Aimbridge Hospitality reports CEO Michael Deitemeyer is stepping down, effective Dec. 31. An executive committee of the board, helmed by Aimbridge Chairman Glenn Murphy, has been formed and will lead a comprehensive search for the CEO replacement.
Deitemeyer assumed the role of president and CEO of Aimbridge Hospitality in January 2021 after serving as global president following the company’s merger with Interstate in October 2019. Deitemeyer was president and CEO of Interstate Hotels & Resorts from 2017 until the merger and has been in the hotel industry for nearly four decades.
“We want to thank Mike for his contributions to building the Aimbridge legacy," Murphy said in a statement. "Under his leadership, the company ramped up its commitment to appointing and developing top talent, led several strategic acquisitions that allowed the company to gain a foothold in new markets, and strengthened our relationship with world’s top brands. Mike’s contributions further reinforced Aimbridge’s reputation as a dominant force in the industry and positioned the company for its next phase of growth."
Deitemeyer wrote about his future on his LinkedIn page: "Today I announced my plans to step down as Chief Executive Officer of Aimbridge Hospitality at the end of the year. I’m pleased to have achieved many things in my tenure as CEO, but nothing compares to the pride I feel in having built such an incredible team.
"Throughout my career, I’ve been lucky to have been part of many exciting changes in our industry, but I believe the best is yet to come. The third-party space is the future of hospitality, and Aimbridge is poised to lead.I am incredibly grateful to have met and worked alongside so many talented, and wonderful people during my time leading Aimbridge—our associates, owners, brands partners, suppliers, and countless others. Thank you for the partnership and friendship. It’s been an awesome ride."
Additionally, CFO Thomas Song will depart Aimbridge for a new opportunity outside of the hotel industry on Nov. 30. A new CFO will be named at a later date.
The company also announced the appointment of two leaders, Stephen Joyce and Bernardo Hees, to its board of managers.
Joyce is a global hospitality veteran with more than four decades of multi-brand and franchisee experience, including nearly a decade serving as president and CEO of Choice Hotels International. His time at Choice followed a successful 25-year career with Marriott International, where he rose to the level of executive vice president, Global Development. Most recently, Joyce stepped in from his board seat to lead RE/MAX Holdings following a successful run as CEO of Dine Brands Global.
Hees is known for executing winning strategies and unlocking efficiencies to invest in growth. He most recently served as executive chairman of Avis Budget Group and has been CEO at some of the world’s most recognizable, publicly traded companies, including Burger King Worldwide Holdings, The Kraft Heinz Company and America Latina Logistica.
“The addition of Steve Joyce and Bernardo Hees to the Aimbridge Board of Managers brings unparalleled hospitality experience and corporate transformation know-how to our team," Murphy said. "Both have proven experience in driving outsized results for companies and owners, as well as building high-performance cultures."
Joyce and Hees will join Murphy and Jeff Case, managing director at Advent International, on the executive committee and work closely with Aimbridge's senior leadership team to drive performance.