John Russell is writing a new chapter in his long career in the hotel industry. He and a team of other American lodging veterans are partnering with Auromatrix , a 20-year-old Indian hospitality and technology company, to form Advaya Hospitality. The new firm will create several lifestyle brands that it will develop, franchise and build, as well as acquire existing or under-development properties for conversion.
While Russell is stepping down as CEO of NYLO Hotels to lead Advaya in the U.S., he is still a partner in and retains interest in the fledgling three-property chain of lifestyle hotels he launched in 2005. Also joining Russell in the new venture as principals are former NYLO executives Chris Jones (he’s chief development officer at Advaya) and David Klein (chief administrative officer and general counsel). Fourth principal is David Young, director of global real estate and development.
“I’m still bullish on NYLO,” says Russell, “and I believe once the economy comes back and travel rebounds, it will reemerge as a viable brand.”