The Executive Team at Aimbridge is comprised of veteran hoteliers with a history of delivering industry-leading results. Averaging over 25 years of hospitality experience, the senior executives focus on maximizing returns to partners by utilizing a unique blend of experience, resources, and relationships.
Craig S. Smith, is Chief Executive Officer for Aimbridge Hospitality the world’s leading global hospitality management company. A trusted operator of over 80 globally recognized lodging brands and distinctive luxury and lifestyle assets.
Prior to this role, he oversaw the global operations for the fastest- growing division of the world’s largest hospitality company, Marriott International, with specific responsibility for 2,500+ hotels worldwide with $15B+ USD in sales across 136 countries and territories.
His leadership spanned a diverse workforce of 230,000+ comprised of 54% women and employees who speak more than 60 different languages. He also had oversight of the deployment of 28 iconic brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Westin and W Hotels Worldwide backed by one of the world’s largest loyalty platforms, Marriott Bonvoy® with 150M+ members.
A strong industry advocate with honed global expertise, Mr. Smith is a frequent contributor to G20 public-private sector travel and tourism initiatives. He chairs the board of the US-ASEAN Business Council, is on the board of US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), is the lead representative for Marriott International, Inc, for the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and is a sought-after speaker and media source on the state of global travel and tourism and its geopolitical and economic impact.
The son of an Career Ambassador and father of five, Craig has lived in 13 countries and has a deep appreciation for cultural differences across generations and geographies. He is a certified private pilot, master scuba diver, skis, and loves motorcycles. Craig is fluent in English and Spanish and is conversant in Portuguese. A mentor to many, he is appreciated worldwide for championing personal and professional development.
Craig S. Smith, is Chief Executive Officer for Aimbridge Hospitality the world’s leading global hospitality management company. A trusted operator of over 80 globally recognized lodging brands and distinctive luxury and lifestyle assets.
Prior to this role, he oversaw the global operations for the fastest- growing division of the world’s largest hospitality company, Marriott International, with specific responsibility for 2,500+ hotels worldwide with $15B+ USD in sales across 136 countries and territories.
His leadership spanned a diverse workforce of 230,000+ comprised of 54% women and employees who speak more than 60 different languages. He also had oversight of the deployment of 28 iconic brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Westin and W Hotels Worldwide backed by one of the world’s largest loyalty platforms, Marriott Bonvoy® with 150M+ members.
A strong industry advocate with honed global expertise, Mr. Smith is a frequent contributor to G20 public-private sector travel and tourism initiatives. He chairs the board of the US-ASEAN Business Council, is on the board of US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), is the lead representative for Marriott International, Inc, for the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and is a sought-after speaker and media source on the state of global travel and tourism and its geopolitical and economic impact.
The son of an Career Ambassador and father of five, Craig has lived in 13 countries and has a deep appreciation for cultural differences across generations and geographies. He is a certified private pilot, master scuba diver, skis, and loves motorcycles. Craig is fluent in English and Spanish and is conversant in Portuguese. A mentor to many, he is appreciated worldwide for championing personal and professional development.
Mark Tamis is Global President overseeing all operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
Mark joined Aimbridge Hospitality with more than 35 years of hospitality leadership experience, including a diverse background in hotel, resort and cruise operations. Mark began his career as a housekeeping supervisor at Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas after graduating from Cornell. During his 15-year tenure, he quickly worked his way up and received awards and accolades including the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award at Four Seasons properties in Newport Beach and Santa Barbara, California, and Nevis, West Indies.
Most recently he served as Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations at Royal Caribbean International, overseeing every aspect of hotel services across the global cruise line’s fleet and its private destinations, including all onboard revenue operations and food, beverage and entertainment offerings. Before that, he was SVP of Guest Operations at Carnival and held previous roles as Chief Operating Officer of The Setai Hotels and Resorts, Area Vice President for Morgans Hotel Group, and Executive Vice President for the Ian Schrager Company, leading the operational development of the EDITION brand.
Mark currently serves on MINA, representing Aimbridge as an At-Large Board Member of Marriott International’s franchise advisory board.
Mark is a graduate of Cornell University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration.
Mark Tamis is Global President overseeing all operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
Mark joined Aimbridge Hospitality with more than 35 years of hospitality leadership experience, including a diverse background in hotel, resort and cruise operations. Mark began his career as a housekeeping supervisor at Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas after graduating from Cornell. During his 15-year tenure, he quickly worked his way up and received awards and accolades including the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award at Four Seasons properties in Newport Beach and Santa Barbara, California, and Nevis, West Indies.
Most recently he served as Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations at Royal Caribbean International, overseeing every aspect of hotel services across the global cruise line’s fleet and its private destinations, including all onboard revenue operations and food, beverage and entertainment offerings. Before that, he was SVP of Guest Operations at Carnival and held previous roles as Chief Operating Officer of The Setai Hotels and Resorts, Area Vice President for Morgans Hotel Group, and Executive Vice President for the Ian Schrager Company, leading the operational development of the EDITION brand.
Mark currently serves on MINA, representing Aimbridge as an At-Large Board Member of Marriott International’s franchise advisory board.
Mark is a graduate of Cornell University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration.
Allison Reid is Chief Global Growth Officer of Aimbridge Hospitality. In her role, Allison is responsible for the company’s global growth pursuits and empowering Aimbridge’s business development teams to fuel the company’s global development pipeline.
Allison came to Aimbridge with 35 years of hospitality operations, finance, real estate, brand management and development experience and has excelled in several executive leadership positions. Previously, Allison was Chief Development Officer of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, where she drove the strategic growth and led all real estate development activities including the sales process for managed and franchise development, client relationships, and asset repositioning. Before Kimpton, Allison was Senior Vice President, North America Development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where she led development and acquisition efforts for all 11 of its brands in North America, the Caribbean and French Polynesia. She was also instrumental in launching three new brands including Starwood’s Tribute Portfolio.
Allison served in several executive leadership positions at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide including as W Hotels CFO, Vice President of Investment Relations, and SVP-Real Estate Investment Management. Earlier in her career, she held property level and regional Finance/Controller positions with ITT Sheraton and Interstate Hotels.
Allison completed her undergraduate work at Bryant University, with a focus on Accounting, Finance and Hospitality, and postgraduate at Georgetown University where she received a Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate.
Allison Reid is Chief Global Growth Officer of Aimbridge Hospitality. In her role, Allison is responsible for the company’s global growth pursuits and empowering Aimbridge’s business development teams to fuel the company’s global development pipeline.
Allison came to Aimbridge with 35 years of hospitality operations, finance, real estate, brand management and development experience and has excelled in several executive leadership positions. Previously, Allison was Chief Development Officer of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, where she drove the strategic growth and led all real estate development activities including the sales process for managed and franchise development, client relationships, and asset repositioning. Before Kimpton, Allison was Senior Vice President, North America Development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where she led development and acquisition efforts for all 11 of its brands in North America, the Caribbean and French Polynesia. She was also instrumental in launching three new brands including Starwood’s Tribute Portfolio.
Allison served in several executive leadership positions at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide including as W Hotels CFO, Vice President of Investment Relations, and SVP-Real Estate Investment Management. Earlier in her career, she held property level and regional Finance/Controller positions with ITT Sheraton and Interstate Hotels.
Allison completed her undergraduate work at Bryant University, with a focus on Accounting, Finance and Hospitality, and postgraduate at Georgetown University where she received a Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate.
Andrew J. Arthurs is the Chief Information Officer of Aimbridge Hospitality, responsible for the design and delivery of innovative technical and business solutions to meet the diverse needs of the company and its global hotel portfolio.
Andrew is a highly experienced and innovative thought leader with over 15 years in technology leadership positions in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining Interstate Hotels & Resorts in 2019 as CIO, he was chief information officer at Two Roads Hospitality. While at Two Roads Hospitality, he oversaw the integration of Destination Hotels and Commune Hotels and Resorts to create world’s largest, independent, lifestyle hotel management company, with approximately 100 hotels and resorts under management. Prior to joining Two Roads Hospitality Andrew held various leadership roles in the IT organization at Vail Resorts. Andrew’s career in hospitality started at Springer-Miller Systems.
Andrew earned his undergraduate degree from The University of Vermont and his Master of Business Administration degree from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado. Andrew has been a guest lecturer in the Master’s Business Analytics program at the Daniels College of Business, University of Denver.
Andrew J. Arthurs is the Chief Information Officer of Aimbridge Hospitality, responsible for the design and delivery of innovative technical and business solutions to meet the diverse needs of the company and its global hotel portfolio.
Andrew is a highly experienced and innovative thought leader with over 15 years in technology leadership positions in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining Interstate Hotels & Resorts in 2019 as CIO, he was chief information officer at Two Roads Hospitality. While at Two Roads Hospitality, he oversaw the integration of Destination Hotels and Commune Hotels and Resorts to create world’s largest, independent, lifestyle hotel management company, with approximately 100 hotels and resorts under management. Prior to joining Two Roads Hospitality Andrew held various leadership roles in the IT organization at Vail Resorts. Andrew’s career in hospitality started at Springer-Miller Systems.
Andrew earned his undergraduate degree from The University of Vermont and his Master of Business Administration degree from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado. Andrew has been a guest lecturer in the Master’s Business Analytics program at the Daniels College of Business, University of Denver.
As Chief Legal Officer, Mark Chloupek is a member of the Executive Committee team, providing strategic legal leadership and overseeing all legal affairs of the company including compliance, corporate governance, acquisitions, risk management, and more. Mark brings 23 years of experience in hospitality with companies ranging from ownership and management to franchising, including eight years as general counsel for public companies. He most recently served as EVP, Secretary and General Counsel of CorePoint Lodging, where he oversaw all legal and related matters of the company, corporate governance, strategic transactions, executive compensation, risk management, and litigation. He also led the sale of CorePoint to a joint venture between Highgate and Cerberus Capital Management.
Before CorePoint Lodging, Chloupek served as EVP, Secretary and General Counsel of La Quinta Holdings, where he led the company’s initial public offering and its subsequent spin-off in 2018, resulting in the publicly-traded CorePoint Lodging REIT. Earlier in his career, Chloupek served as Chief Counsel of Operations for Wyndham International, where he provided critical legal advice and oversight in the sale of Wyndham International to affiliates of The Blackstone Group.
Mark received a B.A. in economics from the College of William and Mary and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
As Chief Legal Officer, Mark Chloupek is a member of the Executive Committee team, providing strategic legal leadership and overseeing all legal affairs of the company including compliance, corporate governance, acquisitions, risk management, and more. Mark brings 23 years of experience in hospitality with companies ranging from ownership and management to franchising, including eight years as general counsel for public companies. He most recently served as EVP, Secretary and General Counsel of CorePoint Lodging, where he oversaw all legal and related matters of the company, corporate governance, strategic transactions, executive compensation, risk management, and litigation. He also led the sale of CorePoint to a joint venture between Highgate and Cerberus Capital Management.
Before CorePoint Lodging, Chloupek served as EVP, Secretary and General Counsel of La Quinta Holdings, where he led the company’s initial public offering and its subsequent spin-off in 2018, resulting in the publicly-traded CorePoint Lodging REIT. Earlier in his career, Chloupek served as Chief Counsel of Operations for Wyndham International, where he provided critical legal advice and oversight in the sale of Wyndham International to affiliates of The Blackstone Group.
Mark received a B.A. in economics from the College of William and Mary and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Ann Christenson, Chief Human Resources Officer, joined Aimbridge Hospitality in 2017 with over 20 years of human resources experience. Previously, Christenson served as the Chief People and Culture Officer for TMI Hospitality, where she oversaw all human resources processes and internal communications. Prior to TMI Hospitality, Christenson was the Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Support Services for Sanford Health, an integrated health system based in North Dakota with more than 28,000 employees.
Additionally, Christenson is a AHLA Foundation Board trustee and on the board of trustees for Sterling Multifamily REIT.
Christenson received a bachelor’s degree from Concordia College and a master’s degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Ann Christenson, Chief Human Resources Officer, joined Aimbridge Hospitality in 2017 with over 20 years of human resources experience. Previously, Christenson served as the Chief People and Culture Officer for TMI Hospitality, where she oversaw all human resources processes and internal communications. Prior to TMI Hospitality, Christenson was the Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Support Services for Sanford Health, an integrated health system based in North Dakota with more than 28,000 employees.
Additionally, Christenson is a AHLA Foundation Board trustee and on the board of trustees for Sterling Multifamily REIT.
Christenson received a bachelor’s degree from Concordia College and a master’s degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Rob Smith, Divisional President of Operations, Full Service and Resorts, is responsible for managing all facets of full-service branded and independent hotels and resorts in the Americas and the Caribbean, as Aimbridge Hospitality continues to grow its international luxury resort portfolio.
Smith has been with Aimbridge Hospitality for ten years previously serving as Vice President of Operations and Senior Vice President of Operations, and Executive Vice President of Operations respectively.
Prior to joining Aimbridge Hospitality, Smith spent 17 years in the Caribbean managing large scale resorts and casinos, as well as serving the island of Aruba in a public/private sector tourism role as the President and CEO of the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association and the Aruba Convention Bureau. Prior to his time offshore he held several General Manager positions in the United States under most major flags.
Smith serves on the Board of AHLA and the Westin Advisory Board for Marriott as well as the Stay Safe Advisory Board for AHLA. He is an alumnus of University of South Florida and resides in Plano Texas with his wife and four kids.
Rob Smith, Divisional President of Operations, Full Service and Resorts, is responsible for managing all facets of full-service branded and independent hotels and resorts in the Americas and the Caribbean, as Aimbridge Hospitality continues to grow its international luxury resort portfolio.
Smith has been with Aimbridge Hospitality for ten years previously serving as Vice President of Operations and Senior Vice President of Operations, and Executive Vice President of Operations respectively.
Prior to joining Aimbridge Hospitality, Smith spent 17 years in the Caribbean managing large scale resorts and casinos, as well as serving the island of Aruba in a public/private sector tourism role as the President and CEO of the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association and the Aruba Convention Bureau. Prior to his time offshore he held several General Manager positions in the United States under most major flags.
Smith serves on the Board of AHLA and the Westin Advisory Board for Marriott as well as the Stay Safe Advisory Board for AHLA. He is an alumnus of University of South Florida and resides in Plano Texas with his wife and four kids.
Simon Mendy, Divisional President of Aimbridge Select Service, is responsible for leading select service, economy, and extended stay verticals of Aimbridge Hospitality.
Mendy joined Aimbridge Hospitality in 2018 with 20 years of hospitality management experience. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President of Operations for Extended Stay America, where he oversaw operations of 625 hotels across 45 states and over 7,500 associates. He also served as Senior Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Training, Standards and Guest Relations, Regional Director of Operations and Director of Revenue Management during his time with Extended Stay America. Additionally, Mendy was an Adjunct Professor at the Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Mendy is a graduate of the University of Colorado Denver, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Economics and Marketing, and a Master of Science in Finance. He is currently serving on the Extended Stay Lodging Association Board of Directors.
Simon Mendy, Divisional President of Aimbridge Select Service, is responsible for leading select service, economy, and extended stay verticals of Aimbridge Hospitality.
Mendy joined Aimbridge Hospitality in 2018 with 20 years of hospitality management experience. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President of Operations for Extended Stay America, where he oversaw operations of 625 hotels across 45 states and over 7,500 associates. He also served as Senior Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Training, Standards and Guest Relations, Regional Director of Operations and Director of Revenue Management during his time with Extended Stay America. Additionally, Mendy was an Adjunct Professor at the Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Mendy is a graduate of the University of Colorado Denver, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Economics and Marketing, and a Master of Science in Finance. He is currently serving on the Extended Stay Lodging Association Board of Directors.
Aly El-Bassuni is Divisional President, Owner Relations at Aimbridge Hospitality. As an experienced executive leader, he brings a unique perspective of operator and franchisor - operating both hotels and student housing facilities, while having spent a significant portion of his career in the brand and franchising space leading well-known hospitality hotel brands.
Prior to joining Aimbridge, El-Bassuni led an experiential and digital transformation within the student housing space, successfully launching and scaling a new, high-growth student housing brand and operator as its Global Chief Executive Officer. As Chief Operating Officer-Americas for Radisson Hotel Group, El-Bassuni was responsible for more than 600 franchised and managed hotel operations for Radisson's seven brands with direct management of brand leadership, owner relations, and guest experience. In addition to his time at Radisson, El-Bassuni previously served as Vice President of Brand Operations at Wyndham Worldwide, leading the strategic direction, net unit and room growth, financial and operations management, and brand positioning for several brands during his tenure.
Aly holds a bachelor’s degree in business from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania and earned his MBA from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania’s John L. Grove College of Business.
Aly El-Bassuni is Divisional President, Owner Relations at Aimbridge Hospitality. As an experienced executive leader, he brings a unique perspective of operator and franchisor - operating both hotels and student housing facilities, while having spent a significant portion of his career in the brand and franchising space leading well-known hospitality hotel brands.
Prior to joining Aimbridge, El-Bassuni led an experiential and digital transformation within the student housing space, successfully launching and scaling a new, high-growth student housing brand and operator as its Global Chief Executive Officer. As Chief Operating Officer-Americas for Radisson Hotel Group, El-Bassuni was responsible for more than 600 franchised and managed hotel operations for Radisson's seven brands with direct management of brand leadership, owner relations, and guest experience. In addition to his time at Radisson, El-Bassuni previously served as Vice President of Brand Operations at Wyndham Worldwide, leading the strategic direction, net unit and room growth, financial and operations management, and brand positioning for several brands during his tenure.
Aly holds a bachelor’s degree in business from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania and earned his MBA from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania’s John L. Grove College of Business.
David Anderson is Divisional President of Aimbridge EMEA, he is responsible for over 120 hotels in the UK, Ireland, Continental Europe, and CIS.
David has more than 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry across Europe and the Indian Ocean, spanning both luxury resorts and midscale hotel portfolios. He leads the senior management and support teams to provide superior returns for hotel owners and plays a pivotal role in the company’s growth.
Prior to joining Aimbridge Interstate, David spent 3 years as Chief Executive Officer of SUN Ltd (Hotels & Resorts) in Mauritius. He also held the position of Regional Vice President of the Wyndham Hotel Group, directly managing a European portfolio of 182 hotels across 5 brands. During his tenure as Managing Director of Dolce Hotels and Resorts, David had responsibility for a portfolio of leading MICE hotels across major European cities. David also held the position of Regional Vice President for Northern Europe for the Louvre Hotels Group.
David Anderson is Divisional President of Aimbridge EMEA, he is responsible for over 120 hotels in the UK, Ireland, Continental Europe, and CIS.
David has more than 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry across Europe and the Indian Ocean, spanning both luxury resorts and midscale hotel portfolios. He leads the senior management and support teams to provide superior returns for hotel owners and plays a pivotal role in the company’s growth.
Prior to joining Aimbridge Interstate, David spent 3 years as Chief Executive Officer of SUN Ltd (Hotels & Resorts) in Mauritius. He also held the position of Regional Vice President of the Wyndham Hotel Group, directly managing a European portfolio of 182 hotels across 5 brands. During his tenure as Managing Director of Dolce Hotels and Resorts, David had responsibility for a portfolio of leading MICE hotels across major European cities. David also held the position of Regional Vice President for Northern Europe for the Louvre Hotels Group.
Leandro Castillo is Divisional President of Aimbridge LatAm, the leading operating hotel company of international hotel brands in Mexico.
Previously, Leandro was Managing Partner for KPMG, where he was responsible for human resources, administration, operations, business development, risk management and innovation. He was also the Global Lead Partner of various public multinational companies where he was responsible for the coordination and execution of due diligence of several acquisitions in more than 35 countries, including tax and legal coordination.
Leandro is a Certified Public Accountant graduate of Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Occidente. He also has extensive executive education and certifications from Cornell, IPADE, University of Navarra Spain and Harvard Business School.
Leandro Castillo is Divisional President of Aimbridge LatAm, the leading operating hotel company of international hotel brands in Mexico.
Previously, Leandro was Managing Partner for KPMG, where he was responsible for human resources, administration, operations, business development, risk management and innovation. He was also the Global Lead Partner of various public multinational companies where he was responsible for the coordination and execution of due diligence of several acquisitions in more than 35 countries, including tax and legal coordination.
Leandro is a Certified Public Accountant graduate of Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Occidente. He also has extensive executive education and certifications from Cornell, IPADE, University of Navarra Spain and Harvard Business School.
