Dive Brief:
- Aimbridge Hospitality named a new, expanded board of managers, the hospitality management firm announced Tuesday. The four new appointees — Glenn Alba, Rich Gomel, Carrie McIntyre and Emanuel Pearlman — join current board members CEO Craig Smith and Chairman Steve Joyce.
- The four managers were appointed by new investors following Aimbridge’s balance sheet restructuring, announced in January. As a result of the restructuring, Aimbridge converted more than $1 billion of debt into equity and received $100 million in new capital.
- In 2024, Aimbridge “transformed its leadership structure” with several notable executive changes, Smith said in January, as the firm doubled down on its growth strategy.
Dive Insight:
In a statement Tuesday, Smith said Aimbridge is “now in a position of strength with one of the healthiest balance sheets in the industry.”
“We're doubling down on execution, ramping up investments, and accelerating innovation in the services that set us apart,” Smith said, adding that the new board members “bring impressive track records and significant expertise across hospitality, real estate, and finance.”
Alba is the co-founder and managing member of real estate and development private equity firm TMGOC Ventures and was previously founder and CEO of Opterra Capital. He also held several roles at Blackstone throughout a 20-year tenure with the company.
Gomel is a partner and chief investment officer at Two Sigma Real Estate and previously worked at Starwood Capital Group and Starwood Hotels.
McIntrye is a partner and CEO of Viridis Fund Solutions and has nearly 20 years of hospitality industry experience. Prior to Viridis, she served in various roles, including CFO, at Interstate Hotels and Resorts, which merged with Aimbridge in 2019.
Pearlman is chair and CEO of Liberation Investment Group and has more than 35 years of experience in investing, executive finance, operations and advisory roles. He was previously the chairman of Empire Resorts.
Joyce is the chairman of the board of managers, which he has been a member of since 2023. His experience includes nearly a decade as president and CEO of Choice Hotels International.
Smith, meanwhile, was appointed CEO in February 2024. In the months that followed, Aimbridge named Marriott alum Eric Jacobs chief global growth officer and former Topgolf exec William Davenport CFO.
The firm’s leadership restructuring also saw the creation of a dedicated owner relations team and two focused operating divisions, Aimbridge announced last year.
Based in Plano, Texas, Aimbridge’s portfolio currently includes more than 1,500 properties in 23 countries, according to the company’s website.
