DENVER — Stonebridge Cos., a Denver-based, privately owned, innovative hotel owner, operator and developer, announced Steve Kakaty joined the team as Chief Investment Officer.

With more than 16 years of experience in the real estate industry, Kakaty will spearhead Stonebridge’s real estate platform. Stonebridge has been on the path towards expedited growth of both its third-party hotel management business as well as its real estate portfolio as it plans to add over $1 billion in properties following a recent investment made by TowerBrook Capital Partners and other private investors.

“Our trademark Distinguished Hospitality™ is at the heart of everything we do, including the strategic selection of our team members,” said Stonebridge Founder, CEO and Chairman Navin C. Dimond. “Steve’s invaluable, robust experience within the lodging sector blended with his professionalism and exceptional expertise will elevate Stonebridge as we continue to expand our hotel portfolio.”

Prior to joining Stonebridge Cos., Kakaty worked at Rockwood Capital, supporting both the firm’s acquisitions and asset management efforts across its hospitality investments. Along with his experience at Rockwood, Kakaty was also an associate at Cushman & Wakefield where he focused on appraisals in the lodging sector. He received a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University, School of Hotel Administration.