Our Executive Team

Timothy Busch Founder and Chief Executive Officer

A true hospitality visionary and leader, Tim Busch brings over 35 years of business and hospitality industry experience to his role as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Hospitality Group, which is a premier hotel development and management firm with 13 hotels and resorts located throughout the United States.

Based in Irvine, California, the company owns, manages, finances and develops hotels in iconic destinations. PHG serves as the parent company to a portfolio of lifestyle and luxury properties known as the Meritage Collection. Meritage Collection hotels include Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa near San Diego, Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort in Kauai, and two Napa Valley properties – The Meritage Resort and Spa and Vista Collina Resort.

With an extensive finance, legal, and management background, Tim has founded and led many companies, including The Busch Firm, which specializes in high-net worth estate planning, tax, and real estate and business legal transactions.

Tim, an attorney, CPA and licensed California real estate broker, graduated from Wayne State Law School.  The father of two, along with his wife Steph, is also an active supporter of several prominent Catholic organizations and was instrumental in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange’s purchase of the Crystal Cathedral.

Garrett Busch President

Garrett S. Busch, in his role as President of Pacific Hospitality Group, is responsible for driving the strategy and operations for the company’s hospitality assets. In this role, Garrett oversees all of PHG, as well as the growing portfolio’s performance and footprint. Garrett’s personal passion is to further grow the Meritage Collection 4-diamond brand.

Garrett also oversses Capital Markets, heading up the development, acquisition, investor relations, and debt financing. He leads the investment strategy for PHG, focusing on long term cash flow of assets. Under Garrett’s leadership will be all asset management, property operations, human resources, sales, marketing and revenue management.

Garrett received his undergraduate degree in business and his MBA from the University of Notre Dame where he majored in Entrepreneurship and Finance, respectively. Garrett also has 10 years of experience as CEO of his family winery Trinitas Cellars. In 2019 Garrett led the founding of PHG’s first Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund: PHG OZ I, LLC. Garrett helped successfully form, fund, and deploy PHG OZ I, LLC into PHG’s co-development of a 238-room Hyatt Place Phoenix, Downtown in Phoenix, while in 2020 securing funding to acquire Hotel Granduca in Austin, TX.

Tony ZandGeneral Counsel

Tony serves as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Pacific Hospitality Group and its affiliated hotel properties.  He oversees the company’s legal affairs including corporate governance, labor and employment law, litigation, negotiations, risk management, real estate, securities, and regulatory compliance.

Tony works closely with the executive team providing counsel across all disciplines in order to advance company interests and maximize investor returns.  Since joining the company in 2014 Tony has worked with PHG’s development team and the Busch Firm on over $1 billion in acquisitions and dispositions, debt restructuring, and refinancing while actively collaborating on new opportunities. 

Ajeet K. Anand Sr. Vice President, Commercialization

Ajeet Anand is the Senior Vice President of Commercialization for PHG. In this capacity, Ms. Anand oversees all commercial efforts for our portfolio of properties, both independents and branded.

Ajeet is additionally responsible for all branding efforts for the portfolio, playing a critical role in building brands and customer experience. Ajeet is a 20+ year hospitality veteran, with experience with large management companies such as Starwood, Dolce and Wyndham, as well as start-up hospitality brands such as China-based Cachet Hotels & Resorts.  Ajeet’s experience is centered around driving strategy and execution in areas steeped in the intersection of sales, marketing and revenue.  Ajeet holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in Strategy and Marketing from Georgetown University in Washington, DC and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Public Communications and International Business from the American University in Washington, DC.

Kenzie VathVice President Strategic Innovation

Kenzie Vath is the Vice President Strategic Innovation for PHG. As the Vice President Strategic Innovation, Kenzie is responsible for activating all properties' creative outlets, overseeing CapEx, spa, retail, company sustainability and wellness program.

From well-being activations on property to health and wellness resources for our team members, Kenzie ensures the properties are properly equipped with safe and healthy environments for all. Additionally, Kenzie has paved the way for transitioning our sustainable model to be more active in the coming years. Sourcing sustainable products and food vendors, removing single use plastics and finding ways to improve energy usage. She’s worked in multiple positions at PHG in recruiting, food and beverage, retail curation and brand development. Kenzie graduated from Purdue Online with a Bachelor's in Holistic Health. She further went on to obtain her coaching certification from the Institute of Integrated Nutrition based in New York. Finally, Kenzie is a business owner, author and has a passion for non-profits and empowering women in business.  

Stephen Schackne Vice President Food and Beverage

Stephen Schackne elevates and heightens the culinary experience – which proves to be a vital part of the guest experience – at each of Pacific Hospitality Group’s properties.

Prior to joining the company, Stephen was a team leader and hotel manager at the iconic Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego and consulted for Outrigger Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii. In addition, Stephen worked at KSL Resorts for 17 years.

Shalon HopkinsChief Financial Officer

Shalon Hopkins is the Chief Financial Officer of Pacific Hospitality Group, where she has over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry. 

With extensive expertise in business development, strategic planning, and community engagement, she excels at fostering partnerships, driving growth, and ensuring financial excellence.

Equipped with a solid foundation in finance, marketing, and management, Shalon's contributions as CFO have consistently elevated the organization's financial performance and market positioning. Her strategic mindset and exceptional relationship-building skills enable her to forge strong partnerships with stakeholders, clients, and team members, creating a collaborative environment for success.

Beyond her role as CFO, Shalon is deeply committed to making a positive impact on society. Actively engaged in social initiatives and volunteering with non-profit organizations focused on education and empowerment, she demonstrates her dedication to creating a better future.

With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Shalon Hopkins continues to inspire others as a dynamic force, driving financial success and positive change within her organization and the wider community.

John Moody Vice President of Finance

John Moody is Vice President of Finance for Pacific Hospitality Group. John arranges conventional financing for Pacific Hospitality Group and its affiliated companies having successfully originated, structured and closed over $3 billion in debt financings.

His areas of loan expertise include construction and permanent real estate loans particularly hospitality, school bond financing, business loans and personal lines of credit. Mr. Moody graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration from Long Beach State University. Prior to Pacific Hospitality Group, John was president of Busch Financial Services, and an executive at Bank of America and Security Pacific Bank. John enjoys time with his 3 children, daily swimming and golfing and serves on the Board of Directors at Capo Beach Church in Capistrano.

Sven GrunderVice President of Operations

As the Vice President of Operations, Sven Grunder oversees Pacific Hospitality Group’s branded properties under the AC Hotels by Marriott® and DoubleTree By Hilton™ flags.

 With more than 25 years of hospitality industry experience, Sven has held numerous management positions with IHG and Prime Hospitality/AmeriSuites Hotels. Sven’s extensive background in limited service, extended stay, resort, and full-service hotels has positioned him to help successfully open four hotels over the span of his career.

Sven graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. He currently serves as a board member for the Anaheim Orange County Visitor & Convention Center and the Anaheim/Orange County Hotel & Lodging Association.