Crystal Vinisse Thomas is a dynamic brand executive with over 15 years of international experience building culturally resonant brands and designing the experiences that breathe alongside them. Most recently, as VP & Global Brand Leader at Hyatt Hotels, she set the strategic and creative vision for seven luxury and lifestyle brands — including Park Hyatt, Andaz, Alila, and Thompson — leading two strategic acquisitions, five brand builds, and industry-first collabs.

A seasoned hotelier and proud alumna of Cornell University, Crystal has also held influential brand leadership roles at W Hotels Worldwide and Beats by Dre (Apple, Inc.), where she shaped brand strategy across NBA partnerships, product launches, and cultural activations—honing her expertise in brand strategy and cultural storytelling.

Based in Los Angeles, she serves on the board of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and has been featured in Bloomberg, AdWeek, Skift, and more, and recognized on Ad Age’s 40 Under 40, Essence’s Power 40, and Skift’s Generation Next: 25 Women Shaping Travel’s Future.