Chicago, Illinois, United States
As an accomplished Corporate Attorney with 20+ years of domestic and international experience, David applies a commercial-outcome approach toward driving strategic and accretive transactional activity and resolving contractual disputes. He excels at building consensus and driving cross-functional alignment by translating complex commercial and legal issues into actionable possibilities for his business partners. David currently serves as the Senior Vice President, Corporate Transactions Group for Hyatt Hotels Corporation and has built a reputation as a commercially savvy attorney, supportive champion of people, and organizational leader with the ability to infuse a connected culture by optimizing the strengths and talents of all contributors. Interests: running | hiking | skiing | novice wine enthusiast
Lead legal practice supporting Hyatt's Latin America and Caribbean portfolio of hotels and all-inclusive resorts. Manage legal function for corporate transactions, growth and development, asset management, hotel operations, and Amstar and Unlimited Vacation Club business units. Support corporate acquisitions and integration for growth of Hyatt's all-inclusive business unit.
Managed legal team of five colleagues responsible for restructuring and resolution of commercial and legal matters relating to Management and Franchise Agreements, joint ventures, and preferred equity positions for Hyatt's US, Canadian and Latin America/Caribbean portfolios. Managed oversight and administration of Hyatt's Global Asset Management Committee responsible for review and approval of asset management related transactions.
Led a team of five colleagues globally engaging a wide range of corporate transactions impacting Hyatt’s portfolio of management contracts, franchise agreements, leasehold interests, and joint venture positions, with the objective of preserving long-term asset viability, contract value and tenure. Led Hyatt's participation in the initial public offering of an Indian joint venture on India's Bombay and National stock exchanges.
Contributed to all phases of commercial real estate development including acquisition, financing, annexation, and zoning. Drafted and negotiated contracts for the acquisition and disposition of commercial real estate properties. Represented landlords and tenants in drafting and negotiating office, retail and industrial space leases.
Participated in all aspects of commercial real estate sales and acquisitions including reviewing, drafting, and negotiating purchase and sales agreements and loan documents. Reviewed tax structure memoranda and drafted distribution, co-tenancy, and exchange agreements in §1031 exchange transactions.
Researched and drafted articles and memoranda relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Fair Housing Act. Assisted in review and organization of case files.