Richard W. Rodriguez
Susan Miller and Jessica Miller Essl
M2G Ventures has announced the launch of new division focused on investments and development in the hospitality sector, marking a strategic expansion of the Fort Worth-based real estate investment and development firm’s portfolio.
Chris Hanrattie
The new division complements M2G’s existing focus on infill industrial and mixed-use assets.
Chris Hanrattie, a veteran real estate investment executive, has been appointed managing director/head of hospitality. Hanrattie most recently served as SVP of investments and head of hospitality at Crescent Real Estate in Fort Worth, where he led hospitality investment strategy, acquisitions, and dispositions.
“Guided by our continued desire to inspire evolution through impact and innovation, we see opportunities to acquire well-located full-service and select-service hotels in high-growth or emerging markets,” said Jessica Miller Essl, co-founder of M2G Ventures. “M2G’s focus on brand, guest-centered design and a deep understanding of customer preferences will play a pivotal role as we expand our hospitality portfolio.”
Hanrattie will lead sourcing, evaluating, and managing hospitality investments, according to a press release.
M2G will focus on hospitality projects where the company can implement its value-add strategies to drive RevPAR growth and improve operational efficiency, Essl added. Revenue Per Available Room is a key performance metric in the hospitality industry used to assess a hotel's financial performance.
M2G was founded in 2014 by Essl and her twin sister Susan Miller. The firm is a Certified Women-Owned Business.
Miller noted the firm’s expanded platform “is poised for success as we combine experience in branding, placemaking and institutional quality execution, with Chris’ experience and reputation.”
M2G Ventures’ broader strategy includes urban industrial development, experiential mixed-use projects, and now hospitality — driven by opportunities stemming from shifting guest expectations, digital transformation, and post-pandemic recovery, the firm said.
“M2G’s track record of finding underutilized assets, coupled with the tenacity and market knowledge of its leaders, made this the right opportunity,” Hanrattie said.
Said Essl: “Chris’ strong reputation in the hospitality industry, combined with his ability to source unique opportunities, drive ROI and grow asset value through sustainable strategies, made him the ideal leader for this new vertical.”