Mike Deitemeyer (left) and Dave Johnson (right)
Hotel management company Aimbridge Hospitality has announced that Mike Deitemeyer will take up the key role of president and CEO, succeeding co-founder Dave Johnson.
A major reshuffle is taking place at Aimbridge Hospitality, paving the way for the private equity-backed business to enter a new era. We find out more.
The start of a new chapter
Mike Deitemeyer has served as global president of Aimbridge since October 2019, overseeing its successful merger with Interstate Hotels & Resorts, where he was previously CEO. He will now take on the role of president and CEO at the company with effect from 1 January 2021.
At the same time, Dave Johnson is to assume his newly created role of executive chairman. In this capacity, he’ll focus on supporting transformational growth, including capital markets, M&A and new business opportunities. Johnson is credited with having led Aimbridge to become a global powerhouse since co-founding the company 17 years ago, expanding the original footprint of eight properties to a global portfolio of more than 1,500 branded and independent properties in 20 countries with over 60,000 employees.
“With the successful merger of Interstate behind us and Mike’s partnership in running the business over the past year, this is the ideal time to transition the role of CEO,” said Johnson. “I have been so impressed with Mike’s ability to gain trust and alignment of our leadership team and bring fresh new thinking to the business. The team, our current portfolio and future projects will benefit from Mike’s extensive industry knowledge, proven instincts and a straightforward approach to the fast-evolving global hospitality industry.”
Aimbridge looks to the future
In his new role, Deitemeyer will oversee all of the company’s business segments, reporting to Johnson and the board of directors. He will draw on over 25 years of hospitality experience to streamline operations and build new segments of the company, while also continuing to have a seat on the board of directors. The company, which is owned by private equity firm Advent International, has added 128 properties to its portfolio over the past year and is set to add another 120 in the coming months.
“It’s an honour to step into the role of CEO of this incredible company,” said Deitemeyer. “Aimbridge has distinguished itself among the competition with its unparalleled breadth of resources, talented and committed people and industry-leading ideas. I look forward to building upon this powerful foundation.
“I have known Dave for a long time and have been fortunate to witness his vision for the company. I am grateful to have his continued counsel as we write the next chapter for Aimbridge.”
“Mike has demonstrated he has strategic instincts, operational savvy and the proven ability to deliver results,” said Glenn Murphy, chairman of the Aimbridge board. “That coupled with his keen appreciation of our commitment to our owners and associates around the world makes him the ideal CEO for Aimbridge. This textbook transition to our new CEO is the culmination of our succession plan that was endorsed by the board earlier in the year.”
Prior to the Aimbridge and Interstate merger, Deitemeyer spent three years serving as president and CEO of Interstate Hotels & Resorts. Before this, he had a highly successful tenure at Omni Hotels & Resorts where he was president for 13 years, establishing Omni as a leading hotel brand and operator.
