Thompson Miami Beach, set to open in Summer 2025 on Washington Avenue just steps from the oceanfront, announces the appointment of Karan Kakar as general manager and Iris Acosta-Zobel as director of sales and marketing. Bringing decades of industry experience and a deep understanding of the Miami market, Kakar and Acosta-Zobel will lead the hotel team in positioning Thompson Miami Beach as a premier destination, delivering the brand’s signature blend of sophisticated luxury and dynamic cultural experiences.
A seasoned hospitality leader with more than 20 years of experience, Kakar has a distinguished background in launching and transforming luxury lifestyle hotels. Most recently, he served as general manager for Nautilus by Arlo in Miami Beach, where he led operations for the 250-room property, overseeing its transition from Sixty Hotels to Arlo Hotels launch in Miami. He also played a pivotal role in the pre-launch of Arlo Wynwood. Kakar has also led as a General Manager at Hyatt’s Luxury Alila Marea & Thompson Dallas as well as Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club an Autograph Collection by Marriott and Mondrian South Beach, spearheading brand conversions, multi-million-dollar renovations, strategic repositioning efforts that elevated guest satisfaction, revenue growth, and market rankings.
At the helm of Thompson Miami Beach, Kakar looks forward to introducing a vibrant and immersive hospitality experience that reflects the energy and creativity of Miami Beach. In this role, Kakar oversees the launch and operations of Thompson Miami Beach as a new build in the market, shaping the property’s boutique vision and driving an immersive lifestyle guest experience.
“Thompson Miami Beach represents an exciting opportunity to infuse the brand’s signature style into one of the most sought-after destinations,” says Kakar. “Alongside our dedicated team, we’re excited to debut a property with striking design, a renowned culinary concept and access to the city’s hotspots. The hotel will not only be the perfect place to bookmark a visit for Miami’s endless happenings but will also offer an immersive gathering space for creatives, business travelers and families alike.”
Iris Acosta-Zobel is a highly experienced sales and marketing professional with a deep understanding of Miami’s hospitality landscape, where she has spent more than 25 years driving business growth for luxury hotels. As the founder of IAZ Hospitality Advisors, she provided expert consulting services for independent hotels and destinations, guiding them through transitions and implementing tailored sales and marketing strategies to increase visibility and revenue. Prior to that, she served as vice president of sales for the iconic Cipriani-family portfolio of luxury boutique properties Mr. C Hotels and Casa Cipriani, where she led commercial operations, successfully elevating brand positioning and profitability across the company’s hotel concepts. From W Hotels to the legendary Nobu Eden Roc Miami Beach, Mondrian, and others, Acosta-Zobel brings a wealth of luxury hotel experience to her position.
With deeply rooted expertise in the Miami market, Acosta-Zobel’s invaluable local perspective serves as an incredible asset to Thompson Miami Beach. In her role as director of sales and marketing, she will lead opening strategy, ensuring the hotel’s strong market entry and long-term position as a sought-after destination among a competitive landscape.
“Miami is more than a top tourist destination – it’s a unique community with a rich cultural fabric,” says Acosta-Zobel. “Whether visitors are coming to marvel at the property’s iconic design over a meal or to host a large wedding, we have curated capabilities for occasions of any size. We look forward to welcoming guests from near and far to the hotel as a retreat for international tastemakers to experience the spirit of the city.”
Situated in the heart of South Beach, Thompson Miami Beach will feature 147 luxurious guest rooms and suites, each with private terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows. Conceptualized by French architect Rudy Ricciotti with chic interiors by internationally acclaimed designer Gulla Jónsdóttir, the hotel boasts a rooftop pool and restaurant with panoramic city views, luxurious amenities, and a prime location to nearby attractions like New World Symphony and the Miami Beach Convention Center.
