The Westin Playa Vallarta Appoints Alex Andrade to Lead 714 Associates Following All-Inclusive Transformation

The Westin Playa Vallarta, an All-Inclusive Resort, has appointed hospitality veteran Alex Andrade as Area General Manager, bringing more than four decades of industry experience to the transformed Puerto Vallarta property. Andrade will oversee 714 associates and guide the resort’s operations as Westin strengthens its all-inclusive presence in Mexico.

Andrade most recently served as Area Managing Director in Cancún and previously held the position of Vice President of Operations, Field for Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection. His career has included senior leadership roles across Mexico, the Caribbean and the United States, with experience spanning resort operations, all-inclusive hospitality, team leadership and guest experience.

Why has The Westin Playa Vallarta appointed Alex Andrade?

Andrade has been appointed to lead the resort during an important phase following its conversion into an all-inclusive property. His extensive experience in resort operations and inclusive hospitality provides a strong foundation for managing the property’s next stage.

In his new role, Andrade will oversee the resort’s 714 associates while focusing on a cohesive guest experience and collaborative team culture. His leadership will support the property as it continues to attract travellers seeking an all-inclusive experience under the Westin brand.

The appointment also reflects the resort’s focus on maintaining operational standards while continuing to develop its offering following the recent transformation.

What experience does Alex Andrade bring to Westin Playa Vallarta?

Andrade brings more than 40 years of experience across the hospitality industry, including senior operational and leadership positions in Mexico, the Caribbean and the United States.

His recent role was Area Managing Director in Cancún. Before that, he served as Vice President of Operations, Field for Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection, giving him direct experience within the all-inclusive hospitality segment.

Earlier leadership positions included roles with Viceroy Los Cabos, Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel in Puerto Rico, Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas, AMResorts and Playa Hotels & Resorts.

Across these positions, Andrade has developed expertise in resort operations, team development and guest experience while mentoring hospitality professionals throughout his career.

What will Andrade oversee at the Puerto Vallarta resort?

As Area General Manager, Andrade will guide the overall operation of The Westin Playa Vallarta and lead its 714 associates.

His priorities will include delivering a consistent guest experience, strengthening collaboration across teams and supporting the resort’s continued evolution as an all-inclusive property.

The role places particular importance on people leadership because of the scale of the resort workforce. Andrade’s longstanding focus on collaborative teams and professional development will form part of his approach as he leads the property through its next phase.

How has The Westin Playa Vallarta been transformed?

The resort has recently undergone a significant transformation following its conversion to an all-inclusive property. The changes include 281 redesigned accommodations, creating an updated accommodation offering for guests.

Among the redesigned options are 30 private plunge pool suites and 16 adults-only swim-up rooms. These additions broaden the range of experiences available to guests while supporting the resort’s positioning within the all-inclusive segment.

The property has also introduced new culinary concepts, including Agave Studio, which allows guests to explore Mexican agave culture through small-batch mezcal tastings.

These enhancements represent a new chapter for the property as Westin expands its all-inclusive offering in Puerto Vallarta.

Why is the appointment important for Westin’s all-inclusive expansion?

The Westin Playa Vallarta is Westin’s first all-inclusive resort in Mexico, giving the property a significant position within the brand’s development of the all-inclusive segment.

Andrade’s background in inclusive hospitality is particularly relevant as the resort continues to establish its identity following the conversion. His experience across resort markets and all-inclusive operations can support the property’s efforts to deliver a consistent guest experience.

The appointment also comes as Westin continues to combine its established wellness-oriented brand positioning with an all-inclusive resort model in the Mexican market.

How will Andrade support the resort’s team culture?

Team leadership will be an important element of Andrade’s responsibilities. Throughout his career, he has focused on building collaborative teams and mentoring the next generation of hospitality professionals.

At The Westin Playa Vallarta, he will lead a workforce of 714 associates and work towards creating a consistent culture across the resort’s operations.

The emphasis on collaboration is particularly relevant to a large all-inclusive resort, where accommodation, food and beverage, guest services and other operational teams must work together to deliver a seamless experience.

What makes Puerto Vallarta important for the property?

The resort is located in Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico’s established leisure destinations. Its transformation into an all-inclusive property provides Westin with an opportunity to expand its offering in a market with a strong resort profile.

The redesigned accommodations and new culinary experiences are part of the property’s repositioning, while Andrade’s appointment adds experienced operational leadership as the resort develops its presence.

His decision to join the property was influenced by the opportunity to help lead it through this next chapter following its transformation into an all-inclusive resort.

What is Alex Andrade’s background outside hospitality?

Andrade is originally from Chicago and now resides in Puerto Vallarta. He attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Outside his professional responsibilities, he enjoys golf, basketball and spending time with his family.

His personal connection to Puerto Vallarta also provides local familiarity as he takes on leadership of the resort and its large team.

What does Andrade’s appointment mean for The Westin Playa Vallarta?

Andrade’s appointment brings a highly experienced hospitality executive to a property undergoing significant operational and product transformation.

His background across Mexico, the Caribbean and the United States, combined with experience in all-inclusive hospitality, gives him a broad understanding of resort operations and international guest expectations.

As The Westin Playa Vallarta continues to develop its all-inclusive proposition, Andrade will focus on operational leadership, team collaboration and guest experience while guiding the 714 associates through the property’s next phase.