Ian McAuley Joins Meyer Jabara Hotels as Chief Investment Officer to Spearhead Growth

Meyer Jabara Hotels is delighted to announce the appointment of Ian McAuley as the Chief Investment Officer, a role specifically designed to bolster the company’s asset portfolio and enhance partnerships with capital investors. McAuley’s primary responsibilities will involve identifying potential acquisitions, attracting equity investments, arranging debt financing, and negotiating contracts for third-party management. With a rich background spanning three decades in both publicly traded and privately owned real estate sectors, McAuley’s profound experience in hotel development, operations, and ownership is expected to drive Meyer Jabara Hotels towards heightened growth and increased earnings.

“Good things really do come to those who wait,” said Meyer Jabara Hotels President Justin Jabara. “Ian is the rainmaker we have been searching for – for well over a year. He spent his career raising capital from kitchen tables to Wall Street, co-founded a management company, operated hotels, and knows where the money is made. His breadth of experience is profoundly unique in this space. With Ian running the investment side of our business, we can focus more closely on operations, profitability and growth. We welcome him aboard.”

McAuley is set to move from Toronto to West Palm Beach, Florida, to work from the company’s headquarters. Initially, his efforts will be dedicated to assimilating into the company’s culture, understanding the operational dynamics, and identifying strategies that optimize profit margins and investment yields. In the medium term, McAuley plans to engage with the investment community, highlighting the unique advantages Meyer Jabara Hotels offers and exploring new capital acquisition avenues. His long-term strategy includes reaching out to untapped capital partners, showcasing the company’s core values, and pursuing opportunities to expand the company’s asset base.

“Meyer Jabara Hotels has been around for 47 years, and it’s my job to make sure the company is set up to thrive over the next 47,” McAuley said. “What excites me about this new role is there is no rush to monetize the assets or sell off properties; no gun to my head to get deals done. At MJ there is a different mindset to growth . . . find the right assets and capital partners, then bring MJ in to provide returns for investors. It’s a great marriage.”

Distinguished Career

Ian McAuley’s career is marked by his involvement in real estate transactions worth over $2 billion throughout North America, showcasing his vast experience in corporate finance with a focus on partnerships with private equity and institutional investors. His career highlights include participating in over 100 new developments and property acquisitions, as well as several initial public offerings, contributing significantly to the growth of global hospitality brands.

His previous roles have been instrumental in shaping his expertise and achievements in the hospitality industry. Notably, as Co-founder, CEO, President, and Director of VM Hotel Acquisition Corp., McAuley led a successful $100 million Initial Public Offering on the Toronto Stock Exchange. His tenure as Canadian President of Aimbridge Hospitality saw a significant increase in the company’s hotel management agreements within Canada. Other notable positions include President of American Hotel Income Properties REIT LP, President and COO of Superior Lodging Corp., Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Royop Hospitality Corp., and Co-Founder and Vice President of InnVentures Hospitality Corp.

McAuley’s academic credentials are equally impressive, holding a Diploma in Hospitality, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Toronto, where he also completed the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program. His commitment to the industry and broader community is evident from his long-standing involvement with Northern Vision Development LP, The Musical Stage Co., and previous contributions to the Hotel Association of Canada, Hilton Hotels Advisory Board, and several other prestigious organizations and boards.

“Timing is everything,” McAuley said. “Family owned and operated companies like Meyer Jabara Hotels that span three generations are the ones that are successful. I’m honored that they were not afraid to let a visionary like me in. It’s going to be a win-win-win for everyone. Now it’s time to get to work.”