Ray Minias

Ultra-Luxury Development/Design Exec.

Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Contact Ray

Development executive specializing in ultra-luxury hospitality and mixed-use projects, balancing architectural vision with capital stewardship and performance accountability.

Key Consulting Services

Ultra-Luxury Hospitality Development
Owner’s Representative & Project Oversight
Capital Planning & Financial Structuring
Design & Construction Integration
Asset Repositioning & Performance Optimization

Expertise

Owner-side executive specializing in ultra-luxury hospitality and mixed-use development. Expertise spans concept creation, capital formation, proforma modeling, and multi-entity financial structuring through construction, opening, and stabilization. Serve as principal’s representative directing architects, designers, consultants, engineers, contractors, operators, and governing authorities to ensure alignment between design integrity, operational functionality, and disciplined capital execution. Proven record in asset repositioning, rate strategy, enterprise systems integration, and organizational architecture. Deep experience delivering Forbes Five-Star, Michelin Stars and Keys, and AAA Five-Diamond standards while protecting investor capital and enhancing long-term asset value. Strategic advisor to private investors and family offices on development vision, governance, and performance accountability.

Background

Ray has more than 30 years of experience driving ultra-luxury and full-service hospitality, resort, and mixed-use developments across the U.S. and globally, including New Orleans, South Africa, Santa Barbara, Dallas, Nashville, and Newport. He has held COO, GM, SVP, Managing Director, and principal’s representative roles, leading projects from concept and acquisition through design, construction, pre- and post-opening, remodeling, brand transitions and stabilization. Ray is a trusted advisor to investors and family offices on strategy, governance, and long-term asset value, blending visionary design with operational and capital discipline.

Testimonial

Raymond Minias is an exceptional leader whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for several years and working with in the past.
His deep understanding of market conditions and ability to leverage strategic partnerships have laid the foundation for developing optimal strategies that maximize yield. As a result, our hotels have established a benchmark for excellence in performance, evidenced by awards for highest ADR and RevPAR, and have achieved exceptional profitability.

His ability to remain calm and focused during complex projects, while fostering a collaborative environment, has transformed our team’s productivity. He not only drives results but also invests deeply in the personal growth of his team members.

-
Steve Rudomanski, Director of Finance, Southall

I had the pleasure of working closely with Ray during a period of significant transition at The Chanler. Throughout our renovation, he was highly engaged in the details, thoughtfully reviewing plans, working through unforeseen challenges as they arose, and remaining closely attuned to everything happening across the project. His presence brought a sense of steadiness and clarity during a complex process.

Ray’s approach to financial and rate restructuring was both disciplined and intuitive. He understands how to position a property within its market while preserving its identity, and he consistently made decisions that strengthened both performance and long-term positioning.

What stands out most is his commitment to operational excellence. He was always available, quick to step in wherever needed, and consistently present for the team. His support was not abstract; it was felt in real time, in the day-to-day moments that matter most. He was a meaningful partner during an important chapter for us.

-
Lani Shufelt, Proprietress, The Chanler at Cliff Walk

I have worked side by side with Ray for over 20 years. In my time working with Ray I have grown to appreciate his love for customer-first service and how much he loves mentoring others…while he is truly talented interacting with guests, his real superpower is his command of the business and budgeting.

-
Tyler Brown, Senior Vice President Agriculture & Culinary at Southall Farm & Inn.

Professional & Other

Louisiana State University, New Orleans
Bachelors of Science, Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Administration

Louisiana State University, New Orleans
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), - Candidate

Ray's Latest Articles & Case Studies

View All Stories

Luxury vs. Ultra-Luxury Hospitality — Where the Line Is Actually Drawn

By Ray Minias Mar 5, 2026

A Difference in Intent, Not Degree Luxury and ultra-luxury are often used interchangeably in hospitality, but the difference between the two is...