Alex Spektor – Complex Managing Director Highgate

With nearly three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Alex Spektor has established himself as a dynamic and accomplished leader. He began his journey in 1995 as a Front Desk Agent, quickly advancing through the management ranks. By 1999, Alex was part of the opening team at the Benjamin Hotel in New York City, followed by a six-year tenure with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where he excelled in various roles within the Rooms Division.

Alex went on to spend over a decade with Denihan Hospitality Group, managing lifestyle properties such as Affinia Gardens, Affinia Dumont, and Affinia Manhattan Hotels. In 2016, he joined Melia Hotels International, where he successfully opened the company's first U.S. flagship hotel, Innside by Melia New York NoMad. Under Alex's leadership, the 313-room property emerged as a leading urban lifestyle destination, celebrated for its European-inspired design and innovative food and beverage concepts.

In 2018, Alex joined Highgate as Managing Director, spearheading the transformation of the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park into The Wagner at The Battery, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. In 2019, he was promoted to Complex Managing Director, overseeing multiple Highgate properties throughout New York City.

Currently, Alex is leading the rebranding of the Millennium Downtown Hotel into the M Social brand, managing a $50 million full-property renovation. Alongside this, he oversees operations at the Residence Inn by Marriott World Trade Center, demonstrating his expertise across both lifestyle and branded hotel segments.

Alex holds a Bachelor of Technology in Hospitality Management from New York City College of Technology, where he actively supports alumni initiatives. He also serves as a board member for several prominent industry organizations, including the Downtown Lower Manhattan Association, the New York State Hospitality Association, and the New York City Hotel Association.

Advisory Commission, Fall 2026-Spring 2029

Christina Grdovic is the Executive Director of Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP) and brings a wealth of experience in building and nurturing high-impact business partnerships across food, hospitality, and media. She served as Head of Partnerships and Content at Wonder, where she successfully attracted celebrity chefs and renowned restaurant partners and established a leading content studio for producing all chef and restaurant media. Previously, as Publisher at Food & Wine, Grdovic led sales and marketing efforts, orchestrated global food and wine festivals, and launched the Top Chef partnership with Bravo. She also served as Chief Partnership Officer at Goldbelly and, advises female-founded start-ups.

LinkedIn Profile

Professional website

District Manager East Region

With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Dalila has a wealth of experience in fine dining and workplace operations. Inspired early in her career by working alongside the late restaurateur/innovator Joseph Baum at the legendary Rainbow Room, under the wings of Chef Waldy Malouf, she carries the torch of leading service teams in delivering hospitality excellence.

Dalila has held various leadership roles with Compass, Sodexo and Delaware North which included leading operations at McKinsey, Milbank Tweed, and Warner Media. Today, she manages multiple Lifeworks client accounts in the Northeast including Accenture, NYSE, and Squarespace.

Dalila is a Member of the City Tech Hospitality Management Advisory Commission, works closely with Aramark ERGs and local community organizations. When not at work, Dalila enjoys exploring the latest dining scene, hiking and traveling.

"— I surround myself with talented, bold and visionary entrepreneurs and support them with the leadership, wisdom and space to learn and grow."

Imtiaz Ali — Vice President of Revenue & Distribution, Highgate Hotels

A seasoned professional in the field of revenue management with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. His journey in this dynamic sector began when he graduated from New York City College of Technology, where he acquired his bachelor's degree in hospitality management.

Throughout his career, Imtiaz has had the privilege of working with some of the most respected brands and establishments in the hospitality sector. The roles have ranged from entry-level positions to senior leadership roles, allowing him to develop a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of revenue management. Over the years, he worked diligently to rise through the ranks to his current position as Vice President of Revenue Management at Highgate Hotels. In this role, Imtiaz leads a talented team of revenue managers and analysts.

His career is marked by a series of accolades, including multiple "Revenue Manager of the Year" awards, as well as various local and national recognitions from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). With a proven track record of driving revenue and enhancing profitability, Imtiaz continues to make significant contributions to the field of hotel management.

Michael is a City Tech graduate and a renowned NYC chef. He is currently the Chef/Partner of Porter House Bar and Grill. He is a published author, a TV personality, and the Co-Founder of the Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund. Under his leadership, Porter House earned “Absolute Best Steakhouse in New York” accolades in 2017 and 2018.

Rahul Suri is a graduate of New York City Technical College and received his bachelor's degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management in 1994.

He is a 30-year veteran in the Hotels & beverage Industry. Rahul spent the first four years of his career with the Sheraton Park Ave hotel where he started as an intern and worked his way up to assistant hotel manager. Before moving on to the Plaza hotel, he held the titles of GM Palm Court and outlets Director leading a team of over 100 plus employees.

Rahul then moved to the historic Algonquin hotel in 1998 where he joined as the Director of food and Beverage. There, he ran the department as the executive committee member of the hotel, managing all aspects of food and beverage including the famous Oak Room Cabaret and Blue Bar. He oversaw the major restoration and re-opening of the hotel with the introduction of the 10 k Martini.

In 2005, Rahul accepted a position as Hotel Channel Manager for Southern Wine & Spirits of New York. He is responsible for all hotel and casino business for NY in conjunction with the selling divisions.

He feels extremely blessed and fortunate to be a part of the hospitality community of NY where he continues to innovate, get challenged and create lifelong memories and experiences. Rahul is a member of various organizations and has been privileged to work closely with the Hotel association of NY, Food and Beverage Association of America, and the Les Amis d'Escoffier society of NY.

Rahul and his wife Kashish reside in New Jersey, and have two wonderful children — Sneha and Sahas.

Over the past 20 years, I have combined strategic vision with hands-on experience in the hospitality and culinary industries. I actively drive innovation at the intersection of hospitality, technology, education, and the restaurant sector. As a dedicated advocate for excellence and an entrepreneurial thinker, I am committed to supporting City Tech in its key initiatives and positioning it among the world's leading institutions for hospitality and culinary education. As a proud alum, I am excited to return to City Tech and help harness the diversity and vibrancy of New York City as we rise to the top.