KHALID CHAUDHRY
Chief Operating Officer & President
Khalid has been engaged in the development and ownership of hospitality projects and other real estate development ventures since 2005. He has built two ground up restaurants (Tim Hortons’), as well as purchased and renovated two hotels prior to establishing Essence Hotel Group. Serving as the Chief Operating Officer for Essence Hotel Group, Khalid is responsible for hotel operations, sales oversight and strategic direction of the hotel group.
Khalid received a degree in Financial Management and Business Administration from University of British Columbia Canada (UBC). He also graduated with a BSC (Bachelor of Science) from the University of Sindh, Pakistan. Khalid has worked in the retail industry, and served in positions from sales
to senior management roles prior to joining the hotel industry.
JOSEPH KENNEDY
Senior Vice President of Acquisitions & Sales
Joe is a thirty-five-year veteran in hotel and restaurant industry who has held positions with Hyatt and Gilbert & Robinson. Since June of 2004, he has personally closed on more than $500 Million in hotel asset transactions. Joe has worked with a broad range of hotel investors from individual property owners to regional management companies to international real estate ownership companies. Joe regularly consults with hotel owners and operators on best practices and driving revenue.
Joe has earned a Cornell certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management. He was
honored by Hotel Brokers International as 2017 Top Broker in the Pacific and Mountain Regions, 2016 Broker of the Year Nationwide, 2016 Record Sales Volume and Number of Transactions. Joe is an active participant in the Washington Hospitality Association, Oregon Restaurant and Lodging
Association, and Northwest Hotel Investors Forum.
MICHELLE KENNEDY
Vice President of Marketing
Michelle has a 30-year background in administration, real estate management and legal education, contract negotiation, business promotion and marketing. She is active with Washington Hospitality Association, Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association, and Treasurer and Past Secretary of the Board of Directors for Hotel Brokers International. Michelle is responsible for proposing, executing and marketing the plans that promote revenue growth generation among key customer segments.
Her role also support the hotel's brand positioning and image. She executes and collects performance data for internal and external marketing campaigns, promotions, advertising, and websites. Michelle has assembled a team of talented web and marketing designers as well as social media strategists. Michelle’s Director of Marketing, Teri Beck, is a 20-year veteran Graphic and Web Designer with specific experience working on Brand Standards with the Marriott Corporate design team at Pica 9 in New York.
JOSEPH L BRUNETTI
Vice President of Operation & Revenue Management
With over 35 years of hotel Operation, Revenue Management and Sales experience, Joe has brought a
wealth of knowledge and experience to the Essence Team. Joe has been the Senior Director of Franchise Sales for Choice Hotels, Wyndham Hotel Group & the startup of Microtel Inn with Mike Leven.
Joe has been primarily responsible for the Sales and Development in the Pacific NW territories for conversions and new construction during this time. In addition to his sales experience, he also has several years of direct Hotel Management experience in Operations as a GM and Regional Manager, also in Sales and Marketing for several major hotel brands. Joe has achieved certification from the Wharton School of Negotiations, a degree from the University of PA and received certifications from Oklahoma University in Sales and Cinematography and Production. He also has the CHA Designation in Hotel Management.
TARIQ AHMED
Vice President of Facilities Maintenance
Tariq has worked in the restaurant and hotel industry since 2001.He worked for Khalid on property in various capacities prior to the establishment of Essence Hotel Group. Tariq has earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Sindh, Pakistan. He obtained his Medical Lab Sciences degree from British Columbia Institute of Technology Canada. He has obtained an HVAC/R diploma from Butler Tech Institute of Industrial Technology in Ohio.
In his current role of Chief Engineer and Vice President of Facilities Maintenance, he is responsible for property improvement projects for existing hotels within Essence Hotel Group and with the construction of new developments. Tariq conducts the symphony of subcontractors while utilizing Essence’s own team of experienced renovation and installation specialists to execute renovations and special projects.
KAREN E. GIBSON
Accountant & Controller
Karen graduated from University of Dayton (UD) in Accounting & Finance. She has over 40 years of experience and lead role in planning and execution of all financial processes. She has vital knowledge how to research market trends and surveys and use information to stimulate business and revenue growth. She is personable and organized professional who promotes efficiency and accuracy in sales, billing, and reporting functions.
She joined the hotel group in 2012 and since then has taken care of the accounting responsibilities. She diligently arranged plans to confirm proper planning and execution of financial aspects of the company. She also asserts a lead role in training of new managers and supervisors not only basic accounting but also how to submit invoices properly to corporate office. Karen’s expertise and meticulous attention to detail has facilitated and standardized the accounting & budgeting procedures in all of our properties. Karen also coordinates with the accounting firms and provides