The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton, has appointed Vern Lakusta as its new General Manager, bringing more than 20 years of luxury hospitality experience across North America to the Dallas property. In his new role, Lakusta will oversee the hotel’s overall operations, with a focus on guest satisfaction, food and beverage services, team development, financial performance and long-term business growth.
With extensive experience managing luxury hotels and enhancing guest experiences, Lakusta brings a strong background in operational leadership and hospitality management to his new position.
Vern Lakusta’s Career in Luxury Hospitality
Lakusta joins The Highland Dallas from Harvest Inn in St. Helena, California, where he served as Managing Director from 2021. During his tenure, he focused on improving guest experiences, strengthening employee engagement and enhancing financial performance. His leadership also contributed to improved guest satisfaction and greater recognition for the property.
Before joining Harvest Inn, Lakusta served as General Manager at Hotel E in Santa Rosa, California, and Assistant General Manager at Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City.
He also spent nearly six years at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena, where he held several senior leadership positions, including Executive Director of Hotel Operations and Interim General Manager.
His experience across luxury hotels and hospitality destinations has equipped him with a broad understanding of hotel operations, team leadership, service standards and commercial performance.
Education and Professional Qualifications
Vern Lakusta holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Hospitality Management from Toronto Metropolitan University, providing a strong academic foundation for his career in hotel management.
He has also earned a Level 1 certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers, demonstrating his knowledge of wine and beverage service. This qualification complements his experience in food and beverage operations, an important component of the luxury hotel guest experience.
His combination of operational expertise, hospitality education and beverage knowledge will support his responsibilities at The Highland Dallas.
Leading Hotel Operations at The Highland Dallas
As General Manager, Lakusta will be responsible for overseeing the hotel’s day-to-day operations while supporting its broader business objectives.
His priorities will include maintaining high service standards, developing hotel teams, strengthening food and beverage operations and improving the overall guest experience.
He will also draw on his financial and operational management experience to support the property’s long-term performance in Dallas’s competitive hospitality market.
With a career spanning several established luxury properties, Lakusta brings valuable experience in balancing guest expectations, employee engagement and commercial objectives.
About The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton
Located in Dallas’s Park Cities neighbourhood, The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton, offers guests convenient access to Mockingbird Station and Southern Methodist University.
The hotel features updated guest accommodations, an outdoor swimming pool, a full-service spa and versatile meeting and event facilities, catering to leisure travellers, business guests and event organisers.
Its location makes the property a convenient option for visitors looking to explore Dallas while enjoying a full-service hotel experience.
Dining at The Highland Dallas
The hotel’s dining offering includes The Reserve at The Highland, a signature restaurant serving modern American cuisine with a focus on Texas-raised meats, seasonal produce and contemporary flavours.
Food and beverage services remain an important part of the hotel’s overall guest experience, complementing its accommodation, wellness and event facilities.
Lakusta’s background in hotel operations and beverage service will be relevant to overseeing this part of the property’s offering and maintaining consistent service standards.
A New Chapter for The Highland Dallas
Vern Lakusta’s appointment brings extensive luxury hospitality leadership experience to The Highland Dallas as the property continues to serve travellers, business guests and event audiences in the Dallas market.
His background in operational management, guest satisfaction, team development and financial performance provides a strong foundation for his new responsibilities.
Under his leadership, the hotel will focus on delivering quality guest experiences, supporting its employees and advancing its business objectives in Dallas’s evolving hospitality landscape.
