USA: New York-based apartment-style hospitality brand Mint House has appointed Christian Lee as CEO, replacing founder Will Lucas, who moves into the role of chairman of the board.
Lee was recruited by the company’s founder and previous CEO, Will Lucas, to drive its next phase of growth. Lee’s career spans 25 years of operations, finance, strategy and corporate development roles at both disruptive startups and Fortune 100 companies.
Having previously worked as CEO of Transfix, a transportation solutions provider with digital brokerage capabilities and logistics software offerings, he oversaw all finance functions, ESG reporting, and strategic initiatives. During his tenure, the company grew net revenues by over 80 per cent year-on-year and launched multiple new product lines.
Lee then served as managing director of WeWork Asia, based in Shanghai, where he grew the business from four locations to more than 200 across 25 cities in 10 countries. He was also WeWork’s global chief financial officer in New York.
Lee said: “I’m thrilled to join Mint House – the company’s unique position at the intersection of real estate and hospitality, powered by technology, has created immense value for both markets. The past few years have ushered forward a new era for travellers – one that Mint House was built for.
“By providing guests with a seamless experience for trips that blend work and leisure, and landlords with a higher NOI than they see traditionally, Mint House is positioned to lead in this market,” he added.
Will Lucas, founder and chairman of the board, said: “Mint House has successfully translated the upscale hotel experience into apartment-style living. With the travel rebound and evolving guest expectations, our accommodations are in high demand.
“Over the last two years, I have built a great relationship with Christian, and believe he is the perfect leader to continue to expand our geographic footprint and bring the Mint House experience to more travellers around the country,” he added.
Last May, Mint House partnered with Mohari Hospitality in a $35 million Series B financing round.
Paul Sacco, Mint House’s chief growth and development officer, spoke to ULN editor George Sell on the ULN podcast earlier this week about the firm’s ‘flex multifamily’ offer and its plans for growth.
