Jesse Luis is the new VP/development for North America at Dolce Hotels & Resorts.

ROCKLEIGH, NJ—Dolce Hotels and Resorts named Jesse Luis VP/development for North America, responsible for driving strategic property growth.

"With The Alexander (hotel) set to open in Indianapolis in January, Dolce is seeking out new opportunities for expansion across North America," said Steven Rudnitsky, president/CEO of Dolce Hotels and Resorts. "With his strong background in crafting successful development strategies for upscale hotel brands, Jesse will be a strong player in that effort."

Luis previously served as VP/real estate development services at Choice Hotels International, Inc., where he conceived the national development strategy for the upscale Cambria Suites brand and closed on a pipeline of projects totaling more than 1,000 rooms.

Prior to that, Luis was with Marriott International for more than a decade, departing as VP/North America real estate with responsibility for developing upscale properties throughout the Northeast. He also previously served as area VP/lodging development, responsible for growth strategy, ground-up development and conversions, originating and negotiating management agreements and transacting franchise agreements for select-service and extended-stay hotels.

Dolce Hotels and Resorts operates 25 upscale hotels, resorts and conference-focused properties through North America and Europe. Dolce Hotels and Resorts is continuing to expand and downtown Indianapolis, IN, will welcome The Alexander in early 2013; European hotel launches are planned in Vittel, France, and Belas, Portugal.