HSMAI Arizona Chapter presents…..
Presented by Brian Hicks, President & CEO
Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International
Thursday, March 20, 2025
8:00am to 10:00am
Hosted by
The Newly Renovated Embassy Suites Phoenix Biltmore
2630 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 85016
AGENDA:
PARKING:
There is plenty of complimentary parking.
ABOUT OUR SPEAKER
In October 2024, HSMAI announced the appointment of Brian Hicks as their new President and CEO. Hicks, a distinguished hospitality leader with more than 30 years of international experience, steps into this role as only the fifth CEO in HSMAI’s nearly 100-year history, marking a new chapter in the organization’s legacy of leadership. His proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and leadership across major hotel brands and regions positions him well to continue building upon the foundation laid by the late Bob Gilbert, who served as President and CEO for 30 years.
Hicks’ appointment comes at a pivotal time for HSMAI as the organization continues to expand its global presence and deepen its impact on the hospitality industry’s commercial disciplines. With extensive experience spanning operations, commercial strategy, and revenue management, Hicks’ leadership will further strengthen HSMAI’s commitment to advancing the sales, marketing, and revenue management disciplines across the industry. He assumes leadership of the HSMAI Americas, Foundation and Global entities.
“Bob Gilbert’s legacy is reflected in the incredible talent we considered during this process, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. After an extensive search with many exceptional candidates, we are excited to welcome Brian Hicks as our new CEO,” said Andrew Rubinacci, Chief Advisory Officer at FLYR Hospitality, Chair, HSMAI Americas. “Brian’s global experience, having worked and lived in multiple regions, aligns perfectly with HSMAI’s continued international growth. His deep involvement with HSMAI, both on the board and advisory levels in the Americas and Europe, makes him uniquely qualified to guide us into the future.”
Hicks began his hospitality career after earning a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He joined The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company in Atlanta, Georgia, and subsequently transitioned to IHG Hotels and Resorts, where he held multiple leadership roles across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. His innovative contributions, such as launching IHG’s “revenue management for hire” program and establishing the first in-market revenue center for managed hotels in New York City, have solidified his reputation as a forward-thinking strategist.
His leadership journey also includes a stint as Chief Operating Officer of TMI Hospitality, a Starwood Capital subsidiary, where he oversaw 185 hotels across 25 states. Following TMI’s acquisition by Aimbridge Hospitality, Hicks returned to IHG, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President of Commercial & Revenue Management for the Americas.
As a long-time supporter and active member of HSMAI, Hicks has served on various advisory boards, including the HSMAI Europe Revenue Management Advisory Board, the Americas Revenue Management Advisory Board, and the Americas Board of Directors.
“I’m honored to lead this remarkable association, which has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of so many hospitality professionals,” said Brian Hicks. “As I step into this role, I’m both humbled and inspired by the strong foundation Bob Gilbert established. Together, we share a deep passion for this industry, and I look forward to continuing the mission of supporting our members and making a lasting impact on their careers.”
ABOUT OUR HOST VENUE:
Embassy Suites Phoenix-Biltmore is located in the prestigious Biltmore area, a major hub for business, shopping, dining, and nightlife. Our newly renovated hotel features 232 spacious suites and is conveniently adjacent to Biltmore Fashion Park, offering over 60 shops and 10 restaurants. We are just 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix, the Convention Center, Chase Field, Sky Harbor International Airport, Old Town Scottsdale, and Scottsdale Fashion Square.
Enjoy our famous complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast each morning and unwind at our complimentary Evening Reception daily—an excellent way to start and end your day.
With 10,000 square feet of versatile meeting and event space, we can accommodate all your event needs, from business conferences to social gatherings, with full catering capabilities.
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