First InvestorsThe real estate affiliate of First HospitalityThe. Jan Hajek as EVP, asset management & investments. In this role he will oversee the execution of business plans for investment across the firm’s premium select-service hotel portfolio, as well as full-service and lifestyle properties. This is done by leveraging his two decades of expertise in asset management, financial planning, and real estate investments.
Hajek is a member in the senior leadership group and will manage the renovation planning, budgeting, and execution with First Hospitality. Additionally, he will be responsible for driving the implementation of investment plans across First Investors’ $700 million national portfolio; managing renovation and disposition timetables; and expanding the firm’s pipeline of high‑conviction acquisitions.
David Duncan CEO of First Investors said: “Jan’s extensive expertise in asset management, investments, and hospitality investment will enhance First Investors’ disciplined multistep approach towards hospitality investment.” “His strategic mind and leadership will support us in our efforts to enhance our investment portfolio and deepen our relationships with our capital partners, as well as drive operational excellence within our entire asset base.”
Hajek has held a variety of positions in AJ Capital Partners. His most recent position was as the principal for asset management. At that company, he oversaw $2.5 billion in assets, orchestrated the strategic repositioning of the 37‑property Graduate Hotels collection and co‑led its 2024 sale to Hilton. Prior to this, he held finance, development and strategy leadership positions at Hyatt and Marriott International.
Sam Schwartz said that Jan’s ability to be ruthless with numbers was matched by his natural ability to create alignment among owners, operators, and lenders. His leadership will enhance First Investors’ position as an investment partner, strengthen our reliability and deliver superior results.
Hajek will sit on the investment committee, providing underwriting discipline that supports First Investors’ ambition of surpassing $1 billion in assets under management.
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