Team

  • Andro Nodarse-Leon FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

    Over the course of a successful 20-year career, Andro Nodarse-Leon has completed acquisition, financing, and divestiture transactions totaling over $85 billion in value and has been involved with hundreds of transaction processes across multiple sectors, including hospitality, education, real estate, consumer products, media, entertainment, finance, business services, energy and infrastructure.

    Additionally, Mr. Nodarse-Leon has had extensive operational and asset management experience in connection with companies and properties in the hospitality, education, financial, consumer products, media, entertainment, and infrastructure sectors.

    Mr. Nodarse-Leon began his career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs & Co. and, subsequently, as a private equity professional at KKR in New York City

    Immediately prior to founding LionGrove in 2018, Mr. Nodarse-Leon was Founder and Managing Partner for LEON, MAYER &Co. (LM) a successful Miami and New York City based investment banking and private equity firm, which Mr. Nodarse-Leon founded in 2005.

    At LM, Mr. Nodarse-Leon led all of the firm’s principal investing, investment banking, asset management and operational activities. Over the course of 13 years LM completed dozens of investment banking transactions and led principal investments in the hospitality and education sector totaling approximately $200 million of equity and $400 million of debt.

    From 2012 to 2018, Mr. Nodarse-Leon led LM's efforts in connection with the founding, ownership, financing, investment and operational oversight of its portfolio company, Endeavor Schools, a successful roll-up of pre-k to 12th grade private schools throughout the United States.

    During LM’s ownership and Mr. Nodarse-Leon’s leadership of Endeavor Schools, the company completed the acquisition, financing, operational integration and optimization of 34 private schools and the development of three additional private schools, across 14 MSAs and 9 states.

    By 2018, Endeavor Schools had become the 14th largest owner and operator of pre-k to 12th private schools in the US, leading LM to successfully selling Endeavor Schools and realizing an IRR in excess of 40% per annum for Endeavor's investor.

    In 2015, under Mr. Nodarse-Leon's leadership, LM formed a joint venture to acquire El San Juan Hotel from Blackstone. Subsequently, LionGrove purchased the interests of LM in El San Juan Hotel.

    Mr. Nodarse-Leon led an extensive, highly acclaimed, $65 million renovation of El San Juan Hotel between 2016 and 2017.

    After a very damaging direct impact to the property from of Hurricane Maria in September 2017, Mr. Nodarse- Leon led a second restoration of the property, also totaling approximately $60 million, which was completed at the end of 2019 and led to the hotel's rebranding as the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel January of 2020.

    Prior to founding LM, Mr. Nodarse-Leon was an investment professional at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts &Co.(KKR) in New York City. At KKR, Mr. Nodarse-Leon worked on the acquisition of companies in the hospitality, consumer products, media and energy sectors.

    While at KKR, Mr. Nodarse-Leon completed the $1.5 billion acquisition of Sealy Corporation, the largest bedding manufacturer in the world, and was involved in the development and oversight of various operational initiatives that led to significant improvements to the company's performance and the eventual successful IPO of Sealy for more than 3x the original equity purchase price paid for the company in two years.

    Mr. Nodarse-Leon was also involved in the asset management oversight and pursuit of add-on hotel acquisitions for KSL Holdings, a successful KKR portfolio company that owned and operated leading resort properties throughout the United States, including Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, CA, the Grand Wailea Maui Resort in Maui, HI, La Quinta Resort & Club in Palms Springs, CA, La Costa Resort & Spa in Carslbald, CA and the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, AZ, among others.

    Prior to KKR, Mr. Nodarse-Leon was an investment banking professional at Goldman Sachs & Co. At Goldman Sachs, Mr. Nodarse-Leon advised media and entertainment clients on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, financings and strategic matters. Clients at Goldman Sachs included AT&T, Time Warner, Sony, Pulitzer and the Houston Astros, among others.

    Mr. Nodarse-Leon has previously served on the Owners Advisory Council for Hilton Corporation and the Board of Trustees for the Oliver G. Scholars Program in New York City.

    Mr. Nodarse-Leon is the co-author of Cuba: From Economic Take-off to Collapse Under Castro, published by Routledge's Transaction Publishers in 2015.

    He currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Cuban American National Foundation, a non-profit that supports the development of democracy in Cuba.

    Mr. Nodarse-Leon has made appearances and contributions in local, national and international television, radio and press in connection with various subjects, including investments, economics, hospitality and Cuba.

    Mr. Nodarse-Leon received a B.S., cum laude, from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a B.S.E.cum laude, from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences of the University of Pennsylvania.


    INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUNDS

  • Chris Sariego SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

    Chris Sariego has 30 years of experience leading and developing leading hotels and resorts in iconic city centers as well as resort destinations throughout the US, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe.

    Mr. Sariego has consistently led hotels to growth, creating high-value experiences and profitable revenue centers at internationally recognized hotels and resort companies such as Sbe, Atlantis, The Ritz-Carlton, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts, and Starwood.

    Mr. Sariego's has played a key role in managing everything from boutique hotels to mega-complex resorts.

    Prior to joining LionGrove, Mr. Sariego served as Chief Operating Officer for Virgin Trains USA, a multi-billion-dollar company that seeks to revolutionize train travel in the US through hospitality and luxury experiences.

    Prior to Virgin Trains USA, Mr. Sariego served as the Vice President and General Manager for Sbe, an international lifestyle hospitality company that develops and operates hotels, residences, restaurants, and night clubs such as Delano, SLS, Hyde, and Mondrian. Opened the SLS resort in the Bahamas and repositioned the Delano in South Beach.

    Previously, Mr. Sariego was the Senior Vice President and General Manager for Atlantis overseeing the luxury areas of the mega-resort including two hotels adding to about 1,100 rooms, the privately-owned residences, three theme parks, spa and fitness areas, cruise ship and preservation programs. Atlantis is near a 1-billion-dollar operation with approximate 8,000 employees.

    Before Atlantis, Mr. Sariego served successfully as general manager for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company at the Ritz-Carton in Santiago de Chile and The Ritz-Carlton in Grand Cayman.

    Prior to Ritz-Carlton, Mr. Sariego held General Manager positions with Marriott International and Intercontinental Hotels Group as well senior management positions with Starwood Hotels and Resorts and other independent hotels.

    Over his career, Mr. Sariego has been involved in management of hotels, resorts and luxury residences with a combined real estate value greater than $5 billions.

    Mr. Sariego’s experience includes capital improvement projects totaling over $600M across urban hotels, destination resorts, restaurants, nightclubs, spas, and other hospitality venues.

    Mr. Sariego holds high service marks on all assignments including three consecutive AAA 5 Diamonds Resort, Spa and Fine Dining Awards as well as Forbes Star rating.

    Mr. Sariego has created educational programs and has been a keynote speaker in many forums to support education, travel, and hospitality business. He has also spearheaded several initiatives to preserve the natural ecosystem in the communities he serves through scientific research, reef and marine life rehabilitation, and energy conservation.

    Mr. Sariego holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Universidad del Desarrollo in Santiago, Chile; a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Management from Florida International University in Miami, FL; an International Business Certification from Florida International University in Miami, FL; a General Manager certification and a Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management certification from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.

    Mr. Sariego is fully bilingual in English and Spanish.


    INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUNDS

  • Amadeo Zarzosa SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER

    Amadeo Zarzosa’s 38-year prestigious hospitality career has revolved around resort, luxury, and business segments of the hospitality industry, with reliable international operations & marketing experience.

    Mr. Zarzosa has consistently created high-value experiences and profitable revenue centers at internationally recognized hotels and resort companies such as Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts, Atlantis, St. Regis, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, and Starwood.

    Prior to LionGrove, Mr. Zarzosa operated his own hospitality consultancy company for four years as Managing Director of AXJANA consulting.

    Before AXJANA, Mr. Zarzosa served as the Vice President of Resorts for Luxury & Lifestyle Asia Middle East Australasia IHG - InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Group based in Singapore head office.

    Before IHG, Mr. Zarzosa served as the General Manager for St Regis Hotel & Residences Singapore.

    Before St Regis, Mr. Zarzosa was Opening Senior Vice President and General Manager at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai – a 1,539 room, ocean-themed destination resort located at the center of the crescent of the artificial Palm Jumeirah Island, Dubai.

    Before Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, Mr. Zarzosa was General Manager & Regional General Manager of Intercontinental Resort Bali and IHG Resorts Southeast Asia.

    Before General Manager & Regional General Manager at InterContinental, Mr. Zarzosa was Senior Vice President, General Manager at Atlantis Resort & Casino in Paradise Island, Bahamas.

    Throughout his career, Mr. Zarzosa has managed hotels, resorts, and luxury residences, with a combined real estate value exceeding billions of dollars.

    Mr. Zarzosa’s experience includes capital improvement projects exceeding millions of dollars across urban hotels, resorts, restaurants, nightclubs, spas, and other hospitality venues.

    Mr. Zarzosa holds high service marks on all assignments, including consecutive General Manager of the year recognitions, 5 Diamonds Resort, Spa, Fine Dining Awards, and Forbes Star rating.

    Mr. Zarzosa has created hospitality educational programs and has been a keynote speaker in many forums to support the travel and hospitality business. He has also spearheaded several initiatives to preserve the natural ecosystem in Bali, the Maldives, and other rural communities.

    Over his career, Mr. Zarzosa has served as the head of culinary services for the entire North America division of ITT Sheraton Corporation. Opened complex Hotels & Resorts ranging from 200 – to 1600 keys. He was responsible for operating budgets, producing over $1 billion in revenues.

    He has played a significant role in hotel & resort project acquisitions for international hospitality brand conglomerates.

    Mr. Zarzosa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts & Hotel Management from Slough Langley, Hospitality College Slough, United Kingdom.

    Mr. Zarzosa is fluent in Spanish, English, and Catalan.

  • Jeff Rodriguez Vice president of Development

    Mr. Rodriguez joined LionGrove in 2023 and serves as Vice president of Development for LionGrove providing leadership and project management strategies for all Capex and Opex developments/projects across the whole property’s portfolio.

    Mr. Rodriguez has 25 years of experience leading and developing large complex projects throughout the US, the Caribbean and Latin America.

    Mr. Rodriguez has consistently lead or work on strategic planning and development of large accounts such as Albany Nassau, Hyatt, Chick Fil-A, Mc Donald’s, Johnson & Johnson , Amgen, Walmart, DDR, Burlington, Toyota among others.

    Mr. Rodriguez has played a key role in growing a business model for project and development services, managing a portfolio of more than 100M on projects per year.

    Prior to joining LionGrove, Mr. Rodriguez served as Vice President of Project Development for Jones Lang Lasalle, leading and overseen large accounts and clients through the Caribbean and Latin America. In charge of 46 team members including senior project managers, project managers, EHS, Compliance and business development staff.

    Prior to Jones Lang Lasalle, Mr. Rodriguez served as Senior Project Manager and lead designer for Nex Corporation, a design build company leading sustainability and Leed projects in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

    Previously, Mr. Rodriguez was the Senior Project Manager and Lead Designer for Jacobs Engineering working on life sciences and large commercial projects throughout Puerto Rico, US and the Caribbean.

    Before Jacobs, Mr. Rodriguez served successfully as Lead Designer and Project Manager for CPH engineers, working on food and beverages, retail and large shopping centers projects.

    Prior to CPH Engineers, Mr. Rodriguez worked for JCJA Architects as lead designer working on large shopping centers such as Plaza Las Americas, Plaza del Sol, Plaza Rio Hondo, Onofre Carballeira Sport Complex, DDR portfolio among others.

    Over his career, Mr. Rodriguez has been involved in the development of hotels, resorts and luxury residences, multi-use complex, manufacturing and food and beverage projects with a combined real estate value greater than $2.5 billions.

    Mr. Rodriguez holds a master’s in architecture from Universidad de Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, Puerto Rico; a Bachelor of Environmental Science Degree from Universidad de Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus

  • Evy Garcia VICE PRESIDENT SALES

    Ms. Garcia currently serves as Vice President of Sales at LionGrove, designing strategies for Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest, Beach & Golf Resort and Wyndham Palmas Beach & Golf Boutique Resort.

    Ms. Garcia has had a vibrant career in the resort, and luxury hospitality spaces spanning over 25 years with a successful track record in building sales teams and business development strategies.

    Prior to LionGrove, she was the Director of Sales & Marketing for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Corporate, overseeing the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort.

    Previously, Ms. Garcia served as the Director of Sales & Marketing for El Conquistador Resort & Las Casitas Village, A Waldorf Astoria Resort.

    Prior to her position at El Conquistador, she was the Director of Sales & Marketing for Gran Melia Golf Resort Puerto Rico.

    Before Gran Melia, Ms. Garcia was Director of Sales for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, based in Mexico.

    Prior to Fairmont, she was Area Director of Marketing & Public Relations for Tishman Hotels & Resorts.

    Ms. Garcia embarked on a career in hospitality as Area Director of Sales for InterContinental Hotel Group after a successful career in the Marketing arena in the Greater New Orleans area.

    She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Marquette University, Mass Communication/Media Studies and is fully bilingual in English and Spanish.

  • Juan Rivera Vice President of Finance

    With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Mr. Rivera has been awarded multiple accolades; they include, but are not limited to 2004 Nominated Manager of the Year Award, 2016 Nominated CFO Experience Award, 2016 Marriott Special Achievement Award, etc.

    Prior to joining LionGrove, Mr. Rivera served as the Director of Finance for Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf & Beach Resort

    Previously, Mr. Rivera served as the Director of Finance for Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino

    Prior to his position at Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, Mr. Rivera was the Director of Finance at St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort – the only 5 diamond resort in Puerto Rico

    Before St. Regis, he served as the General Manager for Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel & Casino. He also served as the Director of Finance prior to this

    Previously, Mr. Rivera was the Assistant Director of Financial Services for El Conquistador Golf Resort & Casino

    Prior to El Conquistador, Mr. Rivera served as the Assistant Director of Financial Services for Wyndham Old San Juan Hotel & Casino

    Mr. Rivera earned his bachelor’s degree from El Colegio Universitario del Este in Carolina, Puerto Rico

    Mr. Rivera is fluent in English and Spanish


  • Ernesto Velázquez Vice President of Revenue Management

    With over 20 years of Revenue Management experience, Mr. Velázquez currently serves as Vice President of Revenue Management for Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf & Beach Resort and has been in Rio Mar’s team since 2011.

    The strong skills performed at this industry include the responsibility for the resorts’ total revenue management initiatives while identifying and maximizing all potential revenue opportunities for the property. Proven track record of exceeding budgeted total revenues and growing RevPAR Index year after year while achieving a consistent forecast accuracy.

    Wyndham Hotels & Resorts: Platinum Circle Award Winner in 2018, 2019, and 2020

    He held a prior experience in Revenue Management in Benchmark Global Hospitality, Hotel Contessa, Luxury Suites on Riverwalk and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, where he also had experience in Housekeeping & Front Office.

    Mr. Velazquez also have experience as Director of Rooms at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Omni Hotel & Resorts.

    His professional background includes Hospitality & Tourism Management from Florida Atlantic University and is a Certified Revenue Management Executive from HSMAI with a previous BS in Business Administration from Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, PR


  • Marilin Rosario Area Director Of Communications & Public Relations

    Ms. Marilin Rosario currently serves as the Area Director of Communications and Public Relations for LionGrove.

    With over 22 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ms. Rosario develops strategic communication and public relations plans to enhance organizational reputation, market position, stakeholder relations, and consumer awareness.

    She has successfully managed high-profile PR campaigns, resulting in increased investor interest and media coverage as well as navigated government, hospitality, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and non-profit sectors, becoming an expert in handling controversies and implementing effective damage control strategies.

    Prior to joining LionGrove, Ms. Rosario lead the marketing and communications team of St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico, driving innovative strategies and cohesive brand messaging.

    Before St Regis, she was the Public Relations/Communications Director at Alliacom, Inc, leading strategic planning for 35+ leading companies across a variety of sectors.

    Prior to Alliacom, Ms. Rosario was the Sales & Marketing Director for Mundo Travel and directed general management, marketing, negotiations, and public relations within a conglomerate of six travel agencies in Puerto Rico.

    Previously, she served as the Revenue Sales Manager for the San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino.

    Marilin holds a Master of Science in Corporate Public Relations from Purdue University; a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from University of the Sacred Heart, San Juan, PR, and is fully bilingual in English and Spanish.

  • Zach Garcia Associate

    Zach Garcia joins LionGrove with two years of experience investing in hotels and resorts across the capital stack, chain scales, product types, and geographies. Furthermore, Zach has over two years of experience as a management consultant for the Hospitality and Leisure industry.

    Before joining the LionGrove team, Zach was an Associate on The Buccini/Pollin Group’s Hotel Acquisitions and Development team. Zach assisted with all aspects of the deal process from deal sourcing through asset disposition. Zach led underwriting and financial modeling processes for a variety of hospitality real estate investment opportunities, oversaw the due diligence process across all aspects of the transaction, and prepared investment memorandum for the firm’s investment committee.

    Additionally, Zach coordinated the firm’s biannual hotel investment strategy update and presented the output to the firm’s Executive Team and Board of Directors. Over the course of two years, Zach completed disposition, refinancing, preferred equity, and mezzanine loan transactions in excess of $350 million.

    Zach has completed transactions in the following markets: New York City, NY (Manhattan and Brooklyn); Palm Springs, CA; Raleigh, NC; Minneapolis, MN; Milwaukee, WI; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA; Dallas, TX; Baltimore, MD; Portland, OR; Nashville, TN; Wilmington, DE; and Philadelphia, PA. Zach also assisted with the initial stages of the development process for a 400-key soft-branded, lifestyle hotel in Austin, TX, and a 400-key lifestyle hotel and 50,000 square foot live entertainment venue in Orlando, FL.

    Prior to joining the Buccini/Pollin Group, Zach was an Experienced Associate in PwC’s Real Estate, Hospitality, and Leisure Advisory practice. Zach provided strategic advisory, valuation, transaction due diligence, and litigation support services to an assortment of clients across the hospitality and leisure industry in the United States, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. Zach’s depth and breadth of experience includes working with owners, investors, operators, brands, furniture suppliers, sports teams, convention centers, destination marketing organizations, and industry trade associations.

    Zach’s engagements included everything from conducting due diligence for brand, portfolio, and single asset transactions, to helping large hotel companies and third-party operators develop and implement growth and operational strategies. Zach was also a contributing writer for the following thought leadership publications: Hospitality Directions, Convention Center Report, Sports Outlook, Super Bowl Economic Impact Study. Zach was also part of the Financial Markets Group’s Diversity & Inclusion Task Force and a founding member of the Financial Markets Latino Inclusion Group.

    Zach received a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University and serves as a member of the Cornell Latino Alumni Association board, a member of the Cornell Alumni Admission Ambassador Network, and a member of Christopher Columbus High School’s Alumni Association.


  • Lysette Leon Marketing & Operations Manager

    Ms. Leon is focused on managing LionGrove’s marketing and operational activities, as well as supporting the underwriting and asset management of the Firm’s investments. Ms. Leon joined LionGrove in 2021

    Prior to joining LionGrove, Ms. Leon worked as Sales Operations Manager at Prodema USA, a Basque based company that specializes in creating natural wood products of the highest quality for the world of architecture and interior design

    Prior to Prodema, USA, Ms. Leon worked at Preferred Hotels & Resorts as the Regional Office Administrator, where she worked directly with Executive Vice President of Worldwide Development, provided brand and marketing support to the Latin America, Florida/South Carolina, and Caribbean regions, and act as a regional brand liaison for the I Prefer Loyalty program, the world’s largest points-based loyalty program for independent hotels

    Before working with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Ms. Leon worked as the Executive Assistant Manager for Viceroy Miami hotel, where worked directly with the General Manager and Executive Committee, as well as managed and organized marketing and public relations initiatives with both the property and corporate teams alike. While there, she was also the special projects manager which handled the redesign and refurbishment of multiple areas throughout the hotel, including guest rooms, public areas and the Food and Beverage outlets

    Launching her career in hospitality, Ms. Leon worked in a variety of roles at Conrad Miami Hotel, starting as Sales & Marketing coordinator on the pre-opening team, then project coordinator for the refurbishment of the property, and ultimately managing the Marketing and Special Events for the Food & Beverage operation

    Ms. Leon is bilingual in English and Spanish


    INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUNDS

  • Luis Acevedo FINANCIAL ANALYST ACQUISITIONS & ASSET MANAGEMENT

    Mr. Luis Acevedo is an Analyst on the LionGrove Investments and Asset Management team. Luis joins LionGrove with one year of experience investing in real assets across the entire process, from acquisition to asset sale in Mexico. Furthermore, Luis has over 5 years of experience in financial analysis and market research.

    Before joining LionGrove, Luis was an Analyst at O’Donnell Capital Management. He played an active role in all aspects of the deal process, from deal sourcing through asset disposition. Luis led underwriting and financial modeling for a variety of industrial and retail investment opportunities, oversaw the due diligence process, and prepared investment memorandum for the firm’s investment committee. Over the course of one year, Luis completed the acquisition, development, fundraising, and financing for 2 projects totaling over $180 million and completed the financing for 4 additional projects totaling $130 million.

    Before joining O’Donnell Capital Management, Mr. Acevedo was an Associate at AMEXCAP. He managed market research and relations with general partners over 8 private capital strategies, including VC, growth and LBO, real estate, infrastructure and energy, debt, fund of funds, search funds, and family offices, where he published more than 8 market studies. Prior to joining AMEXCAP, Luis was an IR coordinator at Grupo Herdez, a consumer staples company where he played an active role in fundraising for a total of $200M in debt for debt refinancing and managed the relations with the buy and sell-side analysts. Luis’s experience includes working with owners, investors, general partners, and business leaders.

    Mr. Acevedo received his MBA degree from UDLAP University in Mexico and will obtain a Master in Science from the University of Houston in 2024.