Francisco Javier Salas Ahumada
Entrepreneur & Senior Hospitality Executive
Summary
Dynamic entrepreneur with 20+ years leading high-end hospitality ventures, project development, and consulting in Mexico’s luxury tourism sector. Proven success in creating innovative experiences, managing complex projects, and scaling boutique brands through proprietary methodologies. Adept at investor relations, operations, finance and design, with strong ties to the nonprofit and academic sectors.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Founder & CEO
The Chilam Group
01.2018 - Current
- Established a high-end hospitality development and management firm, generating millions in niche travel sales and investments.
- Developed proprietary “Entrepreneurship as a Service” and “Operations as a Service” methodologies for clients.
- Pioneer in “experiential” and wellness traveler as a focus to overall product development.
Yucatan Adventure Trek & Other Tour Operators
01.2010 - Current
- Founded diversified inbound and outbound tour operators, specializing in luxury, niche, and experiential markets, with international clients including media productions and VIPs sold directly and through a deep network or b2b partners in North America, Europe and Asia.
- Designed multi-day, custom experiences, and managed a network of over 100 partners.
Founder & Consultant
Terraforte
01.2010 - Current
- Advised foreign investors and managed real estate and hospitality projects, facilitating asset sales and operations.
Consultant
Ritz Carlton Punta Venado
01.2024 - 01.2024
- Designed a dedicated facility for SCUBA, breathwork, and wellness in collaboration with Sordo Madaleno Architects.
- Developed the "Ritz Carlton Ocean Workshop" concept for future resort development.
Project Lead
Reserva & Aldea Nativa, Solferino
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Managed all aspects of a 30-hectare eco-resort, including branding, design, construction oversight, artist collaborations, budget, HR, and partner management.
- Created high-end wellness, nature tourism, and experiential offerings.
Founder & Operator
Xcalak to Chinchorro
01.2008 - 01.2024
- Built and ran an award-winning marine adventure resort, specializing in unique dive training and ecotourism.
- From multi-day offshore excursions to photograph wild american crocodyles to training on closed circuit rebreathers to dive to over 500ft using exotic gas mixes to professional-level training offering one-of-a-kind multi-month training programs; including an on-site boutique hotel, restaurant, beach club and marina.
Tax Consulting
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Company Overview: Chévez, Ruiz, Zamarripa y Cia, SC
- Provided tax consultancy for multinational companies, liaising with US and Mexican authorities.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting & Business
ITAM
01.2005
Skills
- Luxury Hospitality & Experience Design
- Project & Operations Management
- Strategic Planning & Business Development
- Financial Modeling & Accounting (Mexican & US standards)
- Boutique & Niche Tour Operations
- Cross-border Investment & Asset Management
- Off-grid Facility Management & Technical Systems
- Talent Recruitment & Training
- Multilingual and multi-cultural: Spanish & English (Native), Italian (Conversational)
- Digital project management and CRM systems
- Facility maintenance, electrical, plumbing, off-grid systems
Timeline
Consultant
Ritz Carlton Punta Venado
01.2024 - 01.2024
Project Lead
Reserva & Aldea Nativa, Solferino
01.2022 - 01.2024
Founder & CEO
The Chilam Group
01.2018 - Current
Yucatan Adventure Trek & Other Tour Operators
01.2010 - Current
Founder & Consultant
Terraforte
01.2010 - Current
Founder & Operator
Xcalak to Chinchorro
01.2008 - 01.2024
Tax Consulting
01.2003 - 01.2005
Bachelor of Science - Accounting & Business
ITAM
Similar Profiles
NINA SPRAYNINA SPRAY
Business Development Manager at Intracoastal Construction Group and Hydrologic GroupBusiness Development Manager at Intracoastal Construction Group and Hydrologic Group
Nattamon RaposoNattamon Raposo
Associate Veterinarian at Somerville Veterinary Group/ Callanan Veterinary GroupAssociate Veterinarian at Somerville Veterinary Group/ Callanan Veterinary Group
PRASHANT MISRAPRASHANT MISRA
Vice President – Account Growth & NBD at Max Mudra - JV Between The Tribes Group and DDB Mudra From Omnicom (now The Max, a Tribes Group Company)Vice President – Account Growth & NBD at Max Mudra - JV Between The Tribes Group and DDB Mudra From Omnicom (now The Max, a Tribes Group Company)
ERIC SANDERSERIC SANDERS
Founder & CEO at L8ShiftFounder & CEO at L8Shift
Christopher HarrisChristopher Harris
Founder & CEO at TechFit AcademyFounder & CEO at TechFit Academy