Name: Michael B. Hoffmann
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-b-hoffmann-b0960a6
Facebook: @ArizonaBiltmoreAWaldorfAstoriaResort
Instagram: @ArizonaBiltmore
Website: ArizonaBiltmore.com
Age: “Old enough to teach and young enough to learn”
Title: Officially, Managing Director of the Arizona Biltmore. However, I prefer Cherry on Top, Head Sherpa or Chief Eudamonic Officer (Delivering Happiness)
Married/Single: Married 34 years to my wife, Knoppy
Kids: Zack (31) and Zoë (30)
City you live in: Carefree, AZ
A typical day in my life includes… an early morning rise and living each day to the fullest.
I was born… in Basel, Switzerland.
My favorite thing about Arizona… is the extraordinary diversity of the landscapes, seasons and beauty of the desert.
I’m listening to… tunes that inspire and movie scores. The ones that come to mind are “Hall of Fame” by The Script ft. will.i.am, “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman, and the genius of John Williams and Hans Zimmer found in the scores of Star Wars and Pirates of the Carribean.
My family… is my rock, both our kids love to cook so it’s a big party when we are all together.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… Walt Disney to appreciate his creativity and vision.
One thing I cannot live without… my wife Knoppy. She gets me and understands the importance of my relationship, passion and commitment to the Hotels/Resorts I’m entrusted to lead.
When I was younger, I wanted to be… a stockbroker for a major Swiss Bank.
I’m inspired by… personally how my kids show up in life. Professionally, by the team I get to work with and their desire to create magical service experiences and moments for our guests every day.
The one person who motivates me is… my morning Peloton instructor – they push me every day to be my best.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… take hate and aggression off the table globally.
The perfect day would be… early morning Peloton workout, finishing a great read so I can start another, picking up my kids from the airport and finishing with a homecooked family dinner.
My first job was… working in a small lakeside restaurant in Switzerland, where I worked in every role, learning the business from the ground up.
My favorite escape… A good book and consistent exercise/wellness routine.
My life… has been filled with good fortune, affording me to travel globally and work with the most amazing talent in hospitality through Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, The Peninsula, Hong Kong, Claridges, London and closing the Waldorf Astoria in New York, Inn at Perry Cabin and now the Arizona Biltmore.
I’m currently working on… mastering my presentation and public speaking skills.
Always… Take the high road, not for the world to see you, but for you to see the world.
Never… Ever give up!
Favorite Quote… I have two: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” & “The difficult we do immediately, the impossible takes a few minutes longer.”
Biggest Dream… Sail the Greek and Turkish Isles on a Gulet.
My Pet Peeve(s)… People who don’t use headphones in public, (dining room FaceTime, plane conversations, poolside music) and forget that NOT everybody wants to share in their excitement, conversations or music tastes.
Bio-on yourself/company: As a hotelier with nearly four decades of luxury hospitality under my belt, I have seen everything and am surprised by nothing. That is one of the reasons I was drawn to my current role as managing director at none other than the iconic Arizona Biltmore. The resort is a nearly-century-old grand dame of the desert southwest, and I am thrilled to be continuing the $170 million+ reinvention and restoration of the sprawling 39-acre Frank Lloyd Wright inspired desert gem.
I began my career in Switzerland, where I was born and raised. After receiving a Diploma of Hotel Administration from the Lausanne Hotel School in 1983, I moved to the U.S. to begin my career with the Four Seasons Resort in Dallas, Texas. From there, I worked for Ritz- Carlton Hotel and Resorts, The Peninsula Group in New York, Hong Kong and California, the Bacara Resort and Spa, and the Ocean Club, Paradise Island. I also served as Hilton’s vice president of brand performance, overseeing the rapid expansion of Hilton’s luxury portfolio of Conrad and Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts. I also oversaw the closure of the Waldorf Astoria New York for renovations. Most recently, I worked as a managing director for Perry Cabin Resorts & Golf.
The Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, is a 1929 Art Deco masterpiece, known for its exceptional guest experiences amidst 705 plush pet and family-friendly guestrooms, refreshed standalone luxury cottages, and 200,000 square feet of meeting space.
