Aimbridge Hospitality’s New Board Appointments Signal Strong Future for Hospitality Leader

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Aimbridge Hospitality, the world’s largest third-party hotel operator and a prominent global hotel management firm, has unveiled a newly expanded and refreshed Board of Managers, strengthening its leadership for long-term success. These appointments come after the company successfully completed a major balance sheet restructuring.

Joining the Board are Glenn Alba, Rich Gomel, Carrie McIntyre, and Emanuel (Manny) Pearlman, who will work alongside current Board members Steve Joyce and Craig S. Smith, Aimbridge’s CEO.

“We are excited to have Glenn, Rich, Carrie, and Manny join the Aimbridge Board at this important moment for the Company,” said Smith. “They bring impressive track records and significant expertise across hospitality, real estate, and finance, and we look forward to leveraging their leadership and unique insights to deliver best-in-class hotel operating performance, advancing our position as the hotel operator of choice.”

Smith added, “We’re now in a position of strength with one of the healthiest balance sheets in the industry. Looking ahead, the goal and game plan are clear – deliver results for our owners and brand partners. We’re doubling down on execution, ramping up investments, and accelerating innovation in the services that set us apart. It all comes down to driving even better performance across our properties and portfolio and creating an even stronger Aimbridge.”

With the full backing of its lenders, Aimbridge has converted over $1 billion in debt into equity, while also securing $100 million in new capital. This restructuring has enhanced the company’s liquidity and resources, enabling further investments in its strategic initiatives, operational improvements, and leadership in the hospitality sector.

The newly appointed independent managers bring with them significant expertise:

Glenn Alba

Glenn Alba is a veteran real estate and hotel investor with more than 23 years of experience across diverse commercial real estate sectors in the U.S. and internationally. He is the Co-Founder and Managing Member of TMGOC Ventures, a private equity firm focused on hospitality and multi-family developments. He also founded Opterra Capital and previously held a 20-year tenure at Blackstone Real Estate, where he led Global Portfolio Management. Alba has served on the boards of CorePoint Lodging and La Quinta Holdings, and has been a member of various advisory boards, including Interstate Hotels and Resorts and Doubletree Hotels.

Rich Gomel

Rich Gomel brings a wealth of experience in real estate investing and operations, having held senior roles at prestigious firms like Two Sigma Real Estate, Starwood Capital Group, and J.P. Morgan Asset and Wealth Management. He has also been involved in key leadership roles in the hospitality sector, including serving as CEO of Groupe du Louvre and holding senior positions at Baccarat and 21c Museum Hotels. His extensive experience spans across major real estate asset classes and investment strategies.

Carrie McIntyre

Carrie McIntyre combines nearly two decades of financial expertise with a strong background in hospitality. She is the CEO and Partner at VIRIDIS Fund Solutions and has held leadership roles in fund administration at StepStone Group and venture capital firm Greenspring Associates. McIntyre was a key player in multiple M&A transactions at Interstate Hotels and Resorts, where she worked closely with private equity sponsors to drive transformational strategies that resulted in revenue growth and margin expansion. Her extensive experience spans both public and private ownership structures.

Emanuel Pearlman

Manny Pearlman has more than 35 years of leadership experience across investing, finance, operations, and advisory roles in industries such as hospitality, gaming, and logistics. He currently serves as the Chairman and CEO of Liberation Investment Group and is a Board Member for MidCap Financial and Diebold Nixdorf. Pearlman has held prominent positions in various companies, including serving as Chairman of Empire Resorts and on the Boards of Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel and Jameson Inns, among others.

These new members will work alongside Steve Joyce and Craig S. Smith to lead Aimbridge into its next phase of growth:

Steve Joyce

Steve Joyce, Chairman of Aimbridge’s Board since 2023, brings decades of experience in hospitality, having previously served as President and CEO of Choice Hotels International. Under his leadership, Choice expanded internationally, adding brands and growing its footprint to over 6,700 hotels worldwide. Joyce’s earlier career includes significant roles at Marriott International, where he contributed to global development. He currently serves on several boards, including RE/MAX Holdings, Cineworld Cinemas, and CARE International, and has been Chairman of the U.S. Travel Association and the International Franchise Association.

Craig S. Smith

Craig S. Smith, Aimbridge’s CEO since 2024, brings a distinguished career in hospitality, having previously served as Group President of Marriott International’s International Division. Smith oversaw Marriott’s portfolio of 2,500 hotels across 28 brands worldwide. His leadership roles also included Chief Operating Officer and President of Marriott’s Asia Pacific and Caribbean & Latin America regions. Smith is currently on the Executive Committee of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, continuing his influential role in shaping the future of the hospitality industry.