High-end hotel executive  leaves Florida Keys to run area resort

ST. PETE BEACH —TradeWinds Island Resorts named industry veteran Bob LaCasse Managing Director.

LaCasse brings over 25 years of experience in resort management to his new position at the St. Pete Beach property. 

Prior to joining TradeWinds, LaCasse was Managing Director of Cheeca Lodge Resort and Spa in Islamorada and its sister property Tranquility Bay in Marathon. He oversaw human resources, revenue management and accounting and reservations there, according to a statement. LaCasse has managed other top-quality resorts during his career, the statement adds, including the Marriott Delray in Delray Beach; The Le Meridien San Francisco; and the Hyatt Regency Resort in Newport, R.I.

LaCasse, the release states, will be responsible for guest and employee satisfaction, financial performance, sales and revenue generation and operations effectiveness. “With his impressive background in hospitality and natural leadership abilities, we’re certain Bob will be a tremendous asset for us during these extraordinary times,” says Joe Smith, owner of TradeWinds Island Resorts, in the statement.

In addition LaCasse, TradeWinds Island Resorts, which includes the Island Grand Resort and RumFish Beach Resort, also promoted vice president of marketing Travis Johnson to hotel manager. Johnson will support LaCasse with day-to-day hotel operations, oversee the hiring of new staff and continue to manage the resort’s marketing efforts. Johnson has been with TradeWinds for more than 20 years.

The TradeWinds Island Resorts offer more than 88,000 square feet of usable function space. 1754 Properties Group, founded and run by Smith, bought the TradeWinds Island Resorts from Fortune Hotels in October for $81.4 million.