Upscale outdoor hospitality destination Under Canvas has announced the appointment of Matt Gaghen to CEO. With nearly 20 years of hospitality and finance experience, he joins the Under Canvas team from KSL Capital Partners, where he served as a principal in the strategic operating group. (Under Canvas is majority owned by an affiliate of KSL, a leading investor in travel and leisure businesses.) Now based in Denver, Gaghen received his undergraduate degree from Amherst College and holds a masters in business administration from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.
“Matt Gaghen’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Under Canvas in light of the recently announced 2021 expansion plans with the addition of new camps in Maine and Utah,” says John Ege, Under Canvas chairman and partner at KSL Capital Partners. “With domestic roadtrip travel and outdoor exploration at an all-time high, we are thrilled to have Matt’s proven hospitality and private equity experience to continue the growth of Under Canvas as the market leader.”
“It’s an exciting time for Under Canvas,” Gaghen adds. “We will be opening two amazing new camps in spring 2021, one near Acadia National Park and one near Lake Powell-Grand Staircase, in addition to significant enhancements at our existing camps, such as at Under Canvas Zion, with expanded culinary offerings, adventures, and guest services. This will only enhance our position as the leading glamping company and multi-unit platform focused on upscale outdoor hospitality.”
