Hyatt Hotels Corp. has appointed Jason Ballard as global brand leader – Essentials to steer the next phase of exponential growth of its Essentials portfolio with several milestones, including signing more than 20 new Hyatt Select deals this year and reaching 70 total hotel deals for the Hyatt Studios brand since its launch.
Under Ballard’s leadership, Hyatt is positioning the brands within the Essentials portfolio—Caption by Hyatt, Hyatt House, Hyatt Place, Hyatt Select, Hyatt Studios, Unscripted by Hyatt and UrCove—to offer owners attractive operating models and measurable value in the hotel industry’s select-service category. Half of Hyatt’s executed 2025 U.S. Essentials portfolio deals are in new markets, reflecting strong interest and confidence from developers.
“Hyatt is hyper-focused on elevating the guest experience within the Essentials portfolio and deepening engagement with our 61 million World of Hyatt members to deliver a best-in-class experience each time they walk through our doors,” said Ballard. “In this next chapter, I’m proud to lead a talented team driving our select-service growth strategy—designed to deliver high-owner returns and trusted brand experiences—through more markets and more stay occasions to members.”
Ballard brings almost two decades of Hyatt experience scaling select-service properties globally to his new role, in which he will oversee strategy, performance and brand evolution for Essentials. His Hyatt leadership roles include franchise operations, brand performance and development across the Americas, Asia Pacific and EAME regions. Recently, Ballard led the launch of Hyatt Studios, Hyatt’s newest extended-stay concept, and the opening of the brand’s first hotel in Mobile, Ala., earlier this year.
“Jason’s leadership has been instrumental in strengthening our franchise capabilities and establishing the Hyatt Studios brand as a standout success while setting a new benchmark for flexible, owner-focused select-service hospitality,” said Pete Sears, Group President, Americas, Hyatt. “From his early career at Hyatt scaling the Hyatt Place brand globally to his foundational work in our franchise capabilities, his strategic vision and operational expertise will now guide our Essentials portfolio as we expand into more markets and deliver more value to guests, members, and owners.”