Bob Gilbert
HSMAI Welcomes Brian Hicks as President & CEO, Continuing the Legacy of Innovation and Leadership
HSMAI | October 28, 2024
McLean, VA (Oct. 28, 2024) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is proud to announce the appointment of Brian Hicks as its new President and CEO. Hicks, a distinguished hospitality leader with more than 30 years of international experience, steps into this role as only the fifth CEO in HSMAI’s nearly 100-year history, marking a new chapter in the organization's legacy of leadership. His proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and leadership across major hotel brands and regions positions him well to continue building upon the foundation laid by the late Bob Gilbert, who served as President ...
HSMAI Century Campaign Update: One Year into Building a Bridge to Our Brightest Future
HSMAI Foundation | September 26, 2024
McLean, VA (Sept. 26, 2024) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation proudly marks the one-year anniversary of its Century Campaign, a five-year fundraising initiative set to culminate in the organization’s 100th anniversary on September 22, 2027. As we mark the 97th anniversary of the founding of the association in 1927, the Century Campaign seeks to generate awareness around HSMAI’s legacy and future, showcasing the organization's enduring contributions to the hospitality industry. Funds from the campaign will go to key initiatives that align with HSMAI’s mission to drive industry innova...
HSMAI Announces the Passing of President and CEO Bob Gilbert
HSMAI | September 20, 2024
Gilbert Proudly Led the Organization for More than 30 Years, Through Industry-Changing Events Including the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks, 2008 Recession, and Covid-19 Pandemic FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: McLean, VA (September 20, 2024) – It is with profound sadness that the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Americas, HSMAI Foundation and HSMAI Global, announce that President and CEO, Bob Gilbert passed away on September 19, 2024. In July 2024, the organization announced that Gilbert had accelerated his retirement plan as a result of a serious health issue following 30 years of executive leadership for HSMAI. ...
HSMAI Perspective: Signing Off, In Gratitude
HSMAI | August 1, 2024
Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, President and CEO, Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) As many of you have heard, I recently announced my retirement as President and CEO of HSMAI Global, Americas, and Foundation. While I had planned to continue leading HSMAI through its 100th anniversary (in September 2027), I decided to accelerate my retirement timeline due to an unexpected and serious health issue. In this, my final perspective column, I will share some reflections on my time with HSMAI. I am filled with gratitude for the incredible journey and the profound relationships I have built with so m...
President and CEO of HSMAI, Bob Gilbert Announces Retirement
HSMAI | July 19, 2024
The Esteemed HSMAI Leader Will Retire After More Than 30 Years of Dedicated Service FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: McLean, VA (July 19, 2024) – Following 30 years of executive leadership for the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Americas, HSMAI Foundation and HSMAI Global, the organization is announcing the retirement of President and CEO, Bob Gilbert. A cherished and admired leader in the global hospitality industry, Gilbert has accelerated his retirement plan as a result of a serious health issue. “It is with the utmost respect that we announce today the retirement of Bob Gilbert from his role of Pre...
Although Pre-Pandemic Profitability Will Remain Elusive, the Industry Will Make Strides Toward Recovery in 2022
Fran Worrall | January 5, 2022
By Fran Worrall As the new year begins, industry experts are increasingly hopeful about the state of hospitality. After almost two years of an unprecedented downturn and despite ongoing effects of the pandemic—including the emergence of new COVID-19 variants and increased consumer awareness regarding health and well-being—2022 looks to be more promising as the industry figures out how to fulfill guest expectations without compromising safety. HU/HO recently sat down with three hospitality insiders—Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) President & CEO Bob Gilbert, Knowland CEO Jeff Bzdawka, and Kalibri Lab...
