Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (December 9, 2025) - Velas Resorts in Mexico has announced two strategic appointments to its executive leadership team. Luis Fernando Tirado has been named Corporate Operations Director, and Gerardo Vela has been appointed Associate Director.
In his new role, Tirado will focus on strengthening management and operational standardization across the group, supporting the vision of excellence that defines Velas Resorts and laying the foundation for the company's orderly and sustained growth. Vela will support Tirado in this effort, bringing extensive expertise in luxury hospitality and deep familiarity with the brand, most recently serving as General Manager of Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts for the past seven years. Based in Puerto Vallarta, both executives will begin their new roles immediately, working collaboratively to enhance operations across the Velas Resorts portfolio.
Luis Fernando Tirado
"We are thrilled to welcome Luis and Gerardo to our executive team," said Juan Vela Ruiz, Chief Executive Officer of Velas Resorts. "Their combined expertise in operational excellence, team development, and luxury hospitality standards will be invaluable as we continue to elevate the Velas Resorts' experience across all our properties. Both leaders share our commitment to delivering extraordinary guest experiences while maintaining the highest standards of service."
Tirado brings over 20 years of executive leadership experience in luxury hospitality, most recently serving as Regional Vice President of Operations for Hyatt Inclusive Collection's Mexican Pacific region, where he oversaw 13 hotels representing 3,725 keys. His extensive track record includes launching and overseeing more than 25 hotel openings and operational takeovers across 13 resort destinations in five countries. Throughout his career, Tirado has demonstrated exceptional capability in managing complex, multi-property portfolios while maintaining strong owner relationships and delivering superior guest experiences. He holds an MBA with a Marketing concentration from ITESM Querétaro and is currently completing a Leadership Certificate Program at Cornell University.
Gerardo Vela
Prior to serving as General Manager of Mar del Cabo in Cabo San Lucas, as Hotel Manager Vela was instrumental in the successful pre-opening and launch of Grand Velas Los Cabos, which achieved #1 TripAdvisor ranking, AAA Five Diamond, and Forbes 4-Star recognition within its first year of operation. His diverse background spans luxury resort brands including Aman Resorts and Grupo Habita, where he consistently elevated service standards and guest satisfaction metrics. Vela holds a B.S. in Hotel Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America.
For more information, please visit www.velasresorts.com.
About Velas Resorts:
Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, and Los Cabos have earned 70 AAA Diamonds, including the prestigious Five Diamond Award. Other esteemed international awards for services and facilities include one MICHELIN Star for Cocina de Autor restaurant in both Los Cabos and Riviera Maya, Virtuoso's Best Family Program, Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award for SE Spa, and TripAdvisor's Top Hotels in the World, among others. Offering unparalleled all-inclusive experiences, properties include Grand Velas Los Cabos, with dramatic ocean views and unique spaces infusing every area of the resort; Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, which enjoys a long stretch of pristine beach and a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains; and Grand Velas Riviera Maya, offering a sophisticated resort experience in the Caribbean with jungle and beach settings. Velas Vallarta is a family-friendly resort in Puerto Vallarta, offering spacious suites, gourmet dining, and spa treatments with ocean and Sierra Madre views on 10 beachfront acres along Banderas Bay. Casa Velas is a boutique adults-only hotel located on the Marina Vallarta Golf Course where guests have beach access at Táu Beach Club, a casual, relaxed atmosphere overlooking the ocean, with a jacuzzi, pool, delectable cuisine, and an expansive event space. Mar del Cabo, a boutique hotel on Mexico's Baja Peninsula, is the only European Plan property. Opened January 2024, Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos is a new 79-suite resort and concept in the all-inclusive space. Velas Resorts was built by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, Founding President of Velas Resorts. Juan Vela Ruiz is Chief Executive Officer of the company. Explore tips, recipes, lifestyle and travel trends, and the latest news about Velas Resorts on the digital mag: www.velasmagazine.com.
