Albert Mertz, General Manager, SLS Hotel South Beach

Albert Mertz, from Mexico City, Mexico, has a great interest in and deep appreciation for exploring diverse cultures around the world. His affinity for global discovery was awakened during his childhood, much of which he spent traveling abroad with his family around the globe. Mertz’s worldly experiences and understanding of cultural values, coupled with his keen business sense at an early age, ultimately led him to a career in the hospitality industry. He is passionate about the industry and prides himself in not only being a leader of a beautiful property, SLS Hotel South Beach, but also being a key part of the community, which is equally important. “If you do not see yourself as part of a community and also create and build a culture, in our case the sbe culture, there is no sustainability,” says Mertz. “If there is no base to the business model it will not succeed.” Mertz is a firm believer in establishing his team as the finest in the nation to assist in showcasing the Miami market.

Mertz has worked at various first class award-winning hotels throughout his career, including companies like the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, The Ritz- Carlton Hotel Group, Andre Balazs Properties, Loews Hotels and W South Beach Hotels & Residences, and of course now the newest property in Miami Beach, SLS Hotel South Beach, the latter responsibility being to instill the parent company, sbe’s, culture to the East Coast and spearheading the launch of what is to come for an ever growing brand. His knowledge of the industry and unique skill set have been instrumental in spearheading several property openings in various countries around the world, including Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Spain, Korea, and numerous U.S. cities, including New York, Texas, Washington DC and of course Miami, where he has opened some of the highest profile hotels which have come in to the market year after year.

Mertz’s extensive industry background and unrivaled knowledge of the Miami market makes him the perfect fit for his current position as General Manager for SLS Hotel South Beach. With a strong penchant for education, he considers himself a leader, mentor, innovator, brand ambassador and source of support for his colleagues. Mertz brings forth a positive attitude, talent and motivation in all aspects of his life, a principle that aligns perfectly with the sbe philosophy. In his current position, he hopes to bring guests a level of hospitality yet to be seen in South Beach, evoking love, loyalty and unsurpassed levels of service.

Mertz obtained his Bachelors in Science from The University of Houston. He also received a graduate certificate from RMIT. He lives in Miami Beach with his wife Christina and children Michel and Julia.