SAN FRANCISCO—With IHG closing its acquisition of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurant Group, Mike DeFrino steps into the role of CEO for the boutique hotel company.
He replaces Mike Depatie, who will now manage KHP Capital Partners, the asset manager for the three KHP private equity real estate investment funds that own approximately 30% of Kimpton’s existing and pipeline properties.
DeFrino has spent more than 25 years in the hospitality industry, almost 20 of which he has spent with Kimpton. He has held a number of senior operations and management positions and, most recently, was the company’s COO.
“Kimpton is entering an unprecedented turning point with IHG and, if I’ve learned a thing or two over the past 18 years with the company, it’s that we’ve got the cultural foundation, passion and expertise to take our unique approach to hospitality to the next level,” stated DeFrino. “Together with IHG, I look forward to globally expanding our leading boutique and lifestyle brand and reaching a larger community of engaged travelers and employees.”
Kimpton’s former CFO Ben Rowe and former chief investment officer Joe Long also will be working with Depatie managing KHP Capital Partners, LP.