Press Release
June 8, 2001
WASHINGTON, DC -- Long-time Marriott International executive Bruce J. Himelstein, CHME, has been elected Chairman
of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI).
In this leadership role, Himelstein, who presently holds the title of senior vice president of sales and marketing
for Marriott Senior Living Services, and prior to that, held the same post at Marriott Lodging North America, will
guide the organization’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors for a one-year term, June 2001-2002.
“Bruce’s extensive hotel experience and solid background in sales and marketing leadership will be an outstanding
asset to HSMAI as an organization, and to our chapters and members,” states Bob Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and
CEO of HSMAI. “A strategic planner with great vision and enthusiasm, he will be a driving force in continuing
to build HSMAI as one of the industry’s power brands.”
In his role as HSMAI chairman, Himelstein will work to further HSMAI’s awareness and credibility as well as challenge
the board and chapter leadership to create innovative and successful products and programs for its broad membership
base of sales and marketing professionals.
Furthermore, Himelstein states: “One of my key initiatives is to develop a strategic partnership with the human
resource community. In broadening and strengthening our reach and influence, we look for their support and endorsement
to increase our exposure and credibility, particularly with general managers.”
Throughout his 25-year career, Himelstein has held a number of positions in sales and marketing, from national
sales to pre-opening resorts. He started his career in hospitality at the Americana Inn in Albany, NY.
Among his many distinctions, he was the recipient of Marriott’s “Director of Sales of the Year Award,” and he was
profiled in Lodging magazine’s “Who’s Who.”
Himelstein is a frequent guest speaker and lecturer on “Sales Basics,” “Sales Intensity,” and “Leadership.”
Active in HSMAI all throughout his career, Himelstein has served on the Executive Committee for the past two years,
and also was an HSMAI Chapter president.
Himelstein takes over the top spot from William E. Weld, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Allegiant,
who will remain on the Executive Committee as immediate past chair.
Serving on the seven-person HSMAI Executive Committee for the 2001-2002 term are:
HSMAI is the leading organization of sales and marketing professionals representing all segments of the hospitality
industry. With a strong focus on education, HSMAI has become the industry leader in identifying and communicating
trends in the hospitality industry while operating as a leading voice for both hospitality and sales and marketing
management disciplines. Members can access a wide variety of educational tools and enhance their skills and expertise
to increase business and enrich their careers. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is an individual membership organization
comprised of over 5,000 members representing 76 chapters in 35 countries worldwide.
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Contact:
Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International 1300 L Street, NW, Suite 1020 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 789-0089 www.hsmai.org