Sunday, July 21, 2024 After an illustrious 30-year tenure at the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Americas, HSMAI Foundation, and HSMAI Global, the organization has announced the retirement of President and CEO, Bob Gilbert. Gilbert, a revered leader in the global hospitality industry, has accelerated his retirement due to a serious health issue. “It is with the utmost respect that we announce today the retirement of Bob Gilbert from his role of President and CEO of HSMAI,” said Andrew Rubinacci, CHSP, HSMAI Americas chair and chief advisory officer at FLYR Hospitality.
“Bob has been a mentor and friend to many in the industry and has taken the association to new heights over the course of his incredible 30-year tenure, expanding HSMAI across the globe. The association will benefit from his leadership for many years to come.” Reflecting on his career, Gilbert expressed, “I want to express my appreciation for my years at the association, the deep partnerships built with so many of you, and the trust you placed in me to help guide the organization to truly impact sales, marketing, and revenue optimization in the hospitality industry.
The hospitality field has always proven its vitality and resilience, evolving with the world’s changes no matter how quickly those changes have happened. We’ve adapted through events like 9/11 and the pandemic and emerged stronger than ever before.” He added, “In the last year alone, we unveiled HS.