Hyatt Promotes Whitney Ashby to Director of Business Development, Alila Hotels

Hyatt has promoted Whitney Ashby to director of business development for Alila Hotels, one of the company’s five luxury brands. 

In the new role, which she began this month, Ashby is leading growth strategies and commercial planning for Alila’s three California properties – Alila Marea, Alila Napa Valley, and Alila Ventana Big Sur. She is partnering with on-property sales teams, Hyatt’s global sales network, and top-tier luxury travel advisors in the position. 

“It’s a perfect blend of everything I love: strategy, leadership, entrepreneurship, luxury travel, critical thinking, and building meaningful relationships,” Ashby said in a LinkedIn post announcing the career move. “I’m especially excited to lead a dynamic commercial strategy that spans group and leisure sales, luxury partnerships, and on-the-ground collaboration with our resort teams.” 

Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Ashby first joined Hyatt in December 2024 as a business development manager (BDM) for the southwest mountain states. She has more than 20 years of experience in luxury travel, commercial strategy, operations, and leadership. Before Hyatt, she held leadership positions at ALG Vacations and Authentic Vacations. She is also the founder and CEO of the boutique travel agency, Sunlover Travel.