RJ Bear has been appointed as General Manager at The Ranch at Laguna Beach
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is pleased to announce the appointment of RJ Bear as General Manager, marking the latest chapter in his more than a decade-long history with the award-winning Laguna Beach resort. With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, Bear brings extensive expertise in luxury resort operations, food and beverage, team leadership, and guest experience to the role.
As General Manager, Bear will oversee all aspects of resort operations, with a continued focus on delivering thoughtful, personalized hospitality while furthering The Ranch at Laguna Beach’s distinctive positioning as a luxury coastal retreat rooted in nature, community, and a strong sense of place.
Bear’s connection to The Ranch at Laguna Beach dates back to 2014, when he joined the resort’s pre-opening team as Food & Beverage Manager. In this role, he was instrumental in establishing the property’s food and beverage operations ahead of its opening, including Harvest Restaurant & Bar, The Pantry, banquet and event spaces, and poolside service.
Prior to his tenure at The Ranch, Bear built an extensive career in Southern California luxury hospitality. He held leadership positions at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach as well as the Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna, where he oversaw operations across the hotel’s restaurants, bar, room service, pool, banquets, and golf-related functions.
With more than two decades of hospitality experience and a career deeply rooted in Southern California, Bear brings an intimate understanding of both The Ranch at Laguna Beach and the destination it calls home. His longstanding connection to the resort, operational expertise, and commitment to elevated guest experiences position him to lead The Ranch into its next chapter while preserving the character and sense of place that have defined the property.