Leadership
Our Leaders
A&R Group is led by a team of experienced operators and builders who bring deep industry knowledge and a shared commitment to disciplined, long-term growth across every aspect of the business.
Ken Patel
Chief Executive Officer
Ken Patel is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of A&R Group, where he leads the company's strategic direction and long-term growth. After immigrating to the United States in 1996, he began his career in hospitality by managing a family-owned hotel before acquiring his first property in 1998.
That foundation established a disciplined, hands-on approach that continues to define A&R's model today. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a vertically integrated platform operating a portfolio of nationally recognized hotel brands across the Southeast and beyond.
Angela Patel
Principal
Angela Patel serves as Principal of A&R Group, where she plays a key role in shaping the company's operational strategy and portfolio performance. She began her career working hands-on in the family's hotel operations, gaining experience across every aspect of property-level execution.
That foundation informs her leadership today, particularly in revenue strategy, sales, and operational oversight. Known for her deep understanding of hotel performance and team development, she works closely with leadership to drive consistent results across the portfolio.
Robert Avila
President of Hospitality
Robert Avila leads hospitality operations across A&R Group's growing portfolio of hotel assets. He oversees all aspects of property performance, including revenue management, sales, and day-to-day operations, while managing financial reporting and communication with ownership partners.
Known for his people-first leadership style, Avila focuses on building strong, aligned teams that deliver consistent results and elevated guest experiences across the portfolio.
Brenda Johnson
President of A&R Design
Brenda Johnson leads A&R Design, overseeing interior design strategy across the company's hotel portfolio. With more than 30 years of experience spanning hospitality, commercial, and residential design, she brings a deep understanding of how design impacts both guest experience and asset performance.
Since joining A&R, she has played a key role in shaping the look, feel, and functionality of the company's properties. Her leadership focuses on delivering thoughtful, high-quality design solutions that align with operational goals and enhance long-term value.
Zach Hoyt
President of Development
Zach Hoyt leads development strategy at A&R Group, overseeing deal sourcing, underwriting, and execution across the company's growing pipeline. Since joining A&R, he has played a key role in building the development platform from the ground up, contributing to the underwriting of over $500 million in opportunities and the execution of more than $300 million in transactions.
With experience spanning operations, sales, and development, Hoyt brings a well-rounded perspective to identifying and advancing high-performing assets. His leadership is focused on disciplined growth, long-term value creation, and strengthening A&R's development capabilities across the Southeast.
