The co-CEO structure works, both executives explained, because their backgrounds don’t overlap. Pierce handles external growth, franchise expansion and brand development. Leer takes the back-of-house disciplines.

The division is natural rather than negotiated.

“Having two minds working the same business every day is a force multiplier. It lets us accelerate in areas that a single CEO might have to deprioritize.” -Keith Pierce

“This year, we’re focused a lot on our commercial engine and really simplifying and streamlining our brand.com.” -Jeff Leer

Read the full article about Sonesta’s new leadership, their unified strategy, growth progress, and planned approach to building customer loyalty on Hotel Business Digital Edition.

SOURCE: Hotel Business, Vol. 35, No. 5, May 2026, pages 18-21