Carlos Pizaña is a dynamic and accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of hospitality and technology. Known for his ability to connect strategic vision with operational excellence, Carlos has helped evolve traditional hospitality models by integrating advanced technological solutions to enhance guest experiences and streamline operations. From hotel management to product ownership, he has successfully led cross-functional teams across industries and generations, always with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and long-term results.
Carlos began his career on the front lines of the hospitality industry, gaining firsthand experience in hotel operations with well-known brands such as MGM Grand Detroit, Crowne Plaza, and Sheraton. These early roles taught him the importance of customer service, detail-oriented management, and the vital role hospitality plays in creating memorable experiences. His journey from Guest Services Manager to Rooms Division Manager was fueled by his deep curiosity about systems, people, and how they intersect to deliver excellence.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management from Eastern Michigan University, Carlos grounded his hands-on experience with formal education in hospitality operations. He quickly became known for his leadership in managing front office operations, rooms division logistics, and yield management. Throughout his hospitality tenure, Carlos consistently sought out ways to improve operational efficiency while keeping guest satisfaction at the center of every initiative.
Carlos’ career took a pivotal turn when he transitioned into technology leadership roles, applying his hospitality expertise to hospitality-adjacent technologies. As Service Desk Manager at Ipanema Solutions, he led tech support operations that serviced large hotel clients, ensuring systems performed seamlessly to support both guests and staff. His success in this role laid the foundation for a broader leadership journey at the intersection of product development and hospitality technology.
As Technical Product Owner at Allbridge, Carlos led product strategy and execution for a suite of solutions serving hospitality and multi-dwelling unit (MDU) environments. These included voice, video, networks, and building systems infrastructure. He worked closely with development teams, sales stakeholders, and clients to craft solutions tailored to each property’s unique needs. His leadership helped bridge technical execution with real-world hospitality challenges, delivering tools that improved service delivery and operations.
A key area of passion for Carlos is the integration of artificial intelligence into hospitality technology. He views AI not just as a tool for efficiency, but as a game-changer for anticipating guest needs, reducing manual processes, and enabling smarter decision-making. His forward-thinking mindset allows him to see beyond today’s requirements and envision scalable solutions for the future of the industry.
Carlos is also passionate about building bridges across generations in the workplace. He believes in the strength of diverse teams and the value of creating environments where both seasoned professionals and emerging talent can thrive together. He’s known for his ability to communicate clearly across roles and backgrounds, empowering his teams to collaborate effectively and with purpose.
Despite a career rooted in the U.S., Carlos is eager to expand his impact globally. He is open to international travel and remote opportunities, driven by a strong desire to bring his unique blend of hospitality insight and tech leadership to global markets. His inclusive mindset and adaptability make him a compelling partner for organizations seeking growth and transformation in fast-paced or culturally diverse settings.
Outside of work, Carlos is a family-oriented individual who enjoys music, movies, media, gardening, and video games. These personal interests ground him, offering a creative outlet and reinforcing his belief in balance, empathy, and continuous growth. He brings these values to the boardroom and leadership table, always seeking to connect authentically with those around him.
Now actively exploring board opportunities, Carlos is ready to lend his voice and experience to organizations seeking insight in hospitality, technology, and innovation. He is especially drawn to mission-driven enterprises that embrace emerging technologies, support collaborative leadership, and value human-centered design.
Character:
Carlos Pizaña is known for his grounded leadership and authentic approach, built on values like empathy, integrity, and collaboration. He consistently fosters a positive culture where teams feel respected, heard, and empowered to contribute their best.
Knowledge:
With 20 years of experience in hospitality operations and adjacent technologies, Carlos brings deep expertise in both frontline service and backend systems. His knowledge spans hotel management, product development, AI integration, and customer-centric tech solutions.
Strategic:
Carlos excels at aligning big-picture goals with actionable steps, ensuring that product vision, team efforts, and client needs stay in sync. He brings a forward-thinking mindset that drives long-term value while remaining flexible in fast-changing environments.
Communication:
A natural bridge-builder, Carlos communicates effectively across generations, departments, and technical backgrounds. He translates complexity into clarity, helping teams and stakeholders align quickly and collaborate with confidence.
