MARRIOTT 6TH HUNGER STRIKE: DAY 333
"Marriott - On Feb 10, 2023 Craig S Smith, Group President, International Of Marriott Informed Marriott That He Has Decided To Retire Effective Feb 24, 2023" (Press announcement). Smith's decision came just days after my own submission to the US SEC
At Marriott since 1988, Smith was most recently Group President International, in charge of Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa and Caribbean & Latin America regions
An avid user of social media he promoted "knowledge sharing". His articles covered self-improvement, listening skills and leadership issues. Viewing himself as a diplomat within hospitality he referred to the "grace and empathy" of diplomacy
In "How to Succeed" he discussed the 2% rule - how to treat hostile guests with the same respect shown to the other 98%, the "good people... Any time someone [complains] I assume they’re telling the truth and I give them the benefit of the doubt. I’d rather be wrong and kind, even towards the 2%". [As a member of the 2% Club, this was not my experience; treated with contempt, Smith even accused me of being "an extortionist"]
In fact, he is a ruthless operator, deceitful, corrupt, totally lacking in "grace and empathy". A denialist and self-promoter, he did not take kindly to criticism, challenge or being held accountable
Smith's 'route to success' has not always been smooth. For example, he oversaw the China/Taiwan gaffe, mismanaged Starwood/Marriott merger processes in APAC, and was a key player in the St Regis Bangkok cover-up. Sometimes others have had to pay the price for his ineptitude
In late 2019 (after my meeting with CEO Arne Sorenson who admitted there were issues to confront) Smith demanded to see all evidence of Marriott culpability relating to merger infractions and the St Regis Bangkok scandal. The documentation was presented during a meeting at London Marriott Hotel County Hall; Smith, heavily implicated himself, then refused to review any of it
It was inevitable that the past would eventually catch up with Craig S Smith; he now joins the ever growing list of sudden "retirements" and "resignations" (usually hush-hush, enacted with minimal publicity) by people closely associated with the Starwood merger and St Regis cover-ups
Well, one year on, maybe the retirement life became too dull for this "knowledge sharer". Or it's possible he thinks peoples' memories are short and, having escaped sanction, it's time to resume 'hospitality diplomacy'. Whatever the reasons, Smith's rebirth is not good news for the employees and guests of Aimbridge
John Shepherd (Marriott, Minor, EY victim)
#aimbridgehospitality #marriott #marriottinternational #marriottbonvoy #corruption #hotelindustry
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We’re boldly moving into a new era.
Today, we’re delighted to introduce our incoming Chief Executive Officer, Craig S. Smith. Craig is bringing decades of deep operational experience and proven leadership with Marriott International to solidify our position as the world’s best in performance-backed hotel operations, starting March 18. Watch this space as Craig leverages his extensive experience to design and accelerate plans to put general managers at the center to drive superior property performance, generate greater value at scale, and create an industry-leading culture.
Also announced today: Steve Joyce is assuming the role of Executive Chairman, effective immediately. Working closely with Craig and the senior management team, Steve will apply his four decades of hotel, multi-brand and franchisee experience to advance our strategic plans and global growth.
Additionally, long-time industry veteran Michael Barnello is also joining the Board of Managers to provide a unique, owner-centric point of view and enhance owner relations.
There’s no question: the future is bright. Read more about Craig, Steve, and Michael, and how their experience will set the tone for the success: https://lnkd.in/g78s3y97
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