Our Team

Chirag

Chirag
Patel

Founder and Managing Director
Raul

Rahul
Bahl

Founder and Managing Director
IMG_7357

Becky
Lister

Vice President Sales & Business Development
CALEB

Caleb
Larsen-Torres

Director of Learning & Development
Andre

Andrei
Cherestes

Revenue Management and Business Development
Gabriela Ayuch (1)

Gabriela
Ayuch

Executive Assistant
Nicole Potter (1)

Nicole
Potter

Controller
meyser marcano

Meyser
Marcano

Sales Assistant
Phil Francis

Phil
Francis

Accounting Assistant
Paola Martinez (1)

Paola
Martinez

L&D Specialist

Chirag Patel

Founder and Managing Director

Chirag founded Pathfinder Development with his high school buddy, Rahul Bahl, in 2005 with the intention of leaving a true impression on the hospitality industry. Chirag’s love for architecture shines as he oversees various aspects of the portfolio including analysis and selection of future development opportunities, financial structuring and new construction/renovation management. Prior to founding Pathfinder, he was with the private equity firm American Securities Capital Partners and at the consultancy McKinsey & Co. in the Corporate Finance & Strategy practice. Chirag received a Bachelor of Science magna cum laude from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. When Chirag isn’t in a hard hat at our new developments, you can find him travelling the world with his wife and two kids.

Rahul Bahl

Founder and Managing Director

After founding Pathfinder Development with his high school friend, Chirag Patel, he quickly moved into the role of overseeing multiple aspects of the portfolio. Rahul’s passion for the team radiates as he focuses on revenue generation strategies, operational and HR processes, and he oversees interior design for new properties and properties undergoing renovations. Prior to founding Pathfinder, Rahul received a Masters in Professional Accounting from the University of Texas and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Trinity University.  When Rahul isn’t visiting all the properties with his dog, Bo, he loves spending as much time in nature as he can, particularly near the water. One day, he even hopes to learn how to swim!

Becky Lister

Vice President Sales & Business Development

Becky Lister is Vice President Sales and Business Development for Pathfinder Hospitality and Virtually Talent, with over 20 years of experience across Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, and Choice Hotels. She leads growth initiatives spanning hotel management, owner and developer partnerships, talent solutions, and revenue focused strategy.

Outside of work, Becky enjoys overseas travel with her husband and dreams of one day calling Paris home.

Caleb LarsEn-Torres

Director of Learning and Development

With over a decade of experience in the Learning & Development space, Caleb specializes in creating and delivering impactful training programs that empower employees and drive organizational growth. Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of leading high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, and guiding them toward achieving their goals.

Currently based in Austin, TX, Caleb holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Outside of work, he is a proud dog parent to an English Bulldog and an Australian Shepherd. Caleb enjoys hiking, binge-watching Netflix, and indulging in any water-based activity.

Andrei Cherestes

Revenue Management and Business Development

Andrei Cheresteș is a versatile finance and data professional with a passion for driving growth and innovation in the hospitality industry. Based in Bucharest, Romania, Andrei holds a B.A. in Mathematics and Philosophy from King’s College London, where he developed a unique blend of analytical expertise and creative problem-solving skills.

As a Top-Rated Data Analyst on Upwork, Andrei has completed 26 successful projects, specializing in financial modeling, revenue optimization, and data-driven decision-making. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Sabaki Courses, an innovative educational platform that grew to 300+ paying customers and gained over 17,000 TikTok followers through engaging content and strategic marketing.

At Pathfinder Development, Andrei applies his expertise to optimize revenue strategies for leading hotel brands, including IHG, Marriott, and Hyatt. His ability to blend data analysis with financial insights drives profitability and aligns with Pathfinder’s vision for growth.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Andrei brings a global perspective shaped by extensive travel across Asia and South America, as well as a transformative volunteering experience at the Isha Yoga Center in India. His dedication to mindfulness, combined with his love for the ancient strategy game Go (ranked 2 dan), reflects his thoughtful and strategic approach to both work and life.

Gabriela Ayuch

Executive Assistant

After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism, Gabriela has had the opportunity to work across various areas of the industry, including customer service, sales, and administration. These experiences have allowed Gabriela to steadily build skills while adapting to the evolving challenges of hospitality management.

As an Executive Assistant, Gabriela collaborates closely with company leaders to support operational success and strategic growth. Her role involves coordinating initiatives, driving cross-departmental collaboration, and ensuring the seamless execution of company objectives.

Outside business hours, she can be found looking for the next binge-watch on a rainy day, enjoying the outdoors when it’s sunny, or planning the next trip anytime.

Nicole Potter

controller

Nicole Potter is an experienced Controller with a strong background in financial management, accounting, and internal controls. She is dedicated to improving financial operations and fostering growth through data-driven insights and efficient financial practices. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with family, including her cat Pepper.

Meyser MArcano

Sales Assistant

Meyser Marcano is a dynamic Sales Assistant from Venezuela, dedicated to streamlining the team’s workflow and enhancing efficiency in every process. Passionate about languages and continuous learning, he is always looking to improve his skills and add greater value to his team while delivering an exceptional experience to both clients and colleagues. His proactive approach and commitment to growth allow him to contribute effectively to the optimization of operations and the overall success of the team. Outside of work he enjoys singing and dreams of becoming a recognized singer.

Phil Francis

Accounting Assistant

A passionate Certified Tax Technician from the Philippines and a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, Phil has a deep understanding of tax laws and financial reporting.

Specializing in helping clients effectively manage their financial records, he ensures a clear and accurate picture of a business’s financial health. Phil’s goal is to empower businesses with the knowledge they need to make informed and confident decisions that drive growth and success.

Paola Martinez

L&D Specialist

Paola Martínez is a Learning & Development Specialist at Pathfinder Hospitality. In this role for the past year, she has contributed to the growth and development of others through impactful learning experiences. She holds a degree in International Studies and is based in Caracas, Venezuela.

Passionate about connecting with people, she firmly believes that education is the most powerful weapon to change the world. Her work in Learning & Development allows her to help others grow while actively embodying this principle.