Matt Balcik

Matt Balcik has extensive experience in the hospitality industry. Matt currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Absheron Hotel Group, starting in 2023. Prior to this, they were the Executive Director of Hospitality Operations at The Red Sea Development Company, overseeing multiple resorts and upcoming commercial properties. From 2017 to 2021, they held various executive roles at Baha Mar, a large integrated resort development. Matt also served in leadership positions at Jumeirah Group/Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, W Istanbul, Renaissance Hotels, Peter Island Resort, The Westin Aruba Resort, Sheraton New Orleans, and Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort. Throughout their career, they have demonstrated expertise in operations, brand development, strategy planning, and guest experience enhancement.

Matt Balcik completed their Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona from 1993 to 1996. Before that, they attended UC Irvine from 1991 to 1993, but their degree and field of study are not specified.

In addition to their formal education, Matt Balcik has obtained various certifications and completed training programs throughout their career. Matt has completed the "Certified Hotel Administrator" program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Matt has also completed the "Corporate Management Trainee Program" with Marriott International and the "Supervisory Development Program" with the same company.

Furthermore, Matt Balcik has obtained certifications such as "Six Sigma Green Belt Certification" from the International Standard for Lean Six Sigma (ISLSS). Matt has also completed training programs, including the "Leading Starwood" program offered by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., the "W Brand Immersion" program offered by W Hotels, and the "Westin Service Culture Training" program offered by Westin Hotels & Resorts.

Other certifications and training programs Matt Balcik has completed include the "ABC's of Housekeeping, Arrival, Rooms University" program, the "Building World Class Brands" program, the "Executive Development Program" offered by Cornell University, the "Lifestyle and Brand Culture Training" program, the "Owner Relations and Asset Managers Workshop," and the "Revenue Management for Senior Managers" program.

Overall, Matt Balcik has a strong educational background in hospitality management along with various certifications and training programs that have further enhanced their expertise in the field.