Our Team Members
Meet the Team
Welcome to the heart and soul of Orion – our exceptional team of Orion enthusiasts who bring passion, expertise, and a shared commitment to excellence. Each member plays an integral role in crafting unforgettable experiences for our cherished guests. From dedicated front-line staff to visionary leaders behind the scenes, we take pride in nurturing a collaborative and inclusive work culture that fosters growth and creativity.
Get to know the faces behind the warmth and personalized service that define our brand and discover the individuals who make Orion an exceptional destination in Chicago.
As the CEO and President of Orion Hospitality, Romin Patel leads the company with a hands-on approach and a vision for excellence. With a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear and Civil Engineering from Penn State University, Romin’s initial career path may have been in engineering, but his true passion was hospitality. He began his journey in the industry in 2007, working as a front desk representative at an independent hotel in the Chicago suburbs. This frontline experience gave Romin a deep understanding of hotel operations and guest relations, which has shaped his leadership approach.
In his role as CEO, Romin oversees all aspects of Orion Hospitality’s growth and operations, from acquisitions and new developments to major repositioning and renovations. He actively negotiates with franchise organizations, works with architects and general contractors, and manages relationships with third-party vendors. His engineering background allows him to bring a detail-oriented, problem-solving mindset to every project, ensuring operational efficiency and guest satisfaction across all Orion properties.
Romin’s leadership is characterized by a relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence, ensuring that every hotel under the Orion umbrella delivers exceptional experiences. When he’s not leading the company, Romin enjoys spending time with his family and traveling to discover new inspiration for future projects.
As CFO and COO of Orion Hospitality, Nehal Patel plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s financial and operational strategies. After earning his Bachelor of Commerce from DePaul University and completing his MBA with a focus on Accounting and Finance in 2013, Nehal entered the hospitality industry by managing a branded midscale hotel. This experience provided him with a strong foundation in both operations and financial management.
Nehal’s expertise in accounting, finance, and strategic planning has been key to Orion Hospitality’s success. His leadership ensures that each property in the portfolio is managed with efficiency and profitability in mind. In his dual role as CFO and COO, Nehal oversees financial operations, drives performance-focused strategies, and leads initiatives that fuel the company’s continued growth.
Outside of work, Nehal has a passion for food and loves exploring various parts of the world with his family. During his travels, he observes hospitality trends and uses these experiences to refine Orion Hospitality’s operations and improve financial decision-making, always seeking new ways to elevate the guest experience.