Ken Kapikian’s professional journey curved in and out of the food and beverage industry as well as in hospitality but it did not find a true destination until discovering the culture of Meyer Jabara Hotels. It was The Journey Culture that stopped Ken’s journeying and caused him to feel “at home.” Within this special organization, Ken’s leadership flourished. The foundational principles of the culture paralleled with the values and ethics of his own life and he found synergy. Today he coaches the leaders and the performance of multiple hotels within the Meyer Jabara portfolio and assists in recruiting others to join The Journey. Ken Kapikian even serves as a facilitator of The Journey training classes - - dissecting the principles and tools of the culture and discovering ways to bring this differentiating culture to all levels of the organization.
Guiding others and facilitating learning has always been a part of Ken’s repertoire. He graduated from the University of Denver in 1980 with a degree in Business Administration, Hotel and Restaurant Management and accepted a position of Corporate Trainer for IHOP (International House of Pancakes.) Teaching made him focus on the fundamentals of service and leadership. This helped him achieve success in his first hotel position as Food and Beverage Manager of a NYC hotel. Ken’s first General Manager position came in 1985 with GE Springer Hotels…Hilton Hotel in Casper, Wyoming. Carnival Hotels discovered Ken’s leadership and for more than fifteen years he served as General Manager of several properties within their portfolio.
In 2001 Ken was working as General Manager of the Sheraton University City. This Philadelphia hotel sought the operating expertise of Meyer Jabara Hotels and Ken Kapikian joined the MJ family. Today, in additional to his regional responsibilities, he continues to serve as General Manager of the Sheraton. The Journey culture encourages community involvement and support. Ken’s hotel supports many local charities, often receiving recognitions and awards from organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, Alex’s Lemonade Stand (top fund raisers) and Philadelphia Police Departments. Recently the hotel team was awarded the “Best Neighbor” award by the 18th District Community Affairs. Sheraton often recognizes this premiere hotel as well with annual awards including the very coveted award, “Most Improved Guest Satisfaction.”
Ken has spent his entire career on the franchise side, operating owned and operated properties, third party management and joint venture hotels. He is a master at relationships. On the personal side he is married to his wife, Gina and they enjoy raising their two young boys, Kenny and Christopher.
Cendyn