Jay Shah, former executive chairman of Hersha Hotels & Resorts, recently joined the board of Braemar Hotels & Resorts as an independent director. He has been a senior advisor to Hersha since November 2023 and a trustee since 2006.
Shah became executive chairman in January 2023 after serving 17 years as CEO, following roles as president and COO.
Dallas-based Braemar is a real estate investment trust specializing in luxury hotels and resorts.
“We are excited to welcome Jay to the Braemar Board of Directors,” said Monty Bennett, Braemar’s chairman. “He brings extensive experience in both the lodging industry and public company matters from his years in executive leadership at Hersha. His expertise in operations and finance will make him a valuable addition to our board.”
Shah’s industry contributions include serving on Cornell University’s Dean’s Advisory Board for the School of Hotel Administration and as a member of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Board of Directors; the AHLA Hospitality Investment Roundtable; the AHLA Owner’s Roundtable; and the Chief Executives Organization. He also serves on the CEO advisory board of Jefferson University and Hospital System and is a trustee of the National Constitution Center and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Shah holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, a master’s degree from Temple University’s Fox School of Business and a law degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law.
Hersha Hospitality Trust and KSL Capital Partners, LLC finalized KSL’s acquisition of the REIT for approximately $1.4 billion during Jay Shah’s tenure. As of Nov. 28, Hersha became a private company and was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.
