ATLANTA & HONOLULU – July 2, 2025 — As part of the strategic integration following the merger of Springboard Hospitality and Hotel Equities, the combined hospitality management company announces two key leadership appointments: Albert Smith as Chief Operating Officer of Hotel Equities and Rob Robinson as President of Springboard Hospitality. These executive placements mark a significant milestone in aligning leadership for the organization’s integration post-merger.
“These leadership appointments reflect our commitment to operational excellence and strategic expansion as we continue to unify our platform,” said Ben Rafter, Chief Executive Officer of Hotel Equities. “Rob’s leadership has been instrumental to Springboard’s evolution, and Al brings a proven track record in scaling high-performing hotel portfolios. Together, they will help shape the future of our organization and deliver value to our stakeholders.”
About Albert Smith
Based in Atlanta, Smith now leads enterprise-wide operations for Hotel Equities, with responsibility for optimizing performance across hotels, resorts, and outdoor hospitality destinations throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
Smith most recently served as President of Hotel Operations at Hotel Equities, where he oversaw the strategic management and growth of the company's hotel portfolio. Prior to joining HE, he was Senior Vice President of Lifestyle Hotels at Highgate, leading a portfolio of independent, full-service luxury hotels across the East Coast. Earlier in his career, Smith held senior roles at Pivot Hotels & Resorts for Davidson Hospitality, Viceroy Hotel Group, SBE Entertainment, and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, building a reputation for operational excellence, brand development, and strategic leadership.
With over 20 years of experience in upper-upscale and luxury hospitality, Smith brings a holistic understanding of hotel operations across a range of disciplines, including sales, marketing, revenue management, brand development and talent strategy. His appointment reinforces HE’s commitment to operational strength and scalable growth across all verticals.
About Rob Robinson
Based in Honolulu, Robinson now oversees all aspects of the Springboard Hospitality platform and portfolio, with a focus on driving financial performance, executing long-term growth strategies, fostering a strong company culture, and expanding the portfolio across high-growth markets.
Previously executive vice president of Springboard Hospitality, Robinson originally joined OLS Hotels & Resorts in 2018 as part of its new ownership group and played a key role in the company’s transformation into Springboard. He led the company’s rebrand and spearheaded initiatives that positioned Springboard for national growth.
Robinson’s career spans both the restaurant and hospitality industries, with leadership roles at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and Highgate, as well as experience as an entrepreneur, having owned and operated a group of successful restaurants and bars in the San Francisco Bay Area. He remains deeply engaged in both the industry and his local community, serving on the Executive Board of Directors for the Waikiki Improvement Association, the Board of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, and as Chairman of the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association, which he helped found. He also serves on the Advisory Board for Kapiolani Community College’s hospitality program.
