Meet HALA Boardmember Damien Hirsch
Success stories in hospitality often reflect the industry's unique capacity for giving talented people a path from the ground up. Damien Hirsch, General Manager at the W Los Angeles–West Beverly Hills and HALA Boardmember, exemplifies this journey.
“The best part about the industry is that a Banquet Server can become a General Manager,” Hirsch said. “Marriott’s CEO, Tony Capuano, started as a pot washer. David Marriott started as a dishwasher.”
Hirsch was born in France, and at the age of five moved to Indiana, where he grew up. After graduating from Purdue University with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Hirsch accepted a position with the largest franchise owner and operator of full-service Marriotts at the time, Columbia Sussex. He spent the next 18 years working his way up in the company, holding positions from In Room Dining, Night Audit, and Banquets Manager to Front Office Manager, Director of Operations, and F&B Director in places like Knoxville, Memphis, Baton Rouge, Oklahoma City, Indianapolis, Williamsburg, Itasca, Chicago, Long Island, and eventually the JW Marriott in Santa Monica.
Hirsch is now the General Manager of the W Los Angeles–West Beverly Hills, where he enjoys working alongside his staff to provide exceptional service and experiences to guests. “Mark Twain said ‘travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness,’” Hirsch stated. “I think we can all agree travel is needed more than ever these days.”
Hirsch also enjoys guiding and mentoring the up-and-coming generation of hospitality leaders. He emphasizes the importance of getting involved, building a strong network, and finding joy in the journey.
“I spent my first 18 years in the industry not nearly being as involved as I am now,” Hirsch reflected. “Don’t wait—the connections you will make through HALA, chambers of commerce, business councils, tourism boards, and local events will propel your career greatly over the years. Building your network is the work.
“Stay positive and optimistic,” he added. “We are so fortunate to work in this industry, where we are generally surrounded by happy people. Bring that energy with you each and every day. It makes a big difference.”
In October 2023, Hirsch served as the Emcee for the HALA Golf Classic, the association's signature fundraising event that brings together hospitality professionals and allied vendors for a day of networking and fun. “Even if you aren’t a golfer, this is an event everyone should mark down to attend in 2024,” he said. “It was honestly a blast.”