Sandbourne Santa Monica, Autograph Collection has announced the appointment of Kenan Tekin as General Manager, strengthening the leadership team at the luxury beachfront hotel with one of the hospitality industry’s most experienced operational executives.
Tekin brings more than two decades of experience across luxury resorts, full-service hotels and lifestyle properties, having built a career leading hotel operations, brand repositioning projects and guest experience initiatives throughout the United States.
In his new role, he will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s operations, including strategic growth, guest experience, team development and overall business performance as Sandbourne Santa Monica continues to strengthen its position within Southern California’s luxury hospitality market.
A recognised hospitality leader, Tekin has managed a diverse portfolio of properties ranging from boutique lifestyle hotels to large-scale resorts with more than 800 guestrooms. Throughout his career, he has developed a reputation for operational excellence, successful hotel openings and delivering strong commercial results while maintaining high levels of guest satisfaction.
Prior to joining Sandbourne Santa Monica, Tekin held senior leadership positions with several internationally recognised hospitality brands, including Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Omni Austin Southpark, Red Cliffs Lodge Zion and Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort.
His experience includes leading hotel openings, major refurbishment projects, rebranding programmes and strategic repositioning initiatives designed to enhance both guest experiences and long-term asset value.
Known for his collaborative and people-focused leadership style, Tekin has also played an active role in developing food and beverage concepts, implementing hospitality technology solutions and improving operational performance across multiple properties.
Commenting on his appointment, Tekin said: “I am honoured to join Sandbourne Santa Monica at such an exciting time for the property.
“Sandbourne has already established a distinctive identity on the Westside, from its thoughtful coastal design and setting to exceptional dining experiences like Marelle, which has quickly become a standout culinary destination in Santa Monica.
“I look forward to working alongside this talented team to build on that momentum, elevate every aspect of the guest journey, and further strengthen Sandbourne’s reputation as a leading destination for group gatherings, memorable dining experiences, and sophisticated beachfront escapes.”
Throughout his career, Tekin has received multiple industry accolades. He is a former recipient of the HSMAI Los Angeles Best of the Best General Manager of the Year Award, has been recognised through the J. Willard Marriott Awards of Excellence, and was recently named among Hotel Management magazine’s “GMs to Watch”.
He has also served as President of HSMAI Los Angeles and continues to sit on the organisation’s Board of Directors.
His appointment reflects Sandbourne Santa Monica’s commitment to investing in experienced leadership as the hotel continues to develop its reputation as a luxury destination for leisure travellers, corporate groups and dining guests visiting California’s renowned coastline.
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