With over 35 years of distinguished leadership in hospitality operations, project management, and multi-unit oversight, Michael Daddona has established himself as an inspirational and results-oriented executive. His career reflects a deep passion for people, performance, and profitability, as well as a steadfast belief that leadership is about inspiring and influencing others to realize their full potential. Michael’s approach to leadership goes beyond traditional management—he empowers teams to take ownership, builds trust through accountability, and cultivates a high-performance culture grounded in core values.
A trusted strategist and mentor, Michael has consistently delivered operational turnarounds, optimized financial outcomes, and enhanced guest satisfaction across a diverse array of hotel brands, including Radisson, Marriott, Hilton, and Extended Stay America. At ESA, where he served as Senior Vice President of Operations for the North Division—including the U.S. and Canada—he led a portfolio of 200 properties, holding responsibility for over 2000 associates, five senior regional directors and several task forces managers. Under his leadership the division earned the highest margins, cleanliness, service, and overall guest experience scores among three national divisions as well as maintaining the lowest turnover rate in the company at 92% below the 12-month rolling average.
Michael’s financial acumen is matched by his hands-on operational leadership. He has consistently driven strategic initiatives that improve RevPAR, EBITDA, and brand equity by aligning teams with the company’s value proposition and ensuring that both guests and associates remain the focus of every decision. Notably, he achieved $3.3 million in expense reductions in just six months, raised the guest experience index by 54%, and led the successful franchising of over 30 properties.
He has extensive experience in new asset development, including room layout planning, pricing, marketing, ROI forecasting, and franchise fee negotiations—crucial for ESA’s expansion through new builds and franchise transitions. Michael also brings substantial expertise in asset management of extended stay residential properties, working closely with executive and field-level facilities teams to uphold standards of safety, cleanliness, and functionality.
Michael’s operational philosophy is rooted in simplicity: take care of associates, and they will take care of guests. His consistent efforts to enhance employee engagement—through appreciation events, recognition programs like White Glove and Silver Wrench, and open communication—have made measurable impacts on employee satisfaction and retention, building brand loyalty and sustainable value.
Strategically, Michael thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments. His work with the organizational “Triangle” of VP of Sales, VP of Revenue Management, and Operations created a model for strategic alignment that drove consistent EBITDA performance. Through data-driven planning, prioritization, and resource deployment—including job fairs, market blitzes, and targeted training—he has optimized workforce placement and accelerated business growth in competitive markets.
Earlier in his career Michael held such roles as General Manager for several independent as well as name brand Hotels and resorts. While GM of an independent DC hotel, he received several Certificates of Honor from the Department of State for outstanding service to the bureau for both foreign and domestic diplomats. Throughout his career, he also was recognized as General Manager of the year.
Michael holds a degree in Business Management from Tunxis Technical College in Farmington, CT. Today, he continues to consult and advise in the hospitality sector, providing executive guidance on business growth, operational effectiveness, and leadership development.
Whether leading transformational change across a national hotel division or mentoring the next generation of hospitality leaders, Michael Daddona remains driven by a core mission: to inspire, influence, and create lasting impact through disciplined leadership and an unwavering focus on people.
Character
Michael Daddona is a values-driven leader whose long-standing commitment to integrity, empowerment, and excellence has earned the trust and respect of associates, peers, and partners throughout his career. He leads by example, fostering a culture of accountability and mutual respect that inspires teams to reach their full potential.
Knowledge
With deep operational expertise across financial planning, asset development, and multi-unit oversight, Michael effectively links high-level strategy with on-the-ground execution. His ability to interpret data, implement scalable systems, and align performance goals with business outcomes reflects a mastery of both tactical operations and strategic growth.
Strategic
Michael’s leadership is guided by a clear and adaptable vision that consistently delivers sustainable results. His implementation of the “Triangle” model—unifying sales, revenue management, and operations—demonstrates his talent for cross-functional collaboration and his focus on driving EBITDA and margin improvement year over year.
Communication
An empathetic and persuasive communicator, Michael excels in building trust and fostering alignment across all levels of an organization. Whether mentoring emerging leaders or engaging executive stakeholders, he promotes a culture of transparency, inclusion, and shared success through consistent dialogue and recognition.
