Eric Gavin

A seasoned hospitalitian, Eric Gavin brings a wealth of experience in the industry, particularly in driving operational excellence and strategic growth. For the past 20 years, Eric has been active, commercial strategy, sales and operations for independent and branded organizations including Loews Hotels, Salamander, Noble House and Benchmark Hospitality. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Benchmark, Pyramid’s Independent, Luxury & Lifestyle division. Before this role, he was the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Benchmark, where he played a key role in shaping the company’s vision and overseeing daily operations. Prior to rejoining Benchmark in 2018, Eric was the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Salamander Hotels & Resorts, where he led the execution of the company’s strategic sales and marketing vision and brand execution. Earlier in his career, Eric held the position of Regional Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Benchmark, leading the sales operations and teams for hotels and resorts throughout Florida, California, Tennessee, and the Caribbean. He also served as Vice President of Marketing for Noble House Hotels & Resorts. Eric’s leadership journey is marked by his expertise in operational efficiency, sales and marketing, commercial strategy, and strategic planning, making him a dynamic and results-driven leader in luxury and lifestyle hospitality. Eric’s leadership style is all about collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. He believes in empowering the team to achieve their best and creating a work environment that sparks creativity and excellence. His approach aligns perfectly with Makeready’s culture and guiding principles, emphasizing brand strength, performance, and people-first leadership. A University of South Carolina Aiken Alumni, Eric loves traveling with his wife Jenn and their three teenagers: Riley (19), Jamieson (16), and Addison (14). When he’s not on the move, you can find him grilling up a storm and sharing his family and cooking adventures on Instagram as an amateur influencer.