Stonebridge Companies LLC, a Denver-based privately-owned hotel management company, has appointed Rob Smith as president/CEO. He will join the company in July and succeed Navin Dimond, who founded Stonebridge in 1991 and will become chairman.
In his new role, Smith will lead the development and execution of the organization’s long-term strategies and report to Stonebridge’s board of directors.
“I am thrilled to lead the immensely talented Stonebridge team during this exciting time of growth and opportunity in our industry,” said Smith. “I look forward to working with Navin and the Stonebridge team to continue the company’s long history of innovation, operational excellence, and consistent results as we strive to be the leader in hospitality among guests, team members and clients.”
With a career spanning nearly 30 years, Smith has held key positions with several hospitality organizations. Most recently, he served as division president for Aimbridge Hospitality. During his 12-year tenure at Aimbridge, he was instrumental in the growth of the full-service, luxury and resort portfolio. Prior to that, he spent almost two decades in the Caribbean, where he held positions at several large resort properties and served the island of Aruba as president/CEO of the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association and Aruba Convention Bureau. His leadership journey also includes stints as GM of several resorts in the U.S. and the Caribbean. He also currently serves on the AHLA board of directors, the Marriott Rooms Advisory Board and the Westin Brand Advisory Board.
“I am proud of the success our team has achieved as we’ve built the distinct Stonebridge brand over more than 30 years—and am confident that the best is yet to come,” said Dimond. “Rob epitomizes our culture of leveraging innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit to enhance value for our owners, investors and other stakeholders. His extensive, successful track record makes him the ideal person to advance our growth strategy. I look forward to working closely with Rob to take Stonebridge to the next level of growth.”
