Greg Smith Appointed Sr VP HR, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, March 7, 2006. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is pleased to announce Greg Smith has joined the company as its new senior vice president of human resources.
Smith has significant experience directing diverse teams of employees, spearheading innovative employee programs as well as developing a systematic approach to succession planning. His background is complimentary to Kimpton's human resource needs fueled by the company's growth.
One of the most exciting programs Smith will oversee as senior vice president of human resources is the Kimpton University. This extensive training program introduces managers and employees to the Kimpton culture and develops leaders that are empowered to deliver a caring and personalized guest experience. Smith will also direct Kimpton's employee benefits programs, and implement consistent channels of communication to and from employees.
"This is such an exciting opportunity - Kimpton is experiencing rapid growth, and happy, well-trained employees will be essential to the company's continued success," said Smith. "We've got great ideas to expand existing employee programs, and to implement beneficial new ones. I'm looking forward to working with the HR team to roll these initiatives out."
Smith's expertise in human resources leadership spans over two decades, with prior positions including senior vice president of human resources at Interstate Hotels & Resorts, and senior director of human resources at Choice Hotels. Smith also managed the eventual human resources merger of MeriStar Hospitality and Interstate Hotels, then the two largest independent hotel management companies in North America.
"Kimpton has been on a strategic mission to find the human resources professional who has technical expertise and personal values that are aligned with our philosophies and culture," said Niki Leondakis, chief operating officer of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. "Our people are our point of differentiation and we're confident Greg will do a great job spearheading creative programs that continue to inspire and develop our future leaders."
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
