Veteran hospitality leader returns to AHC to guide its next chapter
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., 10/12/2026 – Amway today announced that George Aquino has been named president of Amway Hotel Corporation (AHC), effective Oct. 12, 2026. Aquino succeeds Rick Winn, who has served as president of AHC since 2013 and will transition to a part-time advisory role with the company.
Aquino returns to AHC after more than two years as president and chief executive officer of Ayala Land Hospitality (ALH) in Manila, Philippines. He brings more than three decades of hospitality leadership experience across Asia, North America and the Caribbean, including 31 years with AHC. During his years with the company, Aquino helped shape AHC’s hospitality presence in Grand Rapids and beyond.
“George understands that great hospitality starts with people and strong connections to the community. He brings deep experience, thoughtful leadership, and a clear appreciation for what AHC means to Grand Rapids and West Michigan. We are grateful to Rick for the lasting impact of his leadership, and excited to see George build on that strong foundation as he leads AHC into its next chapter,” said Michael Nelson, president and chief executive officer of Amway.
As president, Aquino will lead AHC’s enterprise strategy and operations, focused on building a high-performing organization that delivers outstanding guest experiences, creates lasting value for its owners and strengthens the long-term performance of its hospitality assets. AHC manages a portfolio of 16 hotels with 2,800 rooms and 42 restaurants and lounges across Michigan, Florida and the British Virgin Islands. In downtown Grand Rapids, AHC’s properties, including the Amway Grand Plaza, JW Marriott Grand Rapids, AC Hotel by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown and Courtyard by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown, anchor the city’s convention and hospitality district and welcome visitors to West Michigan year-round.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead AHC and especially proud to work alongside the associates who create exceptional experiences for our guests every day,” said Aquino. “My heart belongs in West Michigan and to AHC. To return to where my hospitality journey began is deeply meaningful to me, and this homecoming brings that journey full circle.”
Aquino has spent most of his career in West Michigan hospitality. As AHC’s vice president and managing director from 2016 to 2024, he helped lead the company’s portfolio expansion and was instrumental in its management-contract growth strategy. He also led the opening of the JW Marriott Grand Rapids, the Midwest’s first JW Marriott, and served as its general manager. At ALH, Aquino oversaw one of the Philippines’ most prominent hospitality portfolios, with 6,000 rooms across 25 properties. Under his leadership, Lagen Island in El Nido, Palawan, completed an extensive transformation and earned Two Michelin Keys. He helped bring the Moxy by Marriott and Canopy by Hilton brands to Manila for the first time. Aquino holds an Advanced Management Program credential from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and has received multiple Marriott International Leadership Excellence Awards.
Winn has been with AHC for 29 years, serving as general manager of the Amway Grand Plaza and vice president and managing director before being named president. When he began his tenure as president, Amway’s hospitality portfolio included the Amway Grand Plaza, with 10 restaurants and lounges, as well as Peter Island Resort and Spa. Under his leadership, the portfolio has grown to 16 hotels and 42 restaurants and lounges.
Winn’s contributions to Grand Rapids and the broader community have been equally significant. Through his leadership as chair of both the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority and the Grand Rapids–Kent County Convention/Arena Authority, and his work alongside Grand Action 2.0, the City of Grand Rapids and Kent County, two transformational projects have taken shape over the past two years: a new 12,000-seat amphitheater and an 8,500-seat soccer stadium set to open in March 2027. Together, the projects represent approximately $400 million in public and private investment and are among the most significant community assets developed in Grand Rapids in the past 20 years. In addition to his part-time advisory role, Winn will continue serving on both authorities, the Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Board of Advisors and the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, and looks forward to pursuing new opportunities in the next chapter of his career.
About Amway Hotel Corporation
Amway Hotel Corporation is a management company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, specializing in customized hospitality solutions for a portfolio of major hotel and restaurant brands, including Marriott International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Wolfgang Puck Worldwide and more. AHC has a proven track record of identifying and implementing operational and revenue-generating efficiencies for its collection of top-performing hotels, resorts and restaurants through the creation of innovative alternatives to the traditional hospitality experience.
About Amway
Amway is a direct selling company headquartered in Ada, Michigan, U.S. Amway is committed to helping people live better lives across more than 100 countries and territories worldwide. Top-selling brands for Amway include Nutrilite™, Artistry™ and XS™ – all sold exclusively by Amway Business Owners. Amway is the No. 1 direct selling company in the world based on 2025 revenue, as recognized by Direct Selling News. For company news, visit https://www.amwayglobal.com/newsroom.
Media Contact:
Chad LeRoux
cleroux@ahchospitality.com
616-776-6459
