StepStone Hospitality Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

StepStone Hospitality has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and financial management.

Focused on delivering superior value through expert hotel management, StepStone Hospitality prioritizes margin expansion and guest satisfaction across a diverse portfolio of full-service properties.

Leadership Roles at StepStone Hospitality

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Blair Wills
  • Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner - Thomas Russo
  • Chief Financial Officer - Gary Obert
  • Chief Operating Officer - Michael Broadhurst
  • Blair Wills - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Blair Wills, the President & Chief Executive Officer at StepStone Hospitality, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Overseeing the entire portfolio of full-service hotel and restaurant operations, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that every asset aligns with the company mission of maximizing owner value. Blair Wills maintains a rigorous focus on market positioning, driving North American initiatives to capture new growth opportunities within the competitive lodging sector. By fostering strong relationships with institutional partners and property owners, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary resources for sustained operational excellence. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of industry trends to maintain a competitive edge. Through the implementation of high-level performance metrics, the President & Chief Executive Officer guarantees that all managed properties achieve optimal financial results while upholding the highest standards of guest satisfaction across the entire hospitality landscape.
    Blair Wills

    Thomas Russo - Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner

    Thomas Russo, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner at StepStone Hospitality, architects the firm's investment philosophy and strategic asset management framework. Managing the partnership structure, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner identifies high-potential acquisition targets that fit the company's specialized operational model. Thomas Russo drives the expansion of the firm's footprint by cultivating deep connections with capital providers and real estate developers. This leadership role requires balancing complex financial structures with the practical realities of hotel management to ensure long-term asset appreciation. By overseeing the strategic direction of the partnership, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner aligns corporate goals with the specific needs of diverse hotel owners. Through meticulous oversight of investment performance, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner ensures that the firm consistently delivers enhanced value, solidifying the company's reputation as a premier manager of full-service hospitality assets in the broader market.

    Gary Obert - Chief Financial Officer

    Gary Obert, the Chief Financial Officer at StepStone Hospitality, directs the financial health and fiscal planning for the entire organization. Overseeing all accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting functions, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains a robust balance sheet while supporting the growth of the hotel portfolio. Gary Obert manages the capital allocation process, providing the necessary financial oversight to drive margin expansion and revenue enhancement across all managed properties. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to analyze investment risks and evaluate the financial viability of new management contracts. By implementing sophisticated financial controls and reporting systems, the Chief Financial Officer provides the transparency required for successful asset management. Through the diligent management of fiscal resources, Gary Obert secures the financial stability of the firm, enabling the company to continue delivering world-class results for clients and stakeholders within the competitive hospitality sector.
    Gary Obert

    Michael Broadhurst - Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Broadhurst, the Chief Operating Officer at StepStone Hospitality, executes the day-to-day management protocols for the company's extensive portfolio of full-service hotels and restaurants. Overseeing the implementation of operational standards, the Chief Operating Officer drives efficiency across all departments, from front-of-house guest services to back-of-house food and beverage operations. Michael Broadhurst monitors property-level performance to ensure that margin expansion targets remain on track while maintaining superior guest satisfaction scores. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional managers to standardize service delivery and optimize labor costs across diverse geographic markets. By refining internal processes and leveraging data-driven insights, the Chief Operating Officer improves the overall profitability of every managed asset. Through constant engagement with property leadership teams, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the company's hands-on management philosophy translates into tangible results, effectively supporting the firm's commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding StepStone Hospitality Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads StepStone Hospitality?
    StepStone Hospitality is led by Blair Wills (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Thomas Russo (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner) and Gary Obert (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of StepStone Hospitality’s executive team?
    The executive team of StepStone Hospitality includes leaders such as Blair Wills (President & Chief Executive Officer), Thomas Russo (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner), Gary Obert (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does StepStone Hospitality have?
    StepStone Hospitality has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in StepStone Hospitality’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of StepStone Hospitality includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.