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David Israel
Seasoned Hospitality Real Estate Advisor as SVP at hotelAVE Cornell's Center for Real Estate Finance, Board Member
Professional Background
David Israel, CHA, CHAM, currently serves as the Senior Vice President at hotelAVE, where he plays a pivotal role in driving the company's strategic initiatives and overseeing its day-to-day operations. With a wealth of expertise in hotel asset management and advisory services, David contributes significantly to maximizing investment value for a diverse portfolio that includes independent, boutique, and branded hotels across the East Coast, Rocky Mountains, and Caribbean regions. His focus on enhancing client relations and identifying new acquisition opportunities showcases his strategic mindset and dedication to unlocking value for stakeholders.
Since his arrival at hotelAVE in 2009, David has been instrumental in the firm's growth and expansion, particularly in fostering its New York presence and broadening the owned asset portfolio. His innovative approach to financial modeling and benchmarking has provided clients with the analytical tools necessary to assess and enhance their investments over time. Additionally, David played a key role in the launch of PostScript Hospitality, a collaboration with hotelAVE, which aims to deliver unparalleled consulting services, including hands-on operational support.
Before joining hotelAVE, David gained valuable experience in the hotel sector while working at Denihan Hospitality Group, where he was an integral part of the Acquisitions and Development team. His responsibilities included researching, underwriting, and pitching potential hotel projects, showcasing his acumen in identifying promising investment prospects. Furthermore, during his tenure at PKF Hospitality Research, David developed a sophisticated Excel interface designed to help hotel owners track and evaluate their portfolio and property performance against market trends and data. He has thus established a solid foundation for his successful career in hospitality management.
Education and Achievements
David holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Real Estate Finance from the prestigious Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, where he cultivated his passion and expertise in the hospitality industry. He has maintained a strong connection to his alma mater by serving on the Dean’s Council of Young Alumni and the Advisory Board for the school's Center for Real Estate Finance. David's commitment to education is also evident through his frequent guest lectures at both Cornell University and New York University, sharing his insights on industry trends and developments with the next generation of hospitality leaders.
As a recognized thought leader in the field, David has been quoted in various media outlets, demonstrating his status as an industry expert, particularly highlighted in discussions surrounding boutique hotels and hotel technology innovations. In 2014, his hard work and commitment to excellence were acknowledged when he was named one of Hotel Management's "Thirty Under 30," which honors the top talent making waves in the hotel industry. This recognition underscores his contributions to the hospitality sector at such a young age and highlights his potential to shape the future of the industry.
Notable Achievements
- Senior Vice President at hotelAVE: Leading operational strategy and client relations for a diverse hotel portfolio.
- Expansion of Asset Portfolio: Key player in growing hotelAVE's owned asset portfolio and establishing its New York presence.
- Launch of PostScript Hospitality: Spearheaded the formation and launch, setting new standards in consulting and advisory support.
- Distinguished Recognition: Named among Hotel Management's "Thirty Under 30" in 2014 for contributions to the hotel industry.
- Educational Contributions: Frequent lecturer at Cornell University and New York University, shaping the minds of future hospitality leaders.
- Technology Innovation: Developed a groundbreaking Excel interface to assist hotel owners in portfolio tracking and performance evaluation against market data.
