Craig S. Smith

Bio:

Craig S. Smith is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aimbridge Hospitality, the world’s leading hotel management company and trusted operator of approximately 1,000 hotels worldwide and more than 80 globally recognized hotel brands.
At Aimbridge, Craig is driving a comprehensive business transformation -- advancing an owner-centric approach and driving a performance culture with lasting impact across North America, EMEA, and LATAM.
A mentor and champion of talent, Craig is a strong advocate for personal growth, professional development, and the future of the travel and tourism industry. His career is defined by operational excellence and expertise, broad international experience, and a commitment to visionary leadership rooted in disciplined performance management.
Craig started his career in housekeeping, advancing through various positions to become a five-time award-winning hotel General Manager before taking on senior leadership roles across multiple continents with Marriott International. Prior to joining Aimbridge, he served as Group President of Marriott’s International Division, overseeing nearly 2,500 hotels in 136 countries and territories and fueling expansion of the company’s fastest-growing development pipeline. Craig has lived in 13 countries, is the father of five, and speaks multiple languages. An adventurer at heart, he is also a certified private pilot and master scuba diver.