Hyatt names Amar Lalvani as its first Chief Creative Officer

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has appointed Amar Lalvani as its first Chief Creative Officer, a newly created role. He will continue as President and Creative Director of Hyatt’s Lifestyle Group, remains on the senior leadership team and reports to Mark Hoplamazian, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Amar Lalvani’s remit as Chief Creative Officer

In the expanded role, Lalvani will work across Hyatt’s global portfolio to strengthen the distinctiveness of its brands and translate brand positioning into guest experiences through design, culture and service. He will work with internal leaders, developers, creative teams and hotel owners, Hotel Dive reported.

“Amar has a rare ability to uncover what is distinctive, understand what matters to people and turn those insights into experiences and brands that resonate,” said Hoplamazian. He added that distinctive brands give guests “a stronger reason to choose Hyatt” and owners “a stronger reason to invest with us”.

Lalvani linked the role to Hyatt’s purpose of care: “The opportunity now is to make that care more distinct, relevant and memorable through each of our brands.”

Career background

Lalvani has more than 25 years of hospitality experience. He joined Hyatt in 2024 following its acquisition of Standard International, where he was Executive Chairman. Earlier in his career he led global development for W Hotels, before building The Standard into a global brand through Standard International and Bunkhouse Hotels. He also created concepts including The StandardX and The Manner.

Hyatt’s Lifestyle Group

The Lifestyle Group he continues to lead includes Andaz, Thompson Hotels, The Standard, Dream Hotels, The StandardX, Breathless Resorts & Spas, JdV by Hyatt, Bunkhouse Hotels and Me and All Hotels. Recent openings include Me and All Hotel Leipzig and JdV by Hyatt’s UK debut. As of 30 June 2026, Hyatt operated more than 1,500 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 83 countries, according to the company announcement.

Why the role matters

Creating a group-wide creative role puts brand distinctiveness at the centre of Hyatt’s strategy, which Hoplamazian has framed as a reason both for guests to book and for owners to invest. With a portfolio spread across Luxury, Lifestyle, Inclusive, Classics and Essentials, Lalvani’s task will be keeping each brand clearly defined as the company continues to grow.