Thomas Gurtner

Establishing a foothold in the hospitality industry from a very young age, Swiss-born hotelier Thomas Gurtner worked in various capacities for his family’s business, a hotel in the Berne Oberland region of Switzerland. Thomas Gurtner’s early years proved instrumental to his professional career, equipping him with the necessary tools to pursue a career supervising large, world-class lodgings for well-known hotel chains worldwide. Upon completing his education and formal training in Switzerland, Thomas Gurtner traveled to the United States, where he obtained employment with Westin Hotels and Resorts in a variety of positions, ultimately serving as Vice President and General Manager. In this capacity, Mr. Gurtner galvanized his skill set as he managed a half-dozen hotels in Hawaii, California, Colorado, and Alaska. Additionally, he spearheaded the opening of the Westin Washington, D.C., the brand's 406-room flagship hotel which boasted such features as an outdoor dining courtyard, fully-equipped gym, and enviable location in the heart of Georgetown. After 20 years of work for Westin, Thomas Gurtner took a position with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts as Regional Vice President and General Manager. Mr. Gurtner’s responsibilities in this role included the management of 12 hotels, several of which he opened. His hotel openings included the famed Four Seasons New York, a 52-story I.M. Pei designed luxury facility that features soundproof rooms, a high-end spa, and easy access to Manhattan’s nightlife. With 42 years of hotel management experience, Thomas Gurtner currently serves as Managing Partner for Global Hotel Consultants, LLC, a firm located in San Francisco, California. Gurtner also hold membership in a number of professional organizations, including the Boston University School of Hospitality Administration, Hotel Industry Professionals Worldwide, and Luxury Hoteliers. Additionally, he contributes to a number of community organizations. Thomas Gurtner has served on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Conejo, California, and has acted as Gala Chairman for the organization’s fundraising events.