Hans Van Wees, Managing Director
An accomplished leader and strategic thinker in the hospitality industry, Hans has senior leadership experience in large, branded full-service convention and resort hotels in Europe and the Caribbean as well as general management of unique Vermont hospitality properties including the Trapp Family Lodge.
Following his officer’s training in the Dutch army, Hans started his career in the Netherlands with Sonesta International Hotels and Resorts, transferred to Bermuda and finally to the United States. As general manager of the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont, Hans gained extensive experience with matters unique to managing an independent business in the hospitality industry. He has provided consulting services to a variety of businesses in New England, including Jay Peak Resort, where he led the opening activities of the Tram Haus Lodge, a boutique hotel that is part of the resort’s recent $200 million expansion program.
Hans is passionate about sustainable development and operating practices in the hospitality industry and is a speaker on the subject at conferences worldwide. He has served as chairman of the Vermont Hospitality Council, and was an adjunct professor at Johnson State College where he taught in the Business Department.
A native of the Netherlands, Hans studied Hospitality Management at one of Europe’s top Hotel Schools and obtained an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He is fluent in English and Dutch and has a solid knowledge of German and French. Hans and his wife Karen live in Burlington, Vermont with their children Isaac and Olivia where they enjoy sailing on Lake Champlain as well as biking, hiking and cross country skiing throughout Vermont.