ROSEMONT, Ill., February 19, 2015 – Rosemont, Ill.-based First Hospitality Group, Inc. (FHG), a national hospitality management and development company, announced today that President and COO Bob Habeeb will be named the company’s next CEO. Founder, Chairman and current CEO of First Hospitality Group, Inc. Stephen L. Schwartz made the announcement.
As CEO, Habeeb will focus on continuing to grow and cultivating FHG’s reputation as one of the nation’s top hotel developers and operators. Schwartz will focus on the company’s growth and development as Founder and Chairman.
“With 18 years of history at FHG, Bob has embraced the company’s culture and proven his ability to lead and inspire our team as we grow,” said Schwartz. “We look forward to continuing to build on the reputation of FHG as we create a brand that is both trusted and valued by our associates, clients and partners. It is an exciting time as we embark on the next 30 years under his capable stewardship.”
Habeeb, a recognized industry leader who has won a series of awards, including the Illinois Hotel Association’s Hotelier of the Year award and Global Hotelier of the Year, was selected to lead the company into its next chapter due to his wide reaching industry relationships, proven track record of innovation regarding development opportunities, superior operating performance, and the long tenure of his management team, said Schwartz.
“I am excited for the future and grateful to my team for their consistent focus on delivering results,” said Habeeb. “This transition offers us the unique opportunity to rededicate ourselves to our core values and look to the future, while remaining focused on creativity and innovation.”
Habeeb is a seasoned professional with more than 25 years of high profile, multiunit experience in hotel, resort and food and beverage management. During his career, he has successfully operated hospitality businesses in virtually every aspect of the industry, including luxury, select service, resort hotels, restaurants, and golf and ski operations in every setting imaginable.
In addition to his duties at FHG, Bob serves as a member of the adjunct faculty of Chicago’s Roosevelt University, where he teaches at a graduate level in the Manfred Steinfeld School of Hospitality Management. He has served on numerous industry boards and brand advisory councils, including his current seats on the board of directors and executive committee of the American Hotel & Lodging Association and his previous chairmanship of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association.
