
Joseph Yi is a seasoned real estate and hospitality investment executive with over 20 years of experience spanning acquisitions, capital markets, asset management, and strategic development. As Chief Investment Officer at Palette Hotels, Joseph oversees the firm’s investment platform and leads the execution of strategic growth initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and scale of the company’s portfolio. Prior to joining Palette, Joseph served in Chief Investment Officer roles at Frontier Development & Hospitality Group and Real Hospitality Group, where he was instrumental in driving transformative investment strategies. At Real Hospitality Group, he played a pivotal role in the firm’s expansion from 64 to over 100 hotels, launched its first investment fund in 2017, and directed over $100 million in lodging asset acquisitions. He also led the company’s global expansion, establishing its first international venture in China. Earlier in his career, Joseph held the role of Vice President of Investments and General Counsel at Lam Group, a prominent hotel development firm with over 30 ground-up projects, and also held the role of Managing Director of Acquisitions at SHVO, a leading luxury developer in the United States with notable projects such Aman Hotels & Residences and Mandarin Oriental Residences. With cumulative experience in more than $4 billion in hotel-related transactions, Joseph brings deep expertise in sourcing and structuring complex deals, forming programmatic joint ventures, raising institutional capital, and optimizing investment returns. His leadership has consistently aligned cross-functional teams, capital partners, and operational stakeholders to deliver strategic value and long-term growth. Joseph holds a Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from Binghamton University. He is a member of the New York State Bar and serves on the board of the International Luxury Hotel Association – East Coast Chapter.