Jim Franklin

Aqua-Aston Hospitality, a leader in hospitality management known for its owned brands in Hawaii, the continental United States and Costa Rica, announced the appointment of Jim Franklin to the role of general manager to lead its managed Orlando properties, The Fountains at ChampionsGate and Tuscana Resort Orlando. He reports to Lesli Reynolds, senior vice president of operations, Aqua-Aston Hospitality.

As the general manager, Franklin is principally accountable for the overall operations at The Fountains at ChampionsGate and Tuscana Resort Orlando, focusing on administration, marketing, and homeowner associations, with a heightened priority on guest services and an elevated product offering.

With a wealth of academic and luxury hospitality management experience, Franklin steps into this position following his time as general manager for various Starwood and Hilton Hotels, including award-winning Hilton Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California; The Marenas Resort and Spa in Miami Beach, Florida; and most recently the Sheraton in Mahwah, New Jersey. Franklin was awarded Distinguished Hotelier by Washington State University in 2007 for his achievements in hospitality business management.