Hotel Phoenix Introduces Leadership Team Ahead of Opening

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USA, Atlanta, Georgia. October 15, 2025

With anticipation building for its debut later this year, Hotel Phoenix has announced its opening leadership team, a key milestone in the evolution of Centennial Yards and the transformation of Downtown Atlanta's hospitality landscape.

Renowned hotelier Martin Wormull has been appointed General Manager, bringing more than 30 years of global experience leading luxury and boutique hotels throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. Joining him is Director of Food & Beverage, Omari Buncum, most recently of FORTH, who will oversee culinary operations, including Zephyr, the hotel's Southern-inspired brasserie, and the poolside bar, Bless Your Heart.

Centennial Yards is a $5 billion, 50-acre development revitalizing a historic junction in Downtown Atlanta with 8 million square feet of new residential, commercial, and public space. Located within Centennial Yards and set to play a prominent role during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Hotel Phoenix seeks to redefine the hospitality experience in Downtown Atlanta. The hotel will combine thoughtful design, a deep sense of place, and warm Southern hospitality in one of the city's most dynamic neighborhoods.

"Hotel Phoenix offers the extraordinary opportunity to create a new standard of luxury in Atlanta, blending elevated Southern hospitality with a global point of view," said Wormull. "From its distinctive culinary offerings to refined design and top-tier service, we are curating every detail to resonate with travelers from near and far. I'm honored to lead the opening of Hotel Phoenix and help shape it into a premier destination for Downtown Atlanta."

Wormull is an award-winning hospitality leader who has operated a range of exceptional properties, including the five-star Loren Hotel Austin at Lady Bird Lake and Conrad Nashville, where he led a successful opening that earned a Forbes Recommended rating, Brand Development of the Year honors, and top guest satisfaction rankings within Hilton's luxury collection. In Atlanta, he served as General Manager of The Candler Hotel, where he reached a 100% Revenue Performance Index within one year and helped establish the hotel's signature restaurant, By George, as a local favorite.

During his 17 years with Hilton Worldwide, Wormull held key leadership roles at The Drake Hotel in Chicago, several Conrad properties in Florida, and at the corporate level as Senior Director of Brand Performance for Waldorf Astoria and Conrad Hotels across the Americas. Known for his operational rigor and guest-first approach, he has received numerous accolades, including General Manager of the Year and Most Improved Guest Satisfaction.

Omari Buncum brings more than 15 years of food and beverage expertise to Hotel Phoenix. A graduate of Morehouse College, he most recently served as Director of Food and Beverage at FORTH Hotel Atlanta, where he opened four new dining concepts and helped establish the hotel in one of the most celebrated launches in the country. Earlier in his career, he advanced through leadership roles at Live! Hospitality and Entertainment, eventually overseeing 10 venues across four states as Associate Vice President of Operations.

At Hotel Phoenix, Buncum will guide all culinary programming, including the pre-opening launch of Zephyr and Bless Your Heart. With a proven ability to lead large teams, elevate service standards, and drive profitability, Buncum brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to the property's food and beverage strategy.

Together, Wormull and Buncum bring vision, experience, and a deep appreciation for Atlanta's culture to Hotel Phoenix, one of the city's most anticipated new destinations and a cornerstone of Centennial Yards.