490 Consulting announced the expansion of its hospitality advisory capabilities with the addition of luxury hospitality executive Jennifer Kane McGee as managing director. 490 Consulting is a global strategic advisory firm specializing in the travel, payments, mobility and technology sectors.
The expansion, said the announcement, comes as hospitality is having significant shifts – reshaping who the guest/customer is and what they expect from their experience. Expectations for a continuous relationship, personalization, intuitive service, and digital flexibility all continue to evolve, according to the announcement. 490 Consulting, said the announcement, sees this evolution as an opportunity to bring its strategic and commercial travel expertise directly into the hospitality sector, helping companies adapt their guest experience, teams and growth strategies to a changing marketplace.
“The hospitality industry is being reshaped by changing guest expectations, new technology and evolving travel behaviors,” said Greeley Koch, managing partner of 490 Consulting. “We see it in the continued convergence of leisure and corporate travel, but the changes go well beyond that. Jennifer brings tremendous experience in luxury hospitality, hotel openings, leadership development and guest experience. Combining her expertise with 490’s broader perspective across corporate travel, payment and the travel ecosystem gives us a unique way to help hospitality companies understand and serve the guest of today and tomorrow.”
Kane McGee, said the announcement, brings extensive global experience across boutique, lifestyle and luxury hospitality. Her experience includes roles with Forbes Travel Guide, Mandarin Oriental, Langham Hotel Group and Park Hyatt, as well as hotel opening experience with Gramercy Park Hotel and The Surrey Hotel in New York.
At 490 Consulting, said the announcement, Kane McGee will help hospitality companies elevate the guest experience, strengthen team performance, and advance leadership strategy as traditional guest segments and expectations evolve.
“I’ve spent my career opening hotels, developing leaders and teams, and creating experiences that build lasting relationships with guests,” said Kane McGee. “The travel landscape is impacted by generational shifts, hyper-tech, and emphasis on creative immersion and wellness – all of which intersect with the business operation and positioning. I’m excited to bring what I’ve learned throughout my career to 490 Consulting and help hospitality companies translate those changes into stronger guest experiences, focused teams and new opportunities for growth.”
Kane McGee is based in the New York City area and will work with 490 Consulting clients globally. Her addition, said the announcement, represents the continued expansion of 490 Consulting’s capabilities and “brings a dedicated hospitality perspective to a firm already working across the broader travel ecosystem.”
