A graduate of Cornell’s School of Hospitality Administration, Alpesh was formerly with Ernst & Young’s Hospitality Advisory Services group in New York City. As a hospitality consultant at E&Y, he partnered with several major hotel developers, operators, and lenders on a wide range of activities, which included conducting feasibility studies for new hotel developments, structuring debt and equity financing for portfolios or single assets, and assisting owners with public/private hospitality projects.
In 2003 Alpesh relocated back to Knoxville to take over the family business, which, at the time, was a small operation managing five lodging operations in the economy segment. With the ultimate goal of only owning or managing high quality assets affiliated with premium brands, Alpesh decided to restructure Kana completely. To that end, the company sold all its existing assets, and began an aggressive development strategy.
Alpesh’s upbeat, and hands-on management style, mentoring and leadership qualities have had a significant effect on the strong performance and growth of the Kana Hotel portfolio. His day to day oversight at the company includes new hotel development, on-going capital projects, and long-term company planning. Alpesh currently sits on various Hilton and Marriott Advisory Councils.
Alpesh presently resides in Knoxville with his wife Ami, and four children.
Current role