Key Executive Profiles
Ralph Grippo,
President
Ralph Grippo’s distinguished career spans more than 30 years within the global luxury hospitality industry. In his role as president of Terranea, he is responsible for the overall operating performance of the 102-acre, iconic destination resort. Under his leadership, the resort employs more than 1,000 associates and continues to evolve as Southern California’s premier oceanfront destination – renowned for its natural beauty, exceptional guest service, award-winning cuisine, unique enrichment programs, and eco-friendly practices.
Prior to joining Terranea, Grippo served as a director of Southern California-based Bellwether Financial Group, where he oversaw the operations, design and development of Dana Point Harbor Partners. He spent much of his career developing superior hotel products for both the Irvine Company and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and is known in the industry for creating exceptional guest experiences at some of the world’s most exclusive hotels.
Grippo spent 11 years with the Newport Beach-based Irvine Company, where he was president of resort operations. He was responsible for the opening of the Resort at Pelican Hill, focusing on the development of ultra-luxury service delivery concepts and consistently delivering both profit and service excellence. While at the Irvine Company, he also oversaw the transition and repositioning of two luxury brand properties into independent hotels. He helped the Irvine Company grow its independently owned and operated collection while leading the market in key performance indicators.
Prior to his role at the Irvine Company, Grippo spent nearly two decades at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, where he held various positions from area vice president for China to area vice president for Southern California and Hawaii. He also served as the general manager of several Ritz-Carlton hotels, including the Huntington Hotel and Spa and the Portman Shanghai. During his career at the Ritz-Carlton, he oversaw or supported the opening of eight hotels, including Marina del Rey, Pasadena, Osaka, Beijing, Financial Street and Tokyo, while managing a portfolio of hotels in Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Pudong.
“If you love what you do, you never have to go to work” is a mantra Grippo embraces with the same gusto he lives his life. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst with a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree with focus in management and marketing. A transplanted Southern Californian from the East Coast, Grippo was a collegiate athlete and remains extremely active today with running, skiing and an occasional game of beach volleyball. He enjoys spending time with friends and family and supporting organizations that give back to the community and hospitality industry.