Kevin Carey has been announced as the new executive vice president and COO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Carey will report to AHLA president and CEO Katherine Lugar in the newly created role where he will oversee operations, member relations and sales, conventions and events, and revenue growth initiatives, and manages the affiliate Educational Institute.
“Kevin is a highly respected industry executive and accomplished leader with deep commercial experience and long-standing relationships with U.S. and global travel and hospitality companies. He will play a critical role in providing strategic direction to grow AHLA’s membership, build new revenues, and forge new strategic partnerships to propel our industry forward,” Lugar says. “At AHLA we’ve worked hard to pave a new path, sharpen our focus and effectiveness and drive unparalleled value to our members and Kevin brings exactly the skillset and business background and will play a pivotal role in our future growth and success.”
Carey holds more than two decades of experience in the industry, beginning his career in public affairs in Washington, DC. He currently serves on the advisory board for Johns Hopkins University and Penn State.
“AHLA is the leading voice for the hotel industry and I’m thrilled to be joining such a strong and passionate team at this important time,” adds Carey. “Incredible changes are occurring in the lodging industry, as the industry landscape evolves and hotels invest in innovative new approaches to technology, guest services, loyalty programs, and brand development and future workforce initiatives.”
