#United States #Los Angeles #Hozpitality Group #Best GM Powerlist #California Hospitality

Celebrating Excellence in California's Hospitality Industry

On August 28, 2026, Hozpitality Group hosted an exclusive event at The Westin Los Angeles Airport, honoring the top 30 General Managers in California's hospitality sector. This inaugural ceremony, called the Hozpitality's Best GM Powerlist – California 2026, aimed to acknowledge outstanding leadership and innovation within the industry. The event gathered notable General Managers, tourism executives, business leaders, and various industry partners, all united to celebrate excellence in hospitality.

A New Era for Hozpitality in the United States

This California edition of the Powerlist represents a significant expansion of Hozpitality Group's established platform. Previously focused on the Middle East and India, Hozpitality's outreach now extends to the U.S., marking a new chapter in its mission to recognize hospitality leaders. This growth highlights the company's commitment to fostering a robust hospitality community throughout California and beyond.

Insightful Discussions on the Future of Hospitality

The evening commenced with a thought-provoking panel discussion titled "California Hospitality Leadership Conversation – What's Ahead for Hotels and Tourism Business?" Moderated by Tajh Henderson, the Executive Director of Gateway LA, the panel featured prominent industry leaders, including Anna Marie Presutti from the San Francisco Travel Association, Ron Frierson of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Steve Pufpaf of The Westin Los Angeles Airport, and Michael D'Amodio of Azul Hospitality. Together, they shared insights on the evolving landscape of California’s tourism and hospitality sectors, addressing emerging trends and challenges as well as the expectations of today’s hospitality leaders.

Honoring the Best General Managers

Following the discussions, the highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Hozpitality's Best 30 GM Powerlist – California 2026. This prestigious list celebrated General Managers who were recognized through a comprehensive online voting process facilitated by Hozpitality. These industry leaders are lauded for their exemplary management practices, dedication to their teams, and contributions to the overall success of their respective establishments.

The distinguished honorees included:

• - Alfonso Torres from Sonesta Redondo Beach Marina
• - Anastasia Moore, Sheraton Gateway LAX and E-central DTLA
• - Armando Campos of Proper Santa Monica Hotel
• - Carolyn McCammon of Andaz San Diego
• - Kenan Tekin of Sandbourne Santa Monica, Autograph Collection
• - And many other esteemed General Managers across various renowned hotels.

Acknowledging Lifetime Achievement

A special moment of the ceremony was dedicated to recognizing Javier Cano, the Area General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles. He received the Hozpitality Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors a career characterized by leadership, dedication, and remarkable contributions to the hospitality community of Los Angeles. His exemplary service and commitment to excellence have set a high standard within the industry, inspiring future leaders.

Fostering Community Collaboration

Vandana (Vee) Bhatt, the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Hozpitality Group, expressed that the California Powerlist aims to do more than just recognize achievements; it seeks to build a cohesive hospitality community for collaboration and mutual support. The event highlighted California's vibrant hospitality scene and the abundance of talent and leadership that resides within it.

Looking Ahead

Raj Bhatt, Founder and CEO of Hozpitality Group, noted, "This California Powerlist is just the beginning of our journey in the United States. We've received an incredibly positive response from the hospitality community here, and we are excited to continue this initiative, with the next Powerlist anticipated for Florida." This statement reflects Hozpitality’s ambition to foster robust industry connections and meaningful networking opportunities.

The night concluded with additional recognition of ten General Managers hailed as Commended General Managers, further showcasing the depth of talent in California’s hospitality sector.

This initiative is supported by various partners, including Coqui Integrated Hospitality Services and Monty Reviews, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that defines the event. Looking forward, Hozpitality Group plans to host the Hozpitality Women Leadership Forum on October 7, 2026, at Cameo Beverly Hills, reinforcing its commitment to empowering leaders in the hospitality field.

Hozpitality Group’s significant impact reaches beyond California, connecting over 1.3 million hospitality professionals across the globe through networking, recruitment, and media opportunities, solidifying its role as a leader in the hospitality industry.