Carlos de la Barra brings over two decades of leadership experience with some of the world’s most renowned hospitality brands. His career spans iconic names like Marriott’s Bulgari and Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood Hotels, and Kerzner International, where he contributed to flagship properties such as Atlantis Dubai and One&Only Palmilla. Collaborating with visionaries like Nobu Matsuhisa and Horst Schulze, Carlos has honed his expertise in creating exceptional guest experiences while driving profit, increasing revenue, and enhancing operational efficiency.

Throughout his career, Carlos has immersed himself in diverse cultures and led teams across various high-profile projects, including hotel openings, task forces, and post-disaster recovery operations following natural disasters like hurricanes. His hands-on approach extends beyond luxury suites to kitchens, laundries, and back-of-house areas, where he identifies opportunities for operational improvement and sustainable growth.

Carlos has had the privilege of working alongside several world-renowned Michelin-starred chefs, including Michel Rostang, Giorgio Locatelli, Santi Santamaría, Jesús Sánchez, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten. These collaborations have enriched his understanding of exceptional culinary artistry and the operational nuances required to deliver world-class dining experiences, further fuelling his passion for integrating food and beverage excellence with hospitality operations.

In recent years, Carlos has shifted his focus to working closely with institutional investors and hospitality funds, including ASG, Besant Capital, RLH, and HIP. This experience has deepened his understanding of owner priorities, particularly in asset management, navigating challenges like regulatory shifts, and implementing innovative strategies to adapt operations. Recognizing the opportunity to improve asset performance and value, Carlos founded Sheets & Napkins Hotel & Restaurant Consulting.

His mission is to empower hotel owners to maximize profitability, optimize operational performance, and ensure their assets deliver exceptional returns. From developing teams to creating and adapting concepts that align with current market needs, Carlos remains committed to solutions that balance quality, efficiency, and long-term value creation. As always, he thrives on being actively involved—walking kitchens, laundries, and back-of-house areas—where he believes the greatest opportunities for transformation are often discovered.