Sunny Newman

Founder & Managing Partner

My career in hospitality did not begin in the boardroom - it started on a snowy peak teaching preschool ski lessons, where I learned early on that success in hospitality hinges on patience, precision, and human connection. That hands-on foundation led me to Vail Resorts’ centralized talent team in 2012, launching a 14 year journey dedicated exclusively to talent acquisition, executive search, and organizational strategy.

Over the past decade and a half, I’ve navigated the full spectrum of hospitality operations. From the uncompromising standards of luxury mountain resorts and high-volume destination driven entertainment at The Dollywood Company, to nearly seven years managing complex portfolio strategies for Hospitality Ventures Management Group, I’ve operated at the intersection of leadership and equity.

With extensive work in 3rd party hotel management space - partnering alongside institutional private equity, boutique investment firms, and private family owners - I understand that talent strategy is never one-size-fits-all. Every ownership group has a distinct operational culture, financial driver, and risk tolerance.

My approach is rooted in absolute clarity. By leveraging my proprietary Diagnostic Scorecard, I uncover the exact operational nuances, cultural gaps, and strategic requirements of your organization before we ever place a candidate.

Whether we are architecting and end-to-end talent acquisition model or placing key leadership into your portfolio, Hospitality Talent Labs is built to unlock your unique competitive edge.

Let’s build something exceptional.