A number of key leadership moves within both major hotel management firms and brand companies underscored the ongoing changes in the hospitality executive ranks.
Most notably, Aimbridge Hospitality founder Dave Johnson is leaving the company to pursue external opportunities. In January of this year, Johnson stepped aside from day-to-day operations and his role as CEO and handed the reins of the company to president and CEO Mike Deitemeyer. Since that time, Johnson has held the position of Executive Chairman where he has focused primarily on strategic M&A.
Aimbridge Hospitality is entering the second half of 2021 with strong operating performance having outperformed the competition during the first half of the year, according to the company. In addition, the company expanded its presence in North America earlier this summer with its acquisition of Grupo Hotelero Prisma, the largest third-party operator in Mexico.
Aimbridge continues to leverage its scale and reputation going from its original portfolio of just eight properties into a premium portfolio of more than 1,500 branded and independent properties in 20 countries and over 60,000 employees.
Meanwhile, Red Roof has named George Limbert to the position of President, effective immediately. He had been interim president since October 2020.
Limbert served as the company’s general counsel for the previous eight years and has been on the core leadership team that has guided the company throughout the pandemic. Red Roof has overcome these challenges as a well-positioned leader in the industry, seeing consistent increases in all performance metrics, according to the company.
Earlier this month, the company announced a new prototype for HomeTowne Studios, its extended stay offering.
Finally, Accor has appointed Sara Glenn and Benjamin Cadwell as COOs, North & Central America.
In their new roles, Glenn and Cadwell are responsible for enhancing operational execution, elevating financial results and guest satisfaction and building long-term value for partners and owners during a time of growth and expansion for Accor in North & Central America. Glenn maintains responsibility for all hotels in Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, while Cadwell has oversight for all U.S. properties. Both will also serve on the Accor North & Central America senior leadership team and CODIR (Executive Committee).
Glenn most recently served as SVP, operations for Accor North & Central America, where she has played a pivotal role in driving operational performance and excellence, especially in the region’s road to recovery. Prior to joining Accor, she was EVP, asset management, InnVest Hotels, overseeing a portfolio of more than 100 hotels across a variety of brands and market classes in Canada.
Cadwell joined Accor from Kingdom Hotel Investments, where in his position as EVP, asset and investment management, he had oversight of Kingdom’s luxury hospitality investment platform, including its owned trophy hotel assets, as well as its investments in Accor and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts.
