Raymond L. “Rip” Gellein Jr. today leads a family investment vehicle, RBG Capital Advisors LLC, which invests in early stage operating companies in the construction, marketing and technology spaces. In addition he currently serves on the Board of Directors of Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Inc.
Prior to this, Rip had a long career in the hospitality and real estate industry. He served as the Chairman and CEO of Strategic Hotels and Resorts, Inc from 2012 to 2015. Prior to that he was the President of Global Development for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Prior to that position, he was the Chairman and CEO of Starwood Vacation Ownership, the subsidiary of Starwood that was formed from the acquisition of Vistana, Inc in 1999. Rip served as the Chairman and Co-CEO of Vistana Inc when it went public in 1997 and was intimately involved with the founding of Vistana in 1980 and led that enterprise through its sale to Starwood. Prior to Vistana, he served as Vice President and Division Manager in Real Estate for Continental Illinois National Bank in Chicago.
Rip holds an MBA in Finance, Accounting and Marketing from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management (1974), as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Denison University (1969). Between college and graduate school, he taught mathematics and psychology as well as coached basketball, football and tennis at two private schools, the last two years at the Groton School in Groton Massachusetts.
Rip is married and, together with his wife Jacque, have a total of 6 children and 11 grandchildren.
Rip Gellein served on the Mind & Life Board of Directors from 2009 to 2021.
