SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. (December 23, 2015) – Scott Mason has been named general manager of the highly anticipated Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley, Arizona, which is expected to open mid-year 2016 as the brand’s second full service resort in North America. Mason is responsible for the management, operations and marketing of the new 201-room resort.

Mason has a distinguished career in hospitality, which includes 17 years with Hyatt and various management roles at several properties throughout the country. Most recently, he served as general manager of The Driskill, one of Austin’s most iconic hotels. During his two-year tenure, Mason oversaw Hyatt’s transition as owner and operator of the historic downtown hotel and directed an $8 million renovation project.

Previously, Mason served as general manger of the 451-room Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center during its own $4 million renovation and general manager for Park Hyatt Beaver Creek in Colorado, where he directed a $28 million renovation and also led some of the resort’s inventory through a fractional ownership conversion. Earlier in his career, Mason was hotel manager for Park Hyatt Chicago and the landmark Stanhope Park Hyatt in New York City.

“Scott brings a great sense of community and passion to our new Scottsdale project,” said Marc Ellin, senior vice president, field operations, Hyatt. “In addition to his strong business acumen and leadership skills, Scott brings a great deal of experience and expertise in the luxury market, which makes him extremely well suited to debut Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa.”

“The Andaz brand strives to enhance guests’ unique and personal style, and I am honored to be working alongside such an inspiring team here in Scottsdale to bring the Andaz experience to life for our future guests and the local community,” said Scott Mason, general manager of Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa. “We are excited to incorporate the cultural and artistic influences that are indigenous to the southwest to create distinct, memorable experiences for those looking to explore and really immerse themselves in the local culture. The resort, in this unique destination, will be a wonderful addition to the brand’s growing portfolio of Andaz resorts.”

Prior to joining Hyatt, Mason spent several years working in a variety of management positions for Disney’s resort operations and theme park management. He is also a graduate of the Disney Management Development program.

Throughout his career, Mason has been an engaged community leader in the cities where he has worked and lived. While in Austin, he served on the Board of Directors for several organizations, including the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association, the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau, Austin Hotel & Lodging Association, and the Board of Directors for Preservation Austin, formerly the Heritage Society. He also previously served as vice chair for the Board of Governors for the Vail Valley Partnership. Mason continues to be an active member of Hyatt’s Diversity and Inclusion Council since 2009, serving as chairman from 2010-2012. He plans to become a local supporter of Cattle Track Art Compound and the Desert Discovery Center in Scottsdale.

A Colorado native, Mason is a graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in Hospitality, Meeting and Travel Administration. He is a 2009 graduate of the General Managers Program at Cornell University. Mason resides in Scottsdale with his wife and in his free time enjoys golf, fitness and travel.

For more information about Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa please visit www.scottsdale.andaz.hyatt.com.