Asher Adams, Autograph Collection, has appointed Leon Young as its new Managing Director, bringing more than 25 years of hospitality leadership experience to the landmark property in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. In his new role, Young will oversee the hotel’s strategic direction and daily operations, focusing on team culture, guest experience and the continued development of the property’s distinctive hospitality offering.
With an extensive background in lifestyle hotels, food and beverage operations and luxury hospitality, Young brings valuable leadership experience as Asher Adams continues to strengthen its presence in Salt Lake City’s evolving hotel market.
Leon Young’s Career in Luxury and Lifestyle Hospitality
Leon Young most recently served as Managing Director of The Standard, High Line in New York City, where he oversaw the 338-room hotel and five food, beverage and entertainment venues.
Before joining The Standard, he worked as Area Managing Director for the properties formerly known as Ace Hotel New Orleans and Maison de la Luz. During his tenure, he led a significant repositioning initiative and helped revitalise the properties’ food and beverage concepts.
Young’s professional experience also includes leadership positions across the W Hotels portfolio in several major markets, including Hollywood, San Francisco, Scottsdale, New Orleans, Chicago and Dallas.
His experience across different destinations and hotel concepts has given him a broad understanding of hotel operations, lifestyle hospitality, dining experiences and the importance of creating a distinctive identity for each property.
Young holds an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from Marymount College. His professional achievements also include receiving the former Starwood Hotels & Resorts Award for Heroism, recognising his contribution during his hospitality career.
New Responsibilities at Asher Adams
As Managing Director, Young will lead the overall strategy and day-to-day operations of Asher Adams, Autograph Collection.
His priorities will include strengthening workplace culture, improving operational performance and enhancing the guest experience across the property. He will also help guide the hotel’s continued development as a distinctive hospitality destination in Salt Lake City.
Drawing on his experience managing lifestyle hotels and complex urban hospitality operations, Young will focus on creating an environment where strong service standards, engaging dining concepts and thoughtful hospitality work together.
His background in food and beverage management will also support the property’s dining and entertainment offering, which forms an important part of its identity.
Strengthening Asher Adams’ Position in Salt Lake City
Young’s appointment comes as Asher Adams continues to establish itself within Salt Lake City’s hospitality landscape.
His experience leading independently minded lifestyle properties aligns with the Autograph Collection philosophy of celebrating individuality, distinctive design and a strong connection to the destination.
Under his leadership, the hotel aims to continue developing its service culture, dining experiences and relationships with the local community.
As travellers increasingly seek hotels that offer more than accommodation, experienced leadership can help bring together architecture, dining, entertainment and personalised service to create memorable stays.
About Asher Adams, Autograph Collection
Located in downtown Salt Lake City, Asher Adams occupies the historic Union Pacific Depot, combining the character of the original railway station with contemporary hotel design.
The property opened in fall 2024 as Salt Lake City’s first Autograph Collection hotel. It features 225 rooms, including 13 Historic Suites within the original depot, alongside a modern eight-story tower.
The hotel offers nearly 20,000 square feet of event space and several dining and entertainment venues, including Rouser, No. 119, The Bar at Asher Adams and an on-site coffee shop.
Its location opposite the Delta Center and within reach of Utah’s renowned mountain destinations makes the property a convenient base for visitors interested in downtown attractions, business travel and outdoor recreation.
By combining historic architecture with modern hospitality, Asher Adams offers guests an experience that reflects both the heritage and contemporary character of Salt Lake City.
About Autograph Collection Hotels
Autograph Collection Hotels is part of Marriott International’s portfolio of distinctive properties, each shaped by its own personality, design and story.
The brand focuses on independent-minded hotels that reflect the vision of their creators and the character of their destinations, rather than following a uniform design approach.
Asher Adams embodies this philosophy through its historic railway setting, contemporary interiors, locally relevant dining experiences and connection to Salt Lake City’s cultural landscape.
About Marriott International
Marriott International is a global hospitality company with a broad portfolio of luxury, premium, select-service and extended-stay hotel brands.
Through its managed and franchised properties, the company provides a global hospitality platform supported by distribution networks, commercial expertise and established brand identities.
Its portfolio spans destinations worldwide, serving business travellers, leisure guests and visitors seeking distinctive accommodation experiences.
A New Chapter for Asher Adams
With more than 25 years of hospitality leadership experience across recognised lifestyle and luxury markets, Leon Young brings extensive operational knowledge and a strong understanding of guest-focused hospitality to Asher Adams.
His appointment marks a new chapter for the Salt Lake City property as it continues to develop its team culture, dining experiences and distinctive identity.
Under Young’s leadership, Asher Adams will focus on strengthening its position in the local hospitality market while continuing to deliver experiences shaped by the property’s historic character and contemporary approach to hospitality.
