Schaeffer brings a wealth of knowledge to this position with over 20 years of experience with leading hospitality companies. He has held executive positions with Sonesta International in the Caribbean, Europe, Middle East and the United States, worked for Ritz Carlton in Miami and managed several Boutique Hotels on South Beach, Miami. He joined Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in 2008 as General Manager, for the residential component of the Fairmont on the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai as part of the pre opening team.
Further assignments with Fairmont in the UAE have been with the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi and most recently as Hotel Manager, Fairmont Dubai where he was responsible for overseeing the 394 room Middle East flagship hotel, as well as the property's residential apartments and offices, elevating service levels and achieving financial goals.
Schaeffer holds a degree in Operational Management from the Hotel Management School in Maastricht, The Netherlands. He also completed the Professional Development Program from Cornell University, in Ithaca, New York, and is Community Association Management (CAM) certified in the State of Florida, United States.