Jeff David was the 1st colleague hired at Viceroy Anguilla (VA) in 2007 as part of the preopening team. It was his 2nd time returning toAnguillaas a result of his job. He immediately proved he was no stranger to the island and like the 1st time around, became part of the fabric of island life. Jeff drove Ms. Eileen Carty to church on Sunday mornings, he was a member of the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association (AHTA), he was an advisor to a number of local entities, he worked out at the Dungeon Gym and was a familiar face around town. All you had to say was, “Jeff can we talk” and he made the time.
Jeff left Anguilla for a brief while to pursue roles at Viceroy Palm Springs andTidesSouthBeach. In 2009, he moved toAspenColoradoto open the Viceroy Snowmass. Viceroy Snowmass is Viceroy Hotel Group’s (VHG) 1st ski resort and 1st “green” hotel, with a Gold Certification from the US Sanctioned LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Within the first year of opening, the Hotel was the #1 hotel inColoradoon Trip Advisor. In addition, Viceroy Snowmass was the only hotel in VHG’s portfolio to top both guest and colleague satisfaction.
In 2009, VHG relocated Jeff back toAnguilla, this time as General Manager of the Resort. He was tasked with opening the full Resort and positioning VA as the number 1 employer of choice, on the island. During his tenure, Jeff also facilitated a Chapter 11 bankruptcy and ownership transition, stabilize service and manage the public and market reputation of the $550 million dollar Resort.
Jeff’s legacy is his creative genius, passionate leadership, strong community involvement and business acumen. He orchestrated 2 successful festive seasons in a row, averaging $8 million in revenue for the period with villas going for $17,500 per night hosting guests such as Paul McCartney, Michael Jordan, Ellen DeGeneres and Shaquille O’Neill. In just its 2nd year of operations, the VA has been named #4 in all of theAmericasby the UK Conde Nast Traveller and grew +$18 million since 2010; achieving profitability this year.
Jeff, his wife Kim and his son Gabriel along with the staff of Viceroy Anguilla and well wishers, celebrated all of Jeff’s accomplishments during his last week with the Resort. There was a staff party honouring Jeff and his family, a dinner with the AHTA, meetings with the Government and many visits and lunches with members of the community and staff. On Saturday, October 27th, a number of colleagues and friends met at the Ferry Terminal to see Jeff and his family off. In parting, he said, “…in no way can I say this is my last time on island. I always seem to end up back inAnguilla.”
Jeff will be greatly missed. However, his new role as the opening Managing Director of the 1st luxury hotel, Knickerbocker, in famedTimes Squareis a great opportunity for him and his family. Jeff will be responsible for all aspects of the Knickerbocker’s historic re-opening, from the initial branding to execution.
We the colleagues of Viceroy Anguilla, wish Jeff all the best in his new endeavour!
