George Dfouni – Hotelier.Artist.Author George Dfouni discovered his passion for hotels as a child when he frequently accompanied his mother on exotic trips to Europe and the Middle East. It was soon thereafter that Mr. Dfouni realized that he would have a lifelong career in the hospitality industry doing what he enjoys most- catering to the needs of the discerning traveler.
Hospitality CareerGeorge Dfouni is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 35 years of experience spanning Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. With a career rooted in hospitality leadership, he specializes in turning hotel operations, asset performance, and guest experience into measurable results.
As CEO of Independent Hospitality, he works closely with ownership groups, developers, and operators to improve financial outcomes, streamline operations, and elevate overall performance.
His experience spans asset management, forecasting, property conversions, financial planning, team building, and large-scale operational oversight. He enjoys identifying untapped opportunities, restructuring underperforming assets, and guiding teams to exceed revenue and service expectations.
His work is centered around practical, data-driven solutions and long-term value creation for hospitality businesses.
Areas of Expertise:
• Hotel Asset Management
• Operations & Performance Optimization
• Financial Planning & Forecasting
• Property Conversions & Turnaround Strategy
• Guest Experience & Service Leadership
• Team Building & Organizational Development
• Hospitality Branding & Positioning
• Owner/Operator Consulting
Artistic & Musical AchievementsGeorge Dfouni, also known as GD, a Lebanese American artist. His Passion growing up in Lebanon and England was music. in 2009, GD decided to turn his passion and dream into reality and he started singing. GD recorded numerous songs and music videos. 41 of his songs were in top 10 in the charts in his native country of Lebanon and the Middle East. GD has worked with some of the industry leaders from writers, composers and arrangers.
Frequently Asked Questions
George Dfouni is a hotelier, artist, and author with over 35 years of global hospitality experience. He is the Founder and CEO of Independent Hospitality, specializing in hotel management, asset optimization, and guest experience.
George earned a master’s degree in hotel management and catering from Oxford University. He is fluent in English, French, Arabic, and Italian, supporting his international hospitality career.
Independent Hospitality is George Dfouni’s consulting and management firm. It provides hotel management, asset management, revenue optimization, multi-unit operations, property conversions, strategic planning, and guest experience solutions worldwide.
George has held leadership roles in Sheraton Corporation, Essex House, New York Vista Hotel, and Amsterdam Hospitality Group. As COO, he managed 11 boutique hotels and multiple residential and commercial properties, leading renovations and operational improvements.
Yes. Known professionally as GD, George is a Lebanese-American artist and musician. Since 2009, he has released numerous songs and music videos, with 41 reaching the Top 10 charts in Lebanon and the Middle East.
George Dfouni is fluent in English, French, Arabic, and Italian, allowing him to work across diverse international hospitality markets.
You can contact George via email at gd@independenthospitality.net or by phone at (347) 552-5555 for consulting and management services.