The judging panel for AHEAD Americas 2026 has been revealed, helmed by Chairman of Ace Hotel Group & Atelier Ace, Brad Wilson.

Together with the region’s leading architects, interior designers and developers from across the hospitality industry, the judges will assess outstanding new hotels, resorts and projects developed in association with hospitality brands.

Entries to AHEAD Americas are now open, with a standard entry deadline of 24 April at 17:00 (BST) and a late entry deadline of 8 May at 17:00 (BST).

AHEAD Americas will announce its winners in a ceremony at Gotham Hall, Manhattan on Thursday 15 October 2026.

Brad Wilson (Chair) | Chairman – Ace Hotel Group & Atelier Ace
Anwar Mekhayech | Co-founder – DesignAgency
Bibiana Huber | CEO & Creative Director – Huber Design Studio
Brad Zuger | Partner – Rockwell Group
Dieter Schoellnberger | SVP, Design & Construction – CTF Development
Emily Keip | SVP, Design Services (Americas) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Francisco Lopez Cordoba | VP, Creative, Design Services (Global) – Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Grace Escano | Senior Director, Design – Auberge Collection
Huxley Hogeboom | EVP, Design & Development – Left Lane Development
Johnathan Garrison | VP, Luxury Global Design (US & Canada) – Marriott International
Jon Kastl | VP, Global Interior Design – Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Kai Fejer | VP, Design – Gencom
Paul McElroy | EVP, Design & Construction – Highgate
Sara Felch | VP, Design (Americas) – Kerzner International

www.aheadawards.com