Chief Technology Officer

• Apr 2018 - Present

Gerard is responsible for the overall technology and information security posture of Tarsadia Investments and its portfolio companies. Based in Newport Beach, California, Tarsadia Investments is a private investment firm providing capital and strategic support for companies with substantial growth potential. The principals and investors of Tarsadia Investments have been acquiring real estate and operating companies since 1976. The team currently manages approximately $2 billion in private equity capital and has completed more than 200 acquisition and sale transactions totaling in excess of $4 billion. Tarsadia is a supportive and value-enhancing capital partner with a history of seeking out and working with exceptional management teams. Our investors’ long track record of success is a result of our unique culture, which fosters transparency, collaboration and a disciplined investing approach. Show less

SVP, Chief Information Officer

• Nov 2015 - Nov 2017

At Aimbridge Hospitality, Gerard and his team were responsible for the overall technology management of the largest and fastest-growing hospitality management company in the United States. At Aimbridge, Gerard was part of a senior executive team which managed more than 700 properties, 20,000 employees, and $3 billion in revenue. At Aimbridge Hospitality, Gerard and his team were responsible for the overall technology management of the largest and fastest-growing hospitality management company in the United States. At Aimbridge, Gerard was part of a senior executive team which managed more than 700 properties, 20,000 employees, and $3 billion in revenue.

Vice President of IT and Founding Partner

• Jan 2011 - Nov 2015

• Led IT function at fast-growing hospitality management company. Principal architect for all systems with emphasis on the development and support of automated processes, interfaces and workflows. • Developed and managed team of talented professionals and vendors with a particular focus on ensuring skillsets were aligned with business strategy. Established a culture of accountability, responsiveness, and documentation. • Consistently improved enterprise collaboration and productivity through the design and introduction of tools such as Evolink (SharePoint), EHInsider, EHAccess, Toolbox and KSF. These tools allowed for secure access to systems and data, including business intelligence, forecasting, financial reporting, shared files and other platforms from any location at any time. • Designed web-based checklists and dashboards to greatly improve speed and accuracy during hotel acquisitions, decreasing the need for corporate oversight as we grew. • Managed 3rd-party vendors and contracts with particular emphasis on the establishment and enforcement of service level agreements (SLAs). • Provided extensive low-voltage consulting and plan review during hotel construction (new-build and remodel). • Oversaw implementation of all customer-facing technology in hotels. Among other accomplishments managed installation of the first fully-implemented, high-definition, video-on-demand system in North America at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego. • Responsible for the design and administration of: Windows server infrastructure; Citrix farm; router and switch configuration; change management process; Microsoft Exchange server; security, PCI compliance, imaging, document management; and corporate disaster recovery and business continuity plans. • Recipient of Evolution Hospitality 2012 Extra Mile Award • Recipient, along with entire IT Team, of 2014 True North Award Show less

Vice President of IT

• Jun 2006 - Jan 2011

Sr. Vice President, Information Technology

• Mar 2003 - Apr 2006

Managed all technology components of the organization. Reported directly to the president. Managed all technology components of the organization. Reported directly to the president.

Director, Information Technology

• Nov 2001 - Mar 2003

• Overall IT management for a Southern California-based communications consulting company. • Responsible for the smooth and efficient operation of both corporate and client networks. • Designed, configured and administered dozens of Windows 2000 Server networks, specializing in: network security; HIPPA compliance, Microsoft Exchange administration; custom server design; tape backup; data recovery; on-site disaster recovery; datacenter relocation; collocation services; VOIP, remote access, VPN; and Linux and Windows-based web hosting. • Managed software development projects in a variety of industries, including healthcare, mortgage, transportation and travel services. • Gained considerable experience in troubleshooting, network documentation, re-design for scalability, security analysis, server hardening, and change management. Show less

General Manager

• Aug 1995 - Sep 2001

• Responsible for the overall management of a high-profile, nationally renowned, custom-car building and automotive-parts manufacturing company. • Directed all aspects of the business including IT, manufacturing, project management, finance, sales, marketing, human resources, purchasing, inventory control, accounting and operations. • Negotiated the sale of company to Holley Performance Products in January 2000. • Orchestrated successful merger of So-Cal Speed Shop with Nitrous Oxide Systems (NOS) at Pomona facility. • Worked with Holley Performance Products executive team on successful merger and acquisition of 3 other west-coast high-performance manufacturing companies, including Hooker Headers, Weiand Automotive, and Earl’s Plumbing. Helped integrate all systems, inventory and personnel into facilities in Bowling Green, Ky., and Pomona, Calif. • Negotiated and developed successful national licensing program, and launched 3 new So-CaI Speed Shops in Arizona, Colorado and Texas. • Designed, configured and administered Windows NT 4.0 network and Cisco router and switch infrastructure. Show less

National Sales Manager

• Jan 1995 - Aug 1995

• Managed sales team for world-famous wheel manufacturing company. Achieved 20% growth during tenure. • Led effort to provide market research, forecasting and industry analysis for the company’s successful IPO. • Managed sales team for world-famous wheel manufacturing company. Achieved 20% growth during tenure. • Led effort to provide market research, forecasting and industry analysis for the company’s successful IPO.

Director of Marketing

• Jan 1989 - Jan 1995

• Oversaw the marketing and membership of national trade association. Held positions of increasing responsibility such as editor of SEMA News, director of education services and director of membership. • Responsible for production of the annual SEMA Market Study, the de facto standard for market research into the specialty equipment automotive market. • Assisted member companies with necessary research and underwriting to pursue funding and IPOs. • Oversaw the marketing and membership of national trade association. Held positions of increasing responsibility such as editor of SEMA News, director of education services and director of membership. • Responsible for production of the annual SEMA Market Study, the de facto standard for market research into the specialty equipment automotive market. • Assisted member companies with necessary research and underwriting to pursue funding and IPOs.