Edward De Valle
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Edward De Valle II is a global entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist recognized for his strategic vision across real estate, media, and hospitality. He comes from a distinguished Cuban–Spanish family; his great-grandfather, Dr. Alfredo Zayas y Alfonso, served as President of Cuba from 1921 to 1925. He carries forward this legacy of leadership, education, and public service through his business initiatives and philanthropic work. 
He holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, an MBA, and a PhD in Sociology. In 2014, his company was ranked among the TOP INC 500 – 133 leading companies in the United States, highlighting his capacity to innovate and lead in highly competitive environments. 
As former owner of Forbes Magazine Latin America, Edward consolidated an international reputation as a leader in real estate development, hospitality, and marketing strategy. With more than 25 years of international experience, he has become one of the most influential figures in the Caribbean in hotel and mixed-use development, having structured and successfully marketed more than USD $20 billion in residential, commercial, and hotel projects worldwide. 
His work combines entrepreneurial vision with disciplined financial management. He has been a pioneer in sustainable development and in building international brand alliances that have transformed the investment landscape in the Dominican Republic, integrating strategic branding, architectural innovation, and financial structuring to connect global capital with local opportunities. 
AT A GLANCE
CEO & Managing Partner, Grupo GDV SRL –
Fully integrated real estate and hotel development platform. 
Chairman,
Hotel Collection International –
100% focused on condo-hotel investment and commercial real estate.
Former Owner, Forbes Magazine Latin America –
Regional operations and business media leadership. 
25+ Years of Experience –
In hospitality, real estate development, and investment marketing. 
USD $20+ Billion in Projects–
Structured and commercialized globally
USD $500 Million in Current Hotel Projects –
In the Dominican Republic (direct, indirect, and affiliated).
1,500+ Hotel Rooms –
Currently in construction and operation across the country. 
Recognition: INC 500 –
Top 133 Companies in America (2014).
Founder, Fundación De Valle –
Non-profit supporting children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in the Dominican Republic.
VISION 2030
Sustainable Growth Plan
Edward’s Vision 2030 initiative positions the Dominican Republic as a leader in sustainable tourism and mid-scale hospitality. The plan includes: 
•Delivering 4,500 new hotel rooms in 29 locations nationwide.
•Promoting public–private partnerships that attract and protect international capital.
•Implementing green building standards and renewable energy solutions across projects.
•Expanding international hotel brands while preserving local identity, culture, and environmental balance.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER
Media & Communications
Edward’s career began in communications and media, where he learned the power of brand positioning and strategic storytelling.
As owner of Forbes Magazine Latin America, he directed editorial and commercial operations across multiple countries, working directly with Fortune 500 executives, political leaders, and investors throughout the region. This experience shaped his understanding of what truly generates value:
•Credibility
•Strong, long-term relationships
•The ability to align vision with measurable results 
Leveraging that foundation, Edward transitioned into real estate marketing and investment strategy, leading projects that connected international developers with high-growth markets in the Caribbean and the Americas. 
In 2014, his business achievements were recognized nationally when his company was ranked among the 133 leading companies in the INC 500 in the United States, underlining his leadership, innovation, and operational excellence. More than two decades into his career, his reputation as a developer and marketing strategist has made him a reference point in integrated real estate development and hotel management across the region. 
LEADERSHIP
Grupo GDV SRL
As Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Grupo GDV SRL, Edward has built a fully integrated real estate and hotel development platform, capable of managing every phase of the project lifecycle: 
•Land acquisition
•Feasibility and viability analysis
•Design coordination (architecture, interiors, master planning)
•Financial structuring and capital raising
•Construction management
•Brand selection and negotiation with global hotel flags
•Pre-opening planning and ongoing hotel operations
Under his leadership, Grupo GDV manages more than USD $500 million in direct, indirect, and affiliated hotel projects between 2021 and 2025. These developments are strategically distributed along the fastest-growing tourism and economic corridors in the Dominican Republic and support his national growth strategy called VISION 2030—a plan to deliver 4,500 hotel rooms in 29 locations within a 30-minute radius of the country’s main regional economic centers. 
HOTEL CONSTRUCTION
& Active Operations
5-Star Hotels
• Wyndham Grand Santo Domingo
Flagship urban hotel redefining the skyline and hospitality standards in the capital city. 
• Blue del Mare Cap Cana
Oceanfront resort that combines Caribbean architecture with international standards of design, service, and investment structure. 
• The Registry Collection – Jarabacoa
Exclusive mountain retreat integrating eco-luxury, wellness, and sustainability, positioning Jarabacoa as a premium nature destination. 
4-Star Hotels
• Makai Cap Cana
Boutique condo-hotel concept that merges flexible investment models with full resort-style living and branded hotel services. 
3-Star Hotels
• Trademark Collection by Wyndham Santo Domingo
Centrally located business hotel serving corporate and government travelers in the capital.
• La Quinta San Francisco de Macorís
Regional hotel with an expected opening in June 2026, expanding branded hospitality into the Cibao region.
• Days Inn Juan Dolio Beach
Beach hotel in Juan Dolio, with opening scheduled for December 2025, strengthening the mid-scale, branded offer along the southern coast.
• Wyndham Garden Monte Cristi
Fully operational hotel serving tourism and corporate segments in the northwest region.
• Super 8 Manzanillo
Operating with over 80% occupancy, this property demonstrates the strength of strategic positioning and mid-scale hotel brands in emerging markets.
STRATEGIC ALLIANCES & GLOBAL PARTNERS
Edward also serves as Managing Partner of The Agency Real Estate in the Dominican Republic, the global luxury brokerage based in Beverly Hills and founded by Mauricio Umansky. 
This alliance extends his reach into North American and European investment networks, positioning the Dominican Republic as a secure and profitable destination for hotel and residential investment.
AWARDS &
Media Recognition
Edward’s leadership has attracted sustained international media attention:
•Featured on Millionaire House Swap (Paramount TV UK)
•Profiled in Newsweek, Forbes, GQ, and Robb Report Latin America 
•Under his leadership, Grupo GDV has received multiple regional awards for:
•Excellence in architecture
•Sustainability
•Corporate social responsibility
He was also included among the 133 leading companies in the INC 500 in the United States (2014), in recognition of his contribution to innovation and business growth. 
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION &
Professional Certifications
Edward has continuously strengthened his leadership and analytical capabilities through executive and academic programs at Harvard University and Princeton University, focused on business management, negotiation, and leadership excellence, aligned with his strategic role at Grupo De Valle.
Harvard University – Harvard Business School Online
•Core – Business Management
•Certificate in Business Analytics, Economics for Managers, and Financial Accounting
•CLIMB – Principles of Leadership
•Certificate in Organizational Leadership, Strategic Growth, and Decision-Making
•Advanced Negotiation Program
•Specialization in Influence, Persuasion, and Conflict Resolution
Princeton University – Executive Education
•Strategic Management and Decision-Making
•Certificate in Analytical Thinking, Executive Strategy, and Complex Problem-Solving
•Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Global Economies
•Certificate in Entrepreneurial Leadership, Innovation Strategy, and Sustainable Growth
•Data-Driven & Ethical Leadership
•Certificate in Responsible Leadership, Evidence-Based Management, and Ethical Decision-Making
CORE VALUES
Integrity
Transparent, principled leadership in every project and partnership.
Innovation
Constant search for new solutions in design, finance, and operations.
Sustainability
Long-term environmental, social, and economic impact.
Compassion
Human-centered approach reflected in both business and philanthropy.