FORT WORTH, Texas—Hotel Drover announced the growth of its executive team, as Aaron Ide has been appointed as general manager and Kristin Assad has been promoted to chief operating officer.
With Ide’s arrival, Hotel Drover also announced the promotion of Kristin Assad to the position of chief operating officer at Exchange Hotels Management. Assad is the former vice president, general manager of Hotel Drover.
“We are pleased to welcome Aaron as the new general manager of Hotel Drover,” said Craig Cavileer, operating partner of Stockyards Heritage Development Co. and Exchange Hotels Management. “With Kristin guiding the transition, we’re confident he will build on the remarkable foundation that is already in place.”
“We’re equally proud to support Kristin as she transitions into her new position as Chief Operating Officer of Exchange Hotels Management over our hotel platform in the Stockyards. Her leadership has been instrumental to Hotel Drover’s success since pre-opening, and we have every confidence that she will continue to inspire and elevate our teams and guest experience across all of our properties.”
Ide is a seasoned hospitality veteran with over 25 years of experience a proven track record in luxury hotel operations, and a passion for creating memorable experiences.
Before joining Hotel Drover, Ide held the position of general manager at Thompson Dallas, where he led the hotel team through the post-pandemic period. Throughout his tenure, Ide has also held key leadership roles for several large players in the hospitality sphere, including Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, where he played a pivotal role in securing the Forbes 5 Star status for the property, Four Seasons New York, Four Seasons Boston, and the Waldorf Astoria New York.
With over two decades of luxury hospitality experience, Assad brings her expertise to Exchange Hotels Management. She will oversee all operational and experiential aspects of Stockyards Heritage Development Co.’s hospitality assets in the Fort Worth Stockyards. In addition to the award-winning Hotel Drover, these properties include 97 West Kitchen & Bar, Stockyards Hotel, H3 Ranch restaurant and bar, and the Hyatt Place. Assad’s focus will be on scaling, streamlining, and standardizing excellence.
