Stonebridge, a Denver-based, privately-owned hotel management company, announced today the appointment of Rob Smith as president and chief executive officer. Smith will join the company in July to oversee the operations of Stonebridge and will lead the development and execution of the organization’s long-term strategies, reporting to Stonebridge’s board of directors. Smith will succeed Navin Dimond, who founded Stonebridge in 1991, and will, upon Smith’s appointment, be elevated to the role of chairman.
"I am thrilled to lead the immensely talented Stonebridge team during this exciting time of growth and opportunity in our industry," Rob Smith said in a statement. "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."\
Smith, a seasoned leader in the hospitality industry, brings a wealth of experience to Stonebridge. With a career spanning nearly 30 years, he 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 and CEO of the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association and Aruba Convention Bureau. His leadership journey also includes successful stints as GM of several large resorts in the United States and the Caribbean. Smith also currently serves on the AHLA Board of Directors, 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 Navin 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."