Jason Kalisman, the interim CEO of Morgans Hotel Group, has resigned, effective immediately. Howard Lorber has also been named chairman.
Kailsman, who took over Morgans following Michael Gross’ resignation last year, says he wants to spend more time on personal matters and will remain a member of the board. Lorber joined the board in March.
Richard Szymanski, Mirgans’ chief financial officer, will act as interim CEO while the board continues its search for a CEO, according to MarketWatch.
“On behalf of the entire board, I want to thank Jason for his past contributions and for his continuation as a director of the Company,” Lorber said in a press release. “Going forward, we will continue to build on our operational momentum and complete the strategic alternatives process in a timely manner.”
During his tenure Kailsman, had attempted to push Ron Burkle, who owned Morgans’ debt and preferred shares, out of the group. He had also struggled and failed to retain management control of the Mondrian Soho following its sale to Alex Sapir.
“After careful consideration and discussions with the board, I have decided it is in the best interests of the Company to resign from my position as interim CEO to attend to personal obligations,” Kalisman said. “I am incredibly proud of what we achieved during my time as CEO at Morgans and did not want my obligations to inhibit the strategic review process or slow the strong momentum our team has worked so hard to build over the past two years.”
Morgans Hotel Group operates the Delano in South Beach and the Hudson Hotel and Royalton in New York, among others. [Market Watch] – Christopher Cameron