Jay Caiafa

Jay Caiafa is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of leadership experience spanning franchising, hospitality, law, and strategy consulting. As CEO, he brings a proven track record of driving growth, operational excellence, and innovation across complex global organizations.

Before joining Authority Brands as CEO in August 2025, Jay most recently served as Chief Operating Officer for the Americas at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). There, he led the vision, strategy, and execution for operations across approximately 4,500 hotels in 26 countries—representing the majority of IHG’s global revenue and profit. During his 12-year tenure with IHG, he played a pivotal role in leading transformative initiatives, enhancing efficiency, and driving performance. Jay also played key roles in brand building, acquisitions, and integrations (including some of the largest in IHG’s history). Jay helped integrate the newly acquired Kimpton brand into IHG in 2015, and his team later created the franchise offer for the brand. He was also instrumental in the launch of IHG’s new brands, including Avid Hotels, Atwell Suites, and Garner.

Jay’s earlier career includes diverse leadership roles. After graduating from the United States Air Force Academy, Jay served honorably in the United States Air Force during the pre- and post-9/11 period. He was a decorated pilot and a squadron flight safety officer and reached the rank of Captain. After his military career concluded, Jay earned a JD from the Duke University School of Law and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, after which he worked as a commercial real estate attorney with Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP, and as a Case Team Leader at Bain & Company.

Jay lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife Meredith; his three sons Enzo, Lincoln, and Soren; and their Great Dane, Typo. In his personal time, Jay volunteers across multiple organizations and is a member of the Foundation Board of Trustees for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. He previously served on the Metro Atlanta Chamber Board of Directors, the American Hotel Lodging Association Board of Directors and led numerous programs supporting the prevention of human trafficking.