Ken Utsumi

From managing award-winning luxury resorts in Japan to leading historic landmark hotels in the United States, Ken Utsumi has carved out an impressive career. He holds an MBA from GLOBIS University in Japan and, after working several years in hospitality, graduated with a Tourism, Travel & Hospitality Management diploma from ICE.

Utsumi's career began at Hirakawa Shoji Co. Ltd. in Japan, where he learned about human resources, marketing, and operations, all of which built a strong foundation for his future leadership roles. He then served as General Manager of the acclaimed Sankara Hotel & Spa in Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Under his guidance, the eco-conscious property garnered numerous accolades, including recognition in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” and multiple TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence.

In 2016, Utsumi came to New York, where he honed his skills in sales and event management during his externship at the Sheraton. This experience paved the way for his appointment as General Manager and later Chief Operating Officer of the Castle Hotel & Spa in Tarrytown, New York. During his tenure, the historic landmark, which is part of the Sankara Hospitality Group, earned several prestigious awards. Among these areTripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence, recognition in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers' Choice Awards, and honors from Westchester Magazine, among others. The spa at Castle Hotel & Spa also received consistent praise for its wellness offerings: It was celebrated as a top wedding venue by The Knot and inducted into Historic Hotels of America. Utsumi's leadership was instrumental in maintaining the hotel's high standards of luxury, fine dining and event services, and cementing its reputation for operational excellence.

In 2024, Utsumi embarked on two new ventures: founding his own consulting group and assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer at GoGo Curry, a massive Japanese curry brand with over 70 locations in Japan and a growing number of outposts in the US. 

Utsumi’s diverse experiences, from managing internationally-recognized resorts to leading historic hotels, underscore his ability to drive success in a variety of settings. He continues to be a force in the industry, blending his appreciation for what hospitality truly means with a practical understanding of the always evolving market.