners, to connect brand thinking to the guest experience.
Hyatt described the appointment as a new enterprise role that strengthens creative leadership across the global portfolio as the company enters its next phase of growth.
Why Hyatt created the role
Hyatt states the appointment reflects its move to a more insights-led and brand-focused company. The stated ambition is to make each Hyatt brand more distinct and give guests a clearer reason to choose it.
Hoplamazian on Lalvani
"Amar has a rare ability to uncover what is distinctive, understand what matters to people and turn those insights into experiences and brands that resonate," Hoplamazian said. "As we continue to evolve Hyatt into a more brand-focused company, bringing that perspective across the enterprise is a natural next step. Great brands are built through thousands of choices, from the buildings we create to the experiences our colleagues deliver every day. Amar will help us make decisions with greater clarity and conviction, while keeping creativity close to the teams bringing each brand to life. Distinctive brands create value; they give guests a stronger reason to choose Hyatt, owners a stronger reason to invest with us and help create the conditions for higher-quality growth."
Lalvani's path to the role
Lalvani joined Hyatt in 2024 following the acquisition of Standard International. Hyatt named him president and creative director of its newly established Lifestyle Group. He brought the team behind The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels, which became the foundation of the Lifestyle Group. That group is headquartered in New York City.
Over more than 25 years in hospitality, Lalvani has built and scaled hotel brands. He led global development for W Hotels. He later acquired The Standard brand and formed Standard International, where he evolved The Standard into a global brand, expanded the company through Bunkhouse Hotels, and created The StandardX and The Manner.
Lalvani on the role
"I have been moved by Hyatt's purpose: we care for people so they can be their best," Lalvani said. "The opportunity now is to make that care more distinct, relevant and memorable through each of our brands. The exciting part is that Hyatt has extraordinary hotels, brands and people. Our job is now to bring greater clarity and conviction to what makes each one special, and then make that real in every detail of the experience. I'm grateful for the trust placed in me and excited to get to work."
Hyatt's portfolio
Hyatt is headquartered in Chicago. As of 30 June 2026, the company's portfolio included more than 1,500 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 83 countries across six continents. The Lifestyle Portfolio includes Andaz, Thompson Hotels, The Standard, Dream Hotels, The StandardX, Breathless Resorts & Spas, JdV by Hyatt, Bunkhouse Hotels and Me and All Hotels. Hyatt also holds brands across its Luxury, Inclusive, Classics and Essentials portfolios.
Hyatt stated no end date for the appointment. Lalvani keeps his seat on the senior leadership team under Hoplamazian.