Family Bios
The success of Preferred Hotel Group stands as a testament to family enterprise at its best – an increasingly rare model in today’s business environment. Since Chairman and CEO John Ueberroth took the helm of the company in 2004, each member of the Ueberroth clan – from John and his wife, Gail, to their children, Lindsey and Casey, and daughter-in-law Brooke – has played a pivotal role in the impressive growth of the organization, which has doubled both in workforce and membership within five short years. The Newport Beach, Calif.-based family has steered the company through the launch of several global initiatives, from the I Prefer™ Guest Benefit Program to Preferred Golf Club™, all of which have benefited from the Ueberroths’ collective business acumen and lifelong travel experiences.
John Ueberroth
Chairman of the Board and CEO
As Chairman of the Board and CEO, John Ueberroth brings more than 30 years of executive-level experience to the leadership and global growth of Preferred Hotel Group and its family of brands. Prior to acquiring PHG, John was CEO of Ambassadors Group, whose educational travel programs provide students and professionals with opportunities to meet their counterparts overseas. He continues to serve the organization as Chairman of the Board.
The travel business has long been a family affair for John who joined his brother, Peter Ueberroth, at Transportation Consultants International (TCI) in 1967, which they grew into the world’s largest travel representation company over the next decade. By 1971 TCI had re-branded itself First Travel and acquired the legendary Ask Mr. Foster travel agencies with John at the helm as President. In 1984 First Travel was acquired by the Carlson Companies and John became President of Carlson Travel Group, a role he continued in until 1989 when he left to become Chairman and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines from 1990-93, successfully bringing the company out of bankruptcy. John is also honored to have served as the past Chairman of both USTOA and TIA, now the US Travel Association.
Gail Ueberroth
President
President Gail Ueberroth joined Preferred Hotel Group in 2004 as co-owner and partner with her husband, John. Her distinguished career in travel and hospitality has led her to more than 110 countries, fueling a passion for travel and a hands-on understanding of diverse global markets. In addition to her past work with Carlson Travel and Ambassadors Group, Gail has created innovative travel programs for Neiman Marcus, Young Presidents Organization and CEO, as well as numerous alumni, museum and symphonic non-profit organizations. As President, Gail’s role includes oversight of numerous departments including International Marketing, Communications, Creative Services, Corporate Administration and Human Resources, as well as Global Corporate Development.
Lindsey Ueberroth
Executive Vice President
A world traveler since the age of two, Lindsey Ueberroth has inherited her parents’ wanderlust and corporate savvy, both of which have served her well in her high-profile position at Preferred Hotel Group. As Executive Vice President, Lindsey directs the organization’s global brand strategy, development and all aspects of brand performance. She also supervises the company’s IT teams and is a critical player on all major initiatives. Before joining the family business to launch the Preferred Boutique brand in 2004, Lindsey honed her business skills at Ambassadors International and, before that, at Anderson Consulting (now Accenture). In the past three decades, she has traveled to more than 70 countries and visited every continent except Antarctica.
Casey Ueberroth
Managing Director, Preferred Golf
Area Managing Director, Western United States
Casey Ueberroth has merged a passion for golf with the family business as Managing Director of Preferred Golf. As such, he spearheaded the 2008 launch of the Preferred Golf Club, a niche market membership program created in partnership with American Express that includes prestigious members like The Broadmoor, Kauri Cliffs, and The K Club. Logging more than 50,000 miles annually to golf destinations as diverse as Turtle Bay, Hawaii and Sea Island, Ga., Casey’s growing reputation as a golf business strategist has led him to become a sought-after participant at high-profile golf-related forums and tournaments.
In his concurrent role as Area Managing Director for the Western United States, Casey also oversees the development and management of more than 85 member hotels and resorts in the region. Prior to PHG, Casey served as Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., where he was a three-time President’s Club Winner.
Brooke Ueberroth
Vice President, Corporate Communications
As Vice President, Corporate Communications, Brooke Ueberroth draws on her lifelong experience as an extensive traveler and occasional ex-pat to lead Preferred Hotel Group’s communications division. She oversees the creative development of annual directories for PHG’s five brands and serves as publisher of Preferred Lifestyles and Summit magazines, determining the creative approach, content and story angles, as well as overseeing the editorial staff.
Brooke’s responsibilities also include seeking out new partners for the company’s philanthropic program, GIFTTS – Great Initiatives for Today’s (Tomorrow’s) Society. She creates tools and resources for member hotels participating in this program, which encourages and rewards socially responsible actions by PHG hotels and employees. Previously, Brooke held positions at Meredith Publishing and Kimpton Hotels.
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