The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has appointed Brian Hicks as its new president/CEO.
Hicks, a 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. He follows the late Bob Gilbert, who served as president/CEO for 30 years.
“Bob Gilbert’s legacy is reflected in the incredible talent we considered during this process, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome,” said Andrew Rubinacci, chief advisory officer, FLYR Hospitality and chair, HSMAI Americas. “After an extensive search with many exceptional candidates, we are excited to welcome Brian Hicks as our new CEO. Brian’s global experience, having worked and lived in multiple regions, aligns perfectly with HSMAI’s continued international growth. His deep involvement with HSMAI, both on the board and advisory levels in the Americas and Europe, makes him uniquely qualified to guide us into the future.”
Hicks began his hospitality career after earning a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He joined The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company in Atlanta, and subsequently transitioned to IHG Hotels and Resorts, where he held multiple leadership roles across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.
His leadership journey also includes a stint as COO of TMI Hospitality, a Starwood Capital subsidiary, where he oversaw 185 hotels across 25 states. Following TMI’s acquisition by Aimbridge Hospitality, he returned to IHG, where he most recently served as SVP, commercial & revenue management for the Americas.
“HSMAI Europe welcomes Brian to his new role and looks forward to working with him,” said Michael Nowlis, program director, MBA Program, Imperial College Business School and chair, HSMAI Europe board of directors. “Brian’s 30-plus years of experience in hotel operations and commercial management have provided him the vision to lead the association through its next phase of growth. Having worked globally for Ritz Carlton, Starwood Capital and IHG, including several years in Europe, Brian sees international expansion as a key strategic thrust of our continued development.”
Added Hicks, “I’m honored to lead this remarkable association, which has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of so many hospitality professionals. As I step into this role, I’m both humbled and inspired by the strong foundation Bob Gilbert established. Together, we share a deep passion for this industry, and I look forward to continuing the mission of supporting our members and making a lasting impact on their careers.”
