Bruce Himelstein

Bruce Himelstein Profile

One of the smartest and most sophisticated minds of the marketing world, Bruce Himelstein is the innovative CMO behind some of the hospitality industry’s top luxury names. At a time when technology and the economy have turned the rules of marketing upside down, Himelstein has breathed new life into old brands, turning the Ritz Carlton, Loews hotels, and Oceania cruise lines into top-notch success models even in the middle of financial crises and economic recessions.

Himelstein spent seven years as the dynamic sales and marketing leader behind the eye-grabbing campaigns for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. His award-winning marketing recaptured the hospitality giant’s golden crown, reinventing its image and opening it up to a new generation of consumers. He has brought the same competitive relevance to both Oceania cruise lines and Loews hotels. In 2013 he spearheaded a digital and social media campaign that made history when Loews became the first hospitality name to enable bookings via Twitter.

In addition to a stellar work history, Himelstein’s resume includes a long list of award-winning advertising campaigns. He has been recognized as “One of The Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing” by The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI). He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the US Travel Association and is one of primary figures featured in the book The New Gold Standard which examines the leadership principles that restored the Ritz Carlton to prestige.

• View Extended/Alternate Bio

  Business Strategy Expert, Former Chief Marketing Officer, Loews Hotels & Resort

  Bruce Himelstein recently served as chief marketing officer of Loews Hotels & Resorts and oversaw sales, marketing and communications efforts for all 23 Loews Hotels & Resorts in the United States and Canada.

  At Loews, Himelstein was integral in activating key initiatives across the brand. These initiatives include a partnership with FIAT, the brand’s dramatic Midwest expansion in 2014; innovation in the technology space introducing Social Reservations and offering free Wi-Fi in all hotels; and spearheading the implementation of several strategic promotions and new brand campaigns (The Room You Need). In 2015, Himelstein was at the helm of launching the Loews Regency brand and OE Collection to the public.

  As chief marketing officer, Himelstein was invited to speak to marketing students at Auburn, NYU and Syracuse. Additionally, Himelstein participated in interviews with Wharton Business School on XM Sirius radio and the Forbes CMO Series.

  Himelstein’s distinct record of accomplishments in the hospitality industry spans decades. Prior to joining Loews, he held several assignments including roles as a consultant developing brand strategy for Jin Jiang Hotel, a 5-star Interstate Hotels & Resorts in Shanghai; president of Oceania Cruises, Inc., responsible for sales, marketing and e-commerce strategy; and executive vice president, chief marketing officer of Kerzner International North America, Inc.

  Himelstein also spent seven years focused on the luxury hotel business with The Ritz-Carlton Company. Beginning as senior vice president, Field Sales, Himelstein quickly rose to senior vice president, Sales and Marketing for Marriott Senior Living Services, where he oversaw and managed myriad sales and marketing initiatives for the $1 billion division, increasing move-ins by 18 percent. Finally as senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, he drove sales, marketing and branding initiatives for the $3 billion company with 70 properties and 32,000 associates in 23 countries. In this role he also dedicated efforts toward innovating a trio of web series, which was highlighted in The Wall Street Journal and won multiple HSMAI Platinum Awards.

  An active and involved professional, Himelstein is a member of the Luxury Institute Advisory Board and on the Executive Board of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). In addition, he serves on the Florida Atlantic University Advisory Board. He was also inducted into the American Marketing Association Hall of Fame in 2007 and was named one of HSMAI’s Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in 2006.

  Himelstein earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from State University of New York in Genesco. He currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida.