John Chadwell 1949 - 2002

John M. Chadwell, the President of Pebble Beach Company, died from complications of pancreatic cancer on February 6, 2002 at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula.

Born in New York City in 1949, John spent his life in the hospitality industry, literally growing up in the business following his mother and stepfather as they managed hotels around the globe. He graduated from Mexico City's Universidad Militar Latino Americana in 1966 and began a distinguished 35-year career in hospitality. John traveled the world working in South America, Europe, the Middle East and the United States, for the Hilton, Meridien and EuroDisney companies.

John was named President of Pebble Beach Company in May 1996, after having served as vice president of resort operations since 1992 and general manager of The Inn at Spanish Bay since 1989. Under his leadership, The Inn at Spanish Bay earned the prestigious honor of being named the "Best Mainland Resort" for 3 years by Conde Nast magazine, was named the "Best North American Hotel" by Travel & Leisure magazine and received the coveted Mobil Five-Star Award. Among his many contributions over the past 12 years, John was responsible for creating and building the Casa Palmero Resort and the Spa at Pebble Beach.

One of John's passions was food and wine, and he had a lifelong dedication to expert culinary service. At Pebble Beach Resorts, John introduced the practice of partnering with renowned chefs to create unique culinary experiences. He was the creative vision behind most of Pebble Beach's restaurants, including Roy's, Peppoli, Stillwater Bar and Grill and Club XIX.

"John Chadwell was a very special person," stated Bill Perocchi, CEO of Pebble Beach Company. "He loved Pebble Beach and Pebble Beach loved him. Our employees loved him. Our guests loved him and our community loved him. The entire Pebble Beach family is in mourning over the loss of our dear friend and colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with John and his family."

He is survived by his mother, Merry Stephen; his daughters, Katherine and Merry; and his son, Mikey.

Mr. Chadwell was a member of the International Toques Blanches Society and the American Institute of Wine and Food. He served on the Resort Committee for the American Hotel and Motel Association, and on the board of the Monterey Jazz Festival.