Bill DeForrestSpire Hospitality
📧 bdeforrest@spirehotels.com
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With an impressive 50-year career in hospitality, Bill DeForrest has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry through his leadership, operational expertise, and passion for excellence. Starting in entry-level roles, he quickly ascended through the ranks, becoming a Hotel General Manager at just 20 years old. His extensive career includes serving as Regional VP of Operations and VP of Resort Operations & Marketing at Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado.
Bill later transitioned into development, becoming Senior VP of Development for Lane Hospitality, where he was instrumental in expanding the company’s portfolio. His leadership led to his appointment as President & CEO of Lane Hospitality, which later evolved into Spire Hospitality.
Beyond his executive roles, Bill has been deeply involved in shaping the hospitality industry on a global scale. He has served as Global Chairman of the IHGOA Board of Directors and has been an active Board Member of the AH&LA (American Hotel & Lodging Association). His dedication to leadership development also extends into academia, where he served as a Professor of Leadership and High-Performance Management at the University of Denver.
As a respected industry leader, Bill continues to influence the next generation of hospitality professionals, bringing decades of expertise in hotel operations, development, and strategic management.
