Starwood Capital Group has hired Jared Melnik as a managing director and head of hotel acquisitions for the Americas. In his new role, he is responsible for sourcing and executing acquisition opportunities in the hospitality and leisure industries. Melnik, who is based in the firm’s New York office, began his new role on March 22.

“Jared will be an important addition to the Starwood Capital team as we continue to look for attractive investment opportunities in hospitality and leisure, an area where Starwood has always been an industry leader,” said Jennifer Barbetta, senior managing director/COO. “Throughout his career, Jared has displayed a talent for identifying compelling investments. He will play a key role as we continue to build on our strong track record for our investors.”

Melnik joins Starwood Capital after 15 years at KSL Capital Partners, a travel and leisure focused investment manager, where he most recently served as principal and member of its investment committee. In that role, he oversaw equity and debt investments in both hotels and leisure operating companies. He led the implementation of investment strategy and opportunity sourcing, and partnered with portfolio company management to drive operational improvement. Prior to KSL, he was an investment banker at Merrill Lynch.

“As a leader in real estate with a long track record of successful hospitality and leisure investments, joining Starwood Capital represents a unique opportunity to work alongside some of the industry’s most talented executives,” said Melnik. “I am excited to bring my expertise to the organization and look forward to building on its long-standing success.”