Dive Brief:
- Aimbridge Hospitality is continuing to shake up its leadership with the appointment of Eric Jacobs as chief global growth officer, the hospitality management company announced Thursday.
- Effective June 2, the industry veteran succeeds Allison Reid — who held the role from July 2022 to May 2024 — after nearly 20 years at Marriott International.
- Earlier this year, Aimbridge named Craig Smith CEO amid a restructuring of its operations intended to provide its partners with “superior solutions that meet their biggest challenges.”
Dive Insight:
As chief global growth officer, Jacobs will oversee “all aspects of growth and development,” according to Aimbridge.
Smith said Jacobs’ appointment underscores Aimbridge’s commitment to advancing its development strategy, and will help the company broaden its “reach across both full and select service in established and emerging markets."
Jacobs joins the hospitality management company from Marriott International, where he spent nearly 20 years. Most recently, Jacobs served as chief development officer for Marriott Midscale Brands - North America and Marriott Brands - Canada, where he led growth of more than 30 established and emerging brands.
Prior to that, he was chief development officer Marriott Select Brands, where he spearheaded growth strategy for brands including Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn, AC Hotels and Moxy.
While at Marriott, Jacobs helped expand Marriott’s midscale portfolio globally with the acquisition of City Express in Latin America and the growth of Four Points by Sheraton across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Jacobs was also involved in creating Marriott’s StudioRes extended stay brand.
"With more owners and brands turning to third-party hotel operators to expertly manage their assets, now is an exciting time to join Aimbridge," Jacobs said in a statement, adding that he is looking forward to “bringing forward innovative solutions that will drive rapid, sustainable growth for Aimbridge and its owners."
Jacobs also has development leadership experience elsewhere, including at Hilton, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Stouffer Hotels and Resorts and Tarsadia Hotels.
Chief executive Smith — who also joined Aimbridge after decades at Marriott — succeeded former CEO Michael Deitemeyer in March.
As part of an organizational shakeup announced in February, Aimbridge created a new owner relations team led by Divisional President of Owner Relations Aly El-Bassuni. The team is tasked with launching a new advisory council, the Aimbridge Owners Council, consisting of representatives across ownership groups.
The company also brought its U.S. operations under two newly created divisions: Aimbridge Select, focusing on select service, economy and extended stay properties and led by Simon Mendy, and Aimbridge Full Service, dedicated to full-service, luxury and resort properties, under Rob Smith.
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect the company announced Jacobs' appointment on May 9.
