In Brief: The Ranch at Laguna Beach has named RJ Bear its new general manager, placing operational oversight and the guest experience at the 97-room California coastal resort under new leadership.
-
RJ Bear – Image Credit The Ranch at Laguna Beach
The Ranch at Laguna Beach announced RJ Bear’s appointment as General Manager, marking the latest chapter in his more than a decade-long history with the award-winning Laguna Beach resort. With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, Bear brings extensive expertise in luxury resort operations, food and beverage, team leadership, and guest experience to the role.
As General Manager, Bear will oversee all aspects of resort operations, continuing to deliver thoughtful, personalized hospitality while strengthening The Ranch at Laguna Beach’s distinctive positioning as a luxury coastal retreat rooted in nature, community, and a strong sense of place.
“The Ranch has been such a big part of my life for the past 12 years, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built here,” said RJ Bear, General Manager of The Ranch at Laguna Beach. “What makes this place special has always been the people, from our team members who have been here since the beginning to the guests who return year after year. I’m excited to step into this role, continue building on what we’ve accomplished, and find new ways to share everything that makes The Ranch and Laguna Beach so unique.”
Bear’s connection to The Ranch at Laguna Beach dates back to 2014, when he joined the resort’s pre-opening team as Food & Beverage Manager. In this role, he helped establish the property’s food and beverage operations ahead of opening, including Harvest Restaurant & Bar, The Pantry, banquet and event spaces, and poolside service.
Before joining The Ranch, Bear built an extensive career in Southern California luxury hospitality. He held leadership positions at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach and the Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna, where he oversaw operations across the hotel’s restaurants, bar, room service, pool, banquets, and golf-related functions.
With more than two decades of hospitality experience and a career deeply rooted in Southern California, Bear brings an intimate understanding of both The Ranch at Laguna Beach and the destination it calls home. His longstanding connection to the resort, operational expertise, and commitment to elevated guest experiences position him to lead The Ranch into its next chapter while preserving the character and sense of place that have defined the property.