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Melissa Ross Smith is now chief operating officer for Peachtree Group. She will be responsible for the overall performance, strategy and organizational development of Peachtree and its operating businesses. Before joining Peachtree, Smith held several high-level positions at organizations. Most recently, Smith was managing director of OS National, where she managed more than 250 professionals and was responsible for evaluating performance management systems and devising improvements to strengthen controls and optimize results, Peachtree said in a statement. "As Peachtree continues to evolve, improving our foundational processes is imperative to the future growth of our business," said Greg Friedman, managing principal and CEO of Peachtree Group. "Melissa is an excellent complement to our team as she has an exceptional blend of leadership, vision and execution needed to be Peachtree's COO." Smith will report to Friedman, and will be a key executive team member, Peachtree's statement said. Peachtree Group is led by Jatin Desai and Mitul Patel as managing principals. "I am deeply impressed by Peachtree's success," Smith said. "Not only am I excited about the future opportunities, knowing that I can help execute and bring operational excellence across all segments, but I am also pleased to be joining an executive team representing some of the best people in commercial real estate."

PEACHTREE HOTEL GROUP and its affiliates, Peachtree PC Investors for capital markets and Peachtree Hospitality Management, made four changes at the senior leadership level recently. The promotions are intended to support the company's real estate investment platform and operation services, according to a statement. The Atlanta-based company, led by Jatin Desai and Mitul Patel as managing principals, promoted Greg Zabinski as executive vice president, capital markets for Peachtree PC Investors. Vivian Clarke is now senior vice president for people and culture. Steve MacKenzie was promoted to senior vice president over operations for Peachtree Hospitality Management, and Michael Ritz is now senior vice president for investments. "The success Peachtree is experiencing is creating significant opportunities for us in the talent space," said Greg Friedman, Peachtree's CEO. "These promotions support our strategic growth objectives, and we expect to have additional promotions and appointments as we further scale up our operations."

PEACHTREE GROUP, THE newly formed affiliate of Peachtree Hotel Group created last week to handle its real estate investments, is launching its first initiative, the 1031 Exchange Delaware Statutory Trust program. The company also selected Tim Witt as president over the new program. A DST is a single-purpose entity qualified for Section 1031 real estate exchanges, according to Peachtree. It allows investors to exchange replacement properties without incurring taxable gain on the sale of previously owned assets. Peachtree's 1031 Exchange DST program will invest in institutional-grade hotels in the U.S. through Peachtree Hospitality Management, another division of Peachtree, is expected to operate any properties acquired as part of the exchange. "As we expand our array of high-quality, diversified investment strategies, we wanted to create 1031 Exchange DSTs to provide tax deferral strategies in the hospitality sector," said Greg Friedman, Peachtree's CEO and managing principal. "We anticipate significant growth and appreciation in the hospitality sector, driving values above pre-pandemic levels. Also, real estate offers an excellent alternative investment channel for those seeking an inflation hedge. We strongly believe hospitality is the most investable asset in the market today, and we anticipate being able to achieve outsized returns."

Michael Harper is promoted to president of Hotel Lending at Peachtree Group, overseeing the company's entire hotel credit platform and guiding all aspects of the credit business. Similarly, Jared Schlosser rises to executive vice president of hotel lending and head of CPACE, while Michael Ritz is promoted to executive vice president of investments, Peachtree Group said in a statement. "These appointments underscore Peachtree's commitment to its core growth initiatives in hotel lending, as well as fostering talent from within our own ranks, with an eye toward further diversifying its allocation strategies as it taps into new investment opportunities," said Greg Friedman, Peachtree's CEO and managing principal. Since joining Peachtree in 2014, Harper has held a series of leadership positions, overseeing the company's credit business with a focus on loan originations and strategic acquisition of credit portfolios, Peachtree said. He has guided the team through over 500 investments totaling more than $6 billion.

Brent LeBlanc is the new executive vice president of business development at Peachtree Group. In this role, LeBlanc will focus on growing the company's vertically integrated investment platforms by fostering business development and collaborating with investment teams to capture new opportunities. LeBlanc joined Peachtree in 2012 to lead a growth strategy, expanding the company's footprint in the western U.S. and strengthening relationships with premium hotel brands like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG. During that time, he participated in more than $4 billion in real estate transactions across the enterprise, the statement said. Before joining Peachtree, LeBlanc held roles as vice president of franchise development at both Starwood Hotels & Resorts and La Quinta Inn & Suites. He has launched hotel brands and completed complex transactions with major U.S. hotel operators and developers, Peachtree said in a statement. Peachtree is led by CEO and managing principal Greg Friedman, CFO and managing principal Jatin Desai, and principal Mitul Patel.

NATALIE ROBINSON IS now vice president of people and culture for Peachtree Group. Also, the Atlanta-based company, led by Jatin Desai and Mitul Patel as managing principals, also says it's on the way to a record year for new hotel construction. Good with people Previously, Robinson was the human resource director of title company OS National, according to Peachtree Group. She began her career developing accounting and billing policies and procedures, as well as human resources systems for two Atlanta law firms. She holds a bachelor's degree in sociology and criminal justice from the University of Georgia. "It's an exciting time at Peachtree as our organization expands and evolves," said Vivian Clarke, Peachtree's senior vice president of people and culture. "Natalie's strong leadership skills will advance our culture, drive our growth and talent strategy, and strengthen our reputation as an employer of choice. We are proud of Peachtree's high team member engagement, and the company culture built and recognize the opportunity to improve our people processes and discipline as we further scale the business." Peachtree made several changes to its structure and leadership in September.

Steve Mackenzie is now executive vice president of hotel operations at Peachtree Group's hospitality management division. In this role, he will oversee the financial performance of Peachtree's hotel portfolio, ensure adherence to franchise procedures, regulations and standards, and foster company culture and team growth, Peachtree said in a statement. Peachtree is led by Greg Friedman as managing principal and CEO, Jatin Desai as managing principal and CFO and Mitul Patel as Principal. "Steve has been instrumental in the exceptional growth and results of our hospitality management portfolio over the past six years," said Vickie Callahan, Peachtree's hospitality management division president. "His leadership will continue to guide the team as we grow our portfolio."

PEACHTREE HOTEL GROUP continues to restructure itself, now with two changes to its leadership. Brian Waldman, previously chief investment officer for the company is now filling the same role for the company's newly formed subsidiary Peachtree Group. Also, Jeremy Stoler joins the company as executive vice president of debt capital markets. Waldman will manage Peachtree's multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio and direct investment strategies across its operating, lending and real estate divisions, according to the company. Stoler will support Peachtree's operating companies and growth into other real estate sectors. "With Brian and Jeremy, we are fortunate to have extremely talented, respected leaders who are highly experienced and energized to drive our growth," said Greg Friedman, Peachtree's CEO and managing principal. "These announcements also come at a pivotal time for Peachtree as we further position ourselves to expand into other real estate sectors and businesses."

PEACHTREE GROUP RECENTLY obtained I-956F approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for its TownePlace Suites project, currently under construction in Palmdale, California, under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. This approval advances Peachtree's efforts to create investment opportunities through the EB-5 program, which supports economic growth and job creation in the U.S. This is Peachtree's second hotel development to receive I-956F approval, following the Home2 Suites project in Boone, North Carolina, Peachtree said in a statement. "We are excited to receive USCIS approval for our Palmdale project," said Adam Greene, Peachtree's executive vice president of EB-5. "This achievement highlights our commitment to delivering developments that drive economic growth and offer opportunities for investors and local communities." Peachtree is led by Greg Friedman, managing principal and CEO; Jatin Desai, managing principal and CFO; and Mitul Patel, principal.

PEACHTREE GROUP DEPLOYED $1.6 billion in credit transactions in 2024, up 54 percent from 2023. Hospitality and multifamily led with $876 million and $392.3 million, while $297.4 million went to industrial, land, mixed-use, retail, office and single-family residential assets. The company has executed more than $1 billion in commercial real estate transactions, reflecting its lending reach, Peachtree said in a statement. "As we reflect on 2024, we executed a record level of transactions while expanding our lending platform to serve a broader range of commercial real estate asset classes," said Greg Friedman, Peachtree's CEO and managing principal. "Looking ahead, we expect outsized growth by leveraging our private credit lending programs and launching additional initiatives to address underserved niches in the market."

PEACHTREE GROUP RECENTLY acquired the AC Hotel Park City in Utah, its sixth hotel acquisition this year, bringing the total to 789 rooms. The company is predicting more growth over the next two years. Peachtree is led by Greg Friedman, CEO and managing principal; Jatin Desai, CFO and managing principal; and Mitul Patel, principal. "Our team has successfully acquired a number of hotel properties at below-market prices, taking advantage of the current slowdown in transactions," said Friedman. "While the market is slower than usual due to high interest rates, tighter lending conditions, economic and geopolitical uncertainty, we continue to remain active, capitalizing on unique opportunities that arise in this environment while employing multiple strategies that allow us to capitalize on the current market dislocation. By staying patient and strategic, we've been able to secure valuable assets while others take a more cautious approach." Peachtree's portfolio includes three Hilton and three Marriott hotels, all managed by Peachtree's hospitality division, which oversees 93 hotels across 27 brands, totaling 11,837 rooms in 26 states.

Josh Rubinger is the new senior vice president of national accounts at Peachtree Group's broker-dealer affiliate, Peachtree PC Investors. He will oversee broker-dealer and registered investment advisor relationships, drive business development, and support the distribution of the firm's investment offerings, Peachtree said in a statement. Atlanta-based Peachtree Group is led by Greg Friedman, managing principal and CEO; Jatin Desai, managing principal and CFO; and Mitul Patel, principal. "This strategic hire underscores our focus on growth and strengthening Peachtree's position as a trusted partner within the investment community," said Brian Cho, PPCI's president. "Josh's extensive experience and strong network of relationships with broker-dealers and RIAs position him as a key asset to our team. His expertise will be instrumental in shaping our selling group and broadening our market reach."

PEACHTREE HOTEL GROUP and its affiliates added five executives to its management teams. These new appointments aim to strengthen the company's ability to support strategic growth objectives to scale its investment platform and further diversify allocation strategies, the company said in a statement. The Atlanta-based company, led by Jatin Desai and Mitul Patel as managing principals, appointed Matthew Ram as senior vice president of acquisitions and Susan McClure as vice president leadership and executive development. Will Woodworth assumed the role of vice president for investments, Nicole Havens is vice president of revenue management and Kelly Mascari is vice president of operations at PHG's affiliate Peachtree Hospitality Management.

PEACHTREE GROUP RECENTLY acquired its sixth hotel property structured as a Delaware Statutory Trust, the 90-key Home2 Suites by Hilton St. Augustine in the greater Jacksonville, Florida. This is the third DST offering to close this year. The company's DST hospitality acquisitions provide opportunities for 1031 exchange investors to reinvest proceeds from the sale of appreciated real estate, defer taxes and maintain an allocation in the hotel sector, Peachtree said in a statement. "With its premier location along the I-95 corridor, strong population growth in the surrounding area and St. Augustine's rich historical and cultural appeal, this property is a natural fit for our DST portfolio," said Tim Witt, Peachtree's president of 1031 exchange and DST products. "This extended-stay hotel is well-positioned to meet the needs of leisure and business travelers alike, offering a blend of modern convenience and comfortable accommodations."

PEACHTREE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT has contracted with TEKMAK Development Co., a full-service hospitality development company, to provide third-party management services for a portion of its hotel portfolio. The three hotels are all in Texas. PHM will assume operations of the SpringHill Suites Dallas Rockwall in Rockwall, Texas, on Aug. 1, and is slated to manage two under-construction hotels, a dual-branded TownePlace Suites by Marriott and Fairfield by Marriott in Paris, Texas, and a TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Forney, Texas, the company said in a statement. "This is the second long-term management agreement we've entered into already in 2023, and we will continue to seek best-in-class partners like TEKMAK as we pursue our own third-party management growth goals," said Patrick Short, PHM president. "Our third-party operated portfolio continues to expand, currently accounting for nearly a third of our entire managed portfolio. We expect to continue growing our third-party portfolio moving forward, ultimately surpassing our owned hotels." A division of Peachtree Group, which is led by Jatin Desai and Mitul Patel as managing principals, PHM operates branded, limited-, select- and compact full-service hotels primarily in the upper-midscale and upscale segments. The company presently manages 92 hotels across 28 brands with 11,186 rooms in 22 states. These three TEKMAK hotels increase PHM's third-party operations to 34 hotels, the statement added.

MARK HOPLAMAZIAN, PRESIDENT and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corp., will join Greg Friedman, managing principal and CEO of Peachtree Group, for a fireside chat at the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference on March 19. Hunter introduced this format last year with Anthony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International, as the featured guest. In "A Conversation with Mark Hoplamazian," he will share insights on his hospitality career, leadership approach, Hyatt's market position, company outlook and industry developments, Hunter said in a statement. U.S. extended-stay hotels finished 2024 strong after a slow start, with supply, demand and room revenue growth outpacing the industry, while ADR and RevPAR remained positive but gained momentum later in the year, according to The Highland Group.​ "At Hyatt, business is personal-relationships, trust, and a deep understanding of our guests, customers, and owners are at the heart of everything we do," said Hoplamazian. "In today's competitive landscape, hotel performance is driven by the human connections that shape our industry. That's why we collaborate closely with owners and operators like Peachtree Group to create long-term value for their investments."

Caption by Hyatt Downtown Nashville - The Gulch is now open in the Gulch neighborhood of downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The hotel, developed in partnership with HRI Hospitality and C.B. Ragland Co., is the brand's second U.S. location. It is co-owned by Peachtree Group. The hotel will be managed by HRI Lodging LLC, the companies said in a joint statement. "HRI is thrilled to open the second Caption by Hyatt hotel in the U.S. and play a pivotal role in the growth of this select-service upscale brand," said Michael Coolidge, HRI Hospitality's chief investment and development officer. "The Caption by Hyatt brand brings a fresh design perspective and unique food and beverage offerings to the heart of Nashville's Gulch district. We look forward to collaborating with Hyatt to continue growing this exciting brand together."