Thomas J.W. Voss has a knack for the fine art of hospitality
Thomas J.W. Voss is president of The Grand Del Mar, a new luxury resort on the 400-acre Grand Golf Club in North San Diego and The Villas at the Grand Del Mar, an exclusive residential enclave within the property.
A native of Hamburg, Germany, Voss grew up in the hospitality industry. His father owned and operated an oceanfront golf resort, and Voss worked at the property in various capacities.
Voss first came to San Diego in 1992 to open the Hyatt Regency - now the Manchester Grand Hyatt - on San Diego Bay. He had various roles before being promoted to general manager for Hyatt Regency Greenville in South Carolina and then Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead. In 2004, he returned to San Diego as resident manager of the Manchester Grand Hyatt, and joined Manchester Grand Resorts as managing director in April 2005.
Prior to his 17-year tenure with Hyatt Hotels, he was an executive with Starwood Hotels.
Fluent in English, German and French, Voss earned a bachelor’s of science in hotel administration from the University of Kiel in Kiel, Germany, and also completed graduate studies in hotel administration at Cornell University.
Voss, who is married with two young children, is an aficionado of gourmet food and fine wines. In his off-time, he enjoys sailing, water sports, golfing and spending time with his family.
What brought you to Carmel Valley?
My wife and I were looking to live outside of downtown - we have two young children. The schools here are terrific, which helped determine our decision, along with Carmel Valley being close enough to downtown and the beaches.
What makes Carmel Valley special to you?
Location, location, location. It’s just minutes to the beach, 20 minutes from the airport, 10 minutes to La Jolla, Del Mar or Rancho Santa Fe, and 20 minutes to downtown or any of the attractions in San Diego.
If you could snap your fingers and have it done, what might you add, subtract or improve in Carmel Valley?
I would add more family-friendly restaurants and freeway access from Interstate 5 south to State Route 56 east.
Who or what inspires you?
My father.
If you hosted a dinner party for eight, whom (living or deceased) would you invite?
My wife, Ronald Reagan, Barbara Walters, Barack Obama, Bono, Al Gore, Sophia Loren and Robert Downey, Jr.
What are you currently reading?
I’m listening to John Grisham’s new book “The Appeal,” which my wife recently purchased for me.
What is your most prized possession?
My children.
What do you do for fun?
Sailing, racquetball, spending time with my children, concerts and dining out.
Describe your greatest accomplishment.
Besides having a wonderful family, I have a great career, and spend my days running one of the most beautiful resorts in San Diego, surrounded by an exceptional staff of talented, smart professionals.
What is your motto or philosophy of life?
Surround yourself with smart people. On the business front, hire the very best people you can find. I evaluate people with a firm handshake and a look in the eyes - it works!