Aimbridge Hospitality, a prominent global hotel management firm and the largest third-party hotel operator worldwide, recently announced the appointment of Eric B. Jacobs as its incoming Chief Global Growth Officer. Jacobs, a seasoned industry professional with over three decades of experience, will join Aimbridge’s executive leadership team on June 2, 2024, reporting directly to Chief Executive Officer Craig S. Smith.
In his role as Chief Global Growth Officer, Jacobs will be responsible for driving all growth and development initiatives for Aimbridge. With his extensive expertise in development, operations, brand creation, and brand positioning, Jacobs will play a pivotal role in expanding Aimbridge’s hotel portfolio and supporting its owners and brand partners in achieving their expansion objectives both domestically and globally.
“As we continue to enhance our capabilities, advancing our development strategy will be key to our short- and long-term success—a benefit we intend to pass on to the owners and brands we partner with,” said Smith. “Eric’s proven leadership and strong track record of successfully developing properties across diverse verticals, brands, and markets will take Aimbridge to the next level. We believe we still have vast opportunity for growth, and with Eric leading the charge, we expect to strategically broaden our reach across both full and select service in established and emerging markets.”
Jacobs brings a wealth of experience to Aimbridge, having held senior development and branding roles at Marriott International for nearly two decades. Most recently, as Chief Development Officer for Marriott Midscale Brands in North America and Marriott Brands in Canada, he directed growth strategies for over 30 established and emerging brands in those markets. Under his leadership, Marriott’s portfolio expanded by nearly 2,400 hotels and 264,000 rooms.
Prior to his tenure at Marriott, Jacobs held development leadership roles at other renowned hotel companies, including Hilton International, InterContinental Hotels Group, Stouffer Hotels and Resorts, and Tarsadia Hotels. His vast experience in both hotel and restaurant operations will be invaluable to Aimbridge as it continues to grow its global presence.
Jacobs succeeds Allison Reid, who served as Chief Global Growth Officer from July 2022 to May 2024. Aimbridge is confident that Jacobs’ expertise and leadership will drive its continued growth and success in the global hospitality industry.
