Robert Keesler is a Managing Director at Urbana Hotels & Resorts and is a seasoned hotel veteran with extensive hospitality management experience in the luxury and resort segment developed through diverse assignments in many locations. Mr. Keesler currently oversees and manages Urbana’s Hotels in South Florida as well as conducting inspections and operational feasibility of potential new Urbana properties.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Prior to his role with Urbana Hotels and Resorts Mr. Keesler served as Vice President of Hotel Operations at MSC Cruises (USA), an Italian cruise line, where he oversaw the introduction of new services and products in conjunction with marketing efforts designed to bring MSC into the forefront of international cruise lines. Before joining MSC, Mr. Keesler was Vice President of Hotel Operations for Celebrity Cruises where he oversaw the building, staffing and training of three separate luxury cruise ships in France while overseeing all day to day hotel operations for Celebrity’s other 7 vessels. Each of the new ships were constructed at a cost of 450 million dollars where his efforts resulted in the ships receiving the highest guest satisfaction ratings of any RCCL ship. Conde Nast in 2003 named five of Celebrity’s nine ships in the top 10 of all large cruise ships. Keesler was responsible for an operating budget of over 200 million as well as onboard revenue of over 150 million.

Mr. Keesler was also the Director of Hotel Operations (General Manager) for the Broadmoor, the longest running 5-star, 5 diamond hotel in the U.S. where he delivered four perfect AAA inspections. Under his stewardship, the Broadmoor grew from $60 million in gross revenue to over $100 million while doubling bottom line results from 20 million to over 40 million in profits. At the Broadmoor, he oversaw the enhancement of the hotel property with over $80 million in renovations to rooms and public areas. At the same time, Mr. Keesler was named Vice Chairman of the Colorado Tourism Office where he was responsible for all advertising and public relations for the state of Colorado, and was named Hotelier of the Year by the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association in 2000.

Past experiences also include holding senior management positions with Westin Hotels and Resorts where he oversaw the acquisition and the securing of tax exempt status for the Westin St. John (USVI) during Westin’s purchase of the property from bankruptcy. Keesler held senior management positions, as well, with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company where he was selected as a corporate trainer for numerous openings throughout the world.

EDUCATION AND MEMBERSHIPS

Mr. Keesler is a graduate of Wofford College with a BA in Business, has been a guest lecturer at the hotel schools of Cornell, Florida International and Denver University, and has served as Vice Chairman of both the Governmental Affairs Committee and the PAC for the AH&LA. He is also the former President of the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association, has served on the Board of the Marine Hotel Association, and is currently involved with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.