Gregory Maliassas appointed CEO of Driftwood Hospitality Management
Gregory Maliassas joins Driftwood Hospitality Management as CEO, bringing three decades of global hotel operations leadership experience.
Punita Thakur 
Driftwood Hospitality Management has appointed Gregory Maliassas as Chief Executive Officer, as the company continues to expand its management platform. Gregory Maliassas brings nearly 30 years of international hospitality experience, with a background in large-scale hotel operations and multi-brand portfolio management.
Hospitality Appointments: Gregory Maliassas as CEO at Driftwood
In the latest hospitality appointments news,
The transition follows the tenure of founder and outgoing CEO David Buddemeyer, who built the company over nearly three decades. The leadership change reflects a shift toward scaling operations and enhancing the company’s integrated management platform.
Gregory Maliassas: Role and Strategic Responsibilities as CEO
As CEO, Gregory Maliassas will oversee DHM’s portfolio operations and guide its growth strategy across the Americas. His responsibilities include ensuring operational efficiency, improving asset performance, and maintaining alignment with partner brands and investors.
The role also involves strengthening the company’s management capabilities, supporting expansion across new markets, and delivering consistent results for stakeholders. His leadership is expected to focus on operational discipline while maintaining the company’s established culture and long-term relationships.
Gregory Maliassas's Experience in Global Hotel Operations
Gregory Maliassas joins DHM from Playa Hotels & Resorts, where he served as executive vice president and chief operating officer. In this capacity, he oversaw operations for a portfolio of all-inclusive resorts across the Caribbean and Mexico, managing a workforce of more than 15,000 employees.
During his tenure, he led strategic collaborations with major global hotel brands, including Marriott, Hyatt, IHG, Hilton, and Wyndham. His experience includes managing large, branded resort portfolios and aligning operational standards with global brand requirements.
Prior to Playa Hotels & Resorts, Maliassas held the position of senior vice president of operations for luxury and premium brands at Accor Hotels in Central and Eastern Europe. In this role, he oversaw more than 45 hotels operating under brands such as Raffles, Fairmont, and Sofitel.
Gregory Maliassas's earlier career includes senior leadership roles with Sofitel Hotels & Resorts, where he served as vice president for North, Central, and Eastern Europe, as well as senior vice president for the Middle East, Africa, and Indian Ocean regions.
Gregory Maliassas: International Career and Operational Expertise
Over the course of his career, Maliassas has managed hotel operations across multiple regions, including Europe, North America, and the Middle East. His professional assignments have taken him to markets such as Germany, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Dubai, and Athens.
This international exposure has provided him with a broad understanding of diverse hospitality markets, operational frameworks, and guest expectations across regions. His experience spans both urban and resort environments, as well as luxury and premium hotel segments.
Company Context and Leadership Perspective
Driftwood Hospitality Management continues to expand its presence through an integrated model that combines hotel operations with capital partnerships. The company’s strategy focuses on scaling its portfolio while maintaining strong relationships with ownership groups and global hotel brands.
Commenting on the appointment, Gregory Maliassas stated that “I am honored to join Driftwood Hospitality Management at such an exciting moment in the company’s history,” said Gregory Maliassas. “I want to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable legacy that David Buddemeyer has built over the years. His vision, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit have shaped Driftwood Hospitality into the exceptional company it is today, and I am deeply grateful to be stepping into this role on the foundation he created. DHM has built an extraordinary foundation with innovation, a portfolio of iconic properties, and deep relationships with ownership groups that are truly distinctive in this industry. I look forward to working alongside the talented DHM team to drive operational excellence, expand our management footprint, and deliver outstanding results for every stakeholder we serve.”
Maliassas has assumed the role of chief executive officer and is currently leading operations at Driftwood Hospitality Management.
