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Appointment General Management

Alex Ahluwalia has been appointed as General Manager at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Marriott
Palm Desert, California, United States
Alex Ahluwalia
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is proud to welcome Alex Ahluwalia as the new general manager, overseeing the award-winning property in Southern California. Throughout his career in hospitality, Ahluwalia has managed multiple high-end luxury hotels and resorts across the nation and internationally, earning a wide array of accolades. Ahluwalia brings his global brand management skills and operational leadership to the 884-room property, which houses one of the region’s largest full service spas, The Biggest Loser Resort program, championship golf courses, PBI Tennis program, a number of reputable restaurants, and more. Palm Desert is a welcomed change for Ahluwalia, a longtime resident of Hawaii and the former general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, where he was celebrated as General Manager of the Year (2015). “I was lured by the charm of the Coachella Valley,” says Ahluwalia. “I am in awe of the resort’s beautiful surroundings, further complemented by an exceptional culinary, spa, and amenities program. I look forward to finding ways to give guests even more opportunities to personally connect with the resort and the region.” Throughout his career, Ahluwalia has been a part of the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton family. Prior to his time in Hawaii, he spent time on the mainland serving as general manager at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona, where he earned the hotel several accolades including GM of the Year – The Americas (2008), the JW Marriott Diversity Excellence Award (2008); and the Alice. S. Marriott Award for Community Service (2010). Ahluwalia has also served as the general manager at the JW Marriott Fiji Resort & Spa and managed properties in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and Denver. The world of travel and hotels is engrained in Ahluwalia, who comes from paternal lineage of hospitality entrepreneurs and practically grew up in the hotel industry. Carrying on his family’s passion, Ahluwalia was fully immersed into the business at a young age and continues to further his knowledge and expertise. He completed the Asset Management and Hotel Investment program at Cornell and is now furthering his education through Stanford’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship program. Ahluwalia has always served as an active member of community organizations. He was the Chair for the Diversity and Inclusion Council for Marriott International, Western Region and was awarded two Spirit to Serve awards for community engagement in Hawaii. An experiential traveler, Ahluwalia enriches his life through adventurous personal pursuits in the community. In 2015, during his time in Hawaii, Ahluwalia learned how to competitively swim and mountain bike to complete in the Xterra Sprint Triathlon in Kapalua. He is looking forward to perfecting his game of golf on the Ted Robinson-designed championship courses at Desert Springs.

Alex Ahluwalia is an alumnus of Cornell | Executive and Professional Education – Class of 2013.

General Management USA & Canada United States California Palm Desert
Marriott
Franchise OrganizationBrand OwnerHotel Group

Marriott International, Inc., (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 8,200 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 138 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program.